NTN FireTEAM key terms

A push or pull that can change an object's motion, direction, or shape. In mechanical problems it is often measured in pounds or newtons and shown as an arrow indicating direction.

A twisting force created when a force acts at a distance from a pivot point. Calculated by multiplying the force by the perpendicular distance from the pivot.

A rigid bar that pivots at a fixed point called a fulcrum. Applying force on one side can lift a load on the other, trading distance for effort.

The fixed pivot point on which a lever turns. Its location determines how much effort is needed to move a load and in which direction.

The ratio of the load a machine moves to the effort applied to it. A value greater than one means the machine multiplies the applied force.

A grooved wheel with a rope or cable running over it that changes the direction of a pull or reduces the effort needed to lift a load.

The relationship between the number of teeth on two meshing gears. It determines how many turns the output gear makes for each turn of the input gear.

A toothed wheel that meshes with another toothed wheel to transmit motion and force. Larger gears turn more slowly but with greater turning force.

The amount of force applied over a given area, often measured in pounds per square inch. The same force creates more pressure when concentrated on a smaller area.

The volume of fluid that moves past a point in a given amount of time, such as gallons per minute. It depends on pipe size and the speed of the fluid.

A device that starts, stops, or regulates the flow of fluid or gas through a pipe or line. Common types include gate, ball, and check valves.

The resistance that occurs when two surfaces slide or rub against each other. It produces heat, causes wear, and can be reduced with lubrication.

Applying oil, grease, or another substance between moving parts to reduce friction, wear, and heat. Proper lubrication extends the life of machinery.

The tendency of materials to increase in size when heated and shrink when cooled. It can cause pipes, rails, and metal parts to bend or bind if not allowed for.

A complete, unbroken path that allows electric current to flow from a power source through conductors and back again. A break in the path stops the flow.

A material, usually metal such as copper or aluminum, that allows electricity or heat to pass through it easily. Conductors are used to carry current through wiring.

A circuit in which components are connected one after another along a single path. If one component fails or is removed, the entire circuit stops working.

A circuit in which components are connected on separate branches so current can take more than one path. One failed branch does not stop the others from working.

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. In emergency work it helps responders communicate calmly and treat people with dignity during stressful events.

Fully concentrating on what a person is saying, including tone and body language, then reflecting back or asking questions to confirm understanding rather than planning a reply.

Using calm words, body language, and space to reduce tension and prevent a conflict or emergency from becoming more dangerous. It prioritizes safety for everyone involved.

The process of addressing a disagreement by identifying the underlying issue and finding a workable solution that both parties can accept, often through neutral communication.

A settlement in which each side gives up part of what it wants so an agreement can be reached. It is often the practical outcome of a workplace or crew disagreement.

Coordinating effort and sharing responsibility with others to reach a common goal. On a crew it means trusting partners, covering gaps, and putting the mission ahead of personal preference.

The formal line of authority that shows who reports to whom and who gives orders. Following it keeps communication clear and prevents conflicting directions during an incident.

Taking responsibility for your own actions, decisions, and mistakes and accepting the consequences. It builds trust among crew members and with the public.

Consistently doing what is honest and right, even when no one is watching or when it is inconvenient. It includes following rules and admitting errors truthfully.

A question that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no and invites the other person to explain or describe. It gathers more information than a closed question.

A comparison of two quantities showing how many times one contains the other, often written as a fraction or with a colon. Ratios are used to scale recipes, mixes, and gear sizes.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal. Solving a proportion lets you find an unknown value when the relationship between quantities stays the same.

A rate expressed as an amount per single unit of another quantity, such as miles per hour or cost per gallon. It makes comparing different offers or speeds easier.

A number expressed as a part out of one hundred. It is used to describe discounts, increases, and portions of a total, such as a 15 percent grade on a slope.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. It gives a single typical number that represents the whole group.

The middle value in a set of numbers arranged in order. If there is an even count, it is the average of the two middle values.

The amount of surface a two-dimensional shape covers, measured in square units. For a rectangle it is length multiplied by width.

The amount of three-dimensional space an object occupies, measured in cubic units. For a rectangular box it is length times width times height.

The central point that a paragraph or passage is built around. Everything else in the text supports, explains, or gives examples of it.

A fact, example, or reason in a passage that helps explain or prove the main idea. Details answer who, what, when, where, or why about the central point.

A conclusion drawn by combining information in the text with what you already know, even though the conclusion is not stated directly. It must be supported by the passage.

A word, phrase, or sentence around an unfamiliar term that helps reveal its meaning. Using context clues lets a reader keep going without a dictionary.

The order in which events or steps happen in a passage. Words such as first, then, and finally signal the sequence to the reader.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

A group of words that is punctuated like a sentence but lacks a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Two or more complete thoughts joined without proper punctuation or a connecting word. It can be fixed with a period, semicolon, or conjunction.

A punctuation mark used to separate items in a list, set off introductory phrases, or join clauses with a conjunction. It signals a brief pause to the reader.

A punctuation mark used to show possession or to form contractions. Its placement changes meaning, as in the difference between its and it's.

One of two or more words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings, such as their and there. Choosing the right one matters in written reports.