Abstract: Taking physical laws in university physics textbooks as an example, the rules of terminology of physical laws, theorems, principles, postulates, rules and models, as well as their difference and connection are studied in this paper. Based on this work, the different terminology of the same rule in classical textbook of China and abroad can be not only elucidated but also understood and discriminated these physical rules with the help of comparison analysis of their formation background, creation process, logical method, theory hierarchy, time of verification, property of description, relationship of affiliation and degree of convenience. The difference of terminology of some physical rules lies in their different connotation and logical sequence in instruction in domestic and foreign textbooks. Findings of this research are helpful in the teaching aiming at subject literacy improvement as well as in the building of knowledge map.

Key words: university physics, physical rules, discrimination of the terminology