Physics is the study of how matter and energy interact. Teaching the high school physics core curriculum relies heavily on exposing students to key high school science vocabulary. Physics is a fascinating study for high school science students, because it underlies so many other sciences.

A ninth grade science student may begin with concepts of force, mass, electricity, and waves, studying high school physics questions about the seismograph and how earthquakes occur. An eleventh grade science student might launch into space, studying the Doppler effect on light waves. Even the most complex 12th grade physics problems become more accessible through the rigorous study of high school physics terms.

VocabularySpellingCity allows students to read and hear high school physics words and science definitions used in appropriate context-rich sentences. Learning physics vocabulary via fun science word games can serve as supplementary preparation for high-stakes standardized science tests, high school advanced placement science classes, or even for college prep science classes. From the depths of the sea to the far reaches of space, the high school physics word lists below cover the many concepts that apply in our physical world!

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Physics Vocabulary
Words at a Glance

High School Physics

Matter: alpha particle, conductor, diffraction, electrical current, electrical potential, isotope, magnetic, radioactive decay, temperature, visible light, beta particle, conservation of mass, displacement, electrical field, half-life, light, magnetic field, quantized, ultraviolet, x-ray

Mechanics: capacitor, efficiency, fulcrum, inclined plane, lever, machine, mechanical advantage, mirrors, power, pulley

Newton's Laws List: acceleration, action-reaction pair, chain reaction, force, Newton's first law, Newton's second law, Newton's third law, velocity

Objects in Movement: acceleration, centrifugal, centripetal force, friction, inertia, velocity, momentum, rarefaction, drag, gravitational force, compression, pressure, projectile motion, rolling friction , density, eddies, force

Scientific Inquiry: accuracy, dependent variable, independent variable, investigation, precision, scalar, scientific method, spectroscope, variable, experiment

Sound & Light Waves: decibel, reflection, refraction, resonance, crest, frequency, amplitude, wavelength, trough

For a complete online Science curriculum in First Grade Science, Second Grade Science, Third Grade Science, Fourth Grade Science, Fifth Grade Science, Sixth Grade Science, or Seventh Grade Science visit Time4Learning.com.

Educational Science Games

Here are some fun Science Games from LearningGamesForKids by category: Science Songs, Science Videos, Science Experiment Videos, Space Games, Weather Games, or Science Experiment Games.

For more kindergarten learning resources, kindergarten math vocabulary words, kindergarten homeschool curriculum, free kindergarten vocabulary games, free science games, and a school science curriculum.