Amusement Park Physics — Vocabulary
Annenberg Learner
learner.org/series/interactive-amusement-park-physics/ (8/11/13)
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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collidecollide → collided:crashed together with violent impact
The cars collided and burst into flame.more
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Colliding Cars — Predict the outcome of bumper car collisions.†11 more
collide → colliding:crashing together with violent impact; or coming into conflict
Show general definition crash together with violent impact; or come into conflict
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physicsthe science of matter and energy
In physics class, we learned how gravity affects falling objects.more
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Amusement Park Physics — What are the forces behind the fun?†6 more
Show general definition the science of matter and energy and their interactions
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externaloutside (in this case, trade with people and companies in other countries)
External trade makes up almost half of the country's economy.more
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This well-known law states that bodies in motion tend to stay in motion, unless they are acted on by an external force.†2 more
outside
Show general definition outside
in various senses, including:
  • coming from or existing outside a place, organization or thing -- as in "external trade"
  • forming or relating to an outside boundary -- as in "external walls"
  • on the surface or superficial as contrasted to something that is deep or complete -- as in "external appearances"
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simulateimitate or represent
A computer model is used to simulate the effects of wind.more
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On some carousels, the horses go up and down in a galloping motion simulating what it might be like to ride a real horse.†1 more
simulate → simulating:making an imitation or representation of
Show general definition make an imitation or representation of
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approximateapproximate → approximately:about
The state has approximately as many Republicans as Democrats.more
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Drill or punch two holes (approximately one-quarter inch in diameter) on opposite sides of the cup.†1 more
approximate → approximately:about (but not exactly)
Show general definition almost, but not exact; or similar
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propelcause to move forward
Fully aquatic mammals have lost their legs and have a tail fin to propel themselves through the water.more
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Both your push against the earth and the earth's equal and opposite push against you propel you into the air.†2 more
to cause something to move forward
Show general definition cause to move forward (to push or encourage)
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themean idea that is unifying or recurrent
The party had a 1950's theme.more
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In 1955, the nation's first theme park opened: Disneyland.
theme → theme park:an amusement park with one or more basic underlying ideas -- such as the "Magic Kingdom" of Disneyworld
Show general definition for theme (as in: theme of the novel) a basic idea that underlies what is being said or done -- especially in a literary or artistic work
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phenomenonsomething that is of special interest
It is a growing social phenomenon on high school campuses.more
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If you want to observe the free-fall phenomenon in action, try the following demonstration in your home.†
something that exists or happened -- often of special interest
Show general definition something that exists or happened -- especially something of special interest -- sometimes someone or something that is extraordinary
Show editor's word notes "Phenomenons" and "phenomena" are both appropriate plural forms of this noun. "Phenomena" is generally used in scientific or philosophical contexts.
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evokeevoke → evoked:aroused
Her story evoked sympathy.more
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Many pendulum rides take the form of large boats, and it's probably no coincidence that a number of people find this ride evokes in them the same sense of seasickness that a real boat produces.†
evoke → evokes:calls forth or causes
Show general definition to call forth or cause -- typically to arouse an emotion or bring a memory to mind
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techniqueway of doing something
She developed a new surgical technique that shortens recovery time.more
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Sand was used to help slow down the sled at the end of the ride to keep it from crashing, a technique based on the principle of friction.†
Show general definition a way of doing something; or the methods used to do it well
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diffusespread out
When the United States focused on terrorism, the movement went further underground and became more diffuse.more
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Each car has a large rubber bumper all around it, which prolongs the impact and diffuses the force of the collision.†
diffuse → diffuses:to spread; OR  to soften or calm; OR to be spread out (not concentrated)
Show general definition to spread; or to soften or calm

or:

to be spread out (not concentrated) -- sometimes implying a lack of organization
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coincidencea situation where things happened at the same time by chance even though it was unlikely
It was a pure coincidence that both got sick the same weekend.more
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Many pendulum rides take the form of large boats, and it's probably no coincidence that a number of people find this ride evokes in them the same sense of seasickness that a real boat produces.†
Show general definition a situation where two things happened at the same time or in the same way by chance even though it was unlikely
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pendulumshifting weight (of opinion)
Now the pendulum has swung the other direction and voters are demanding change.more
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Pendulum rides are a little like the swing sets you might remember from your childhood.†8 more
something that swings or shifts back and forth between two positions
Show general definition something that swings or shifts back and forth between two positions -- often seen in a swinging weight or in changing opinions
2
invertinvert → inverted:turned upside down
We rode an inverted loop roller coaster.more
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A final set of wheels keeps the coaster on the track even if it's inverted.†1 more
invert → inverted:turned in the opposite position -- such as upside down, inside out, or (of two things) in switched position
Show general definition to turn something upside down, inside out, or reverse its position, order, or meaning
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criteriareference points against which things can be evaluated
We're considering five primary criteria as we compare job applicants.†more
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These usually require that riders meet certain criteria relating to age, height, and weight, or warn them not to ride if they have certain medical conditions.†
Show general definition reference points against which things can be evaluated
Show editor's word notes Note that "criterion" is the singular form. Though not seen as often as "criteria", it is reasonably common. Today, "criterions" is acceptable in place of "criteria", though seldom used.
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reclusesomeone withdrawn from society (living alone and avoiding contact with others)
He became a recluse after his wife passed away.more
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Newton was insecure, badtempered, and sometimes reclusive—not exactly the friendly figure of folklore who was charmed by the fall of an apple.†
recluse → reclusive:withdrawn from society (avoiding contact with others)
Show general definition someone withdrawn from society (living alone and avoiding contact)
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linearstraight line
The architect designed a garden with a linear walkway leading straight from the entrance to the fountain.more
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This means the horses on the outside have a faster linear speed than those at the hub.†
arranged in a straight line or progressing in a straight, orderly sequence
Show general definition arranged in a straight line or progressing in a straight, orderly sequence -- often used for shapes, movement, time, or ideas
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GalileoItalian scientist who used the telescope to show that the Earth moves around the Sun
Galileo's improvements to the telescope allowed him to make astronomical observations that supported Copernicus.more
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Newton was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1642, only a few years after the death of Galileo Galilei.†6 more
Show general definition for Galileo (as in: Galileo Galilei) Italian scientist who used the telescope to study the heavens and helped show that the Earth moves around the Sun (1564-1642)
Show editor's word notes Galileo improved the telescope and used it to discover mountains on the Moon, moons orbiting Jupiter, and many stars too faint to see with the naked eye. In physics, he showed that objects of different weights fall at the same rate (ignoring air resistance) and studied motion on ramps and inclined planes. His support for the Copernican idea that Earth goes around the Sun brought him into conflict with Church authorities, and he was tried by the Inquisition and forced to recant, spending his later years under house arrest.
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principlebelief
I accept as a basic principle that all people are precious and should be treated with equal dignity.more
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Sand was used to help slow down the sled at the end of the ride to keep it from crashing, a technique based on the principle of friction.†3 more
basic rule or belief
Show general definition a basic rule or belief
The exact meaning of principle can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "our guiding principles" -- basic moral beliefs that guide decisions and behavior
  • "electromagnetic principles" -- rules describing how the world works
  • "She lacks principles." -- lacks moral guidelines
  • "We agree in principle." -- about important basic beliefs
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directinstruct
On the SAT test, some questions direct you to look at an underlined or numbered portion of a passage.more
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The motion of an object in a circle requires that there be a force directed toward the center of the circle (sometimes called a "centripetal force").1 more
direct → directed:aimed or focused
Show general definition for direct (as in: direct a question; or direct a film) to guide, aim, or manage -- such as actions, attention, speech, a project or company