12 - Physics Flashcards
This deck explores core concepts in physics, such as forces, motion, energy transformations, and atomic structure. These principles lay the groundwork for understanding more complex phenomena in other scientific fields. (130 cards)
1
Q
Define:
motion
A
A body’s change in position with time.
Examples include a cheetah hunting for prey, a fast-moving train and a person walking in the park.
2
Q
Identify:
The SI unit of distance.
A
meters
(m)
Distance is a scalar quantity and does not consider direction.
3
Q
Explain:
The difference between distance and displacement.
A
- Distance refers to the total path covered.
- Displacement is the shortest path taken considering direction.
Distance is scalar; displacement is a vector quantity.
4
Q
Define:
speed
A
The magnitude of the velocity of an object, expressed in units of meters per second (m/s) or length/time.
It is measured by the total distance covered by an object per unit time.
5
Q
Define:
velocity
A
The displacement traversed by an object per unit time, expressed in meters per second (m/s).
It is a vector quantity that includes direction.
6
Q
Explain:
How velocity differs from speed.
A
Velocity is speed with a specified direction.
Both have the same SI unit (m/s), but velocity is a vector quantity.
7
Q
Identify:
The SI unit of speed.
A
Meters per second
(m/s)
Speed is a scalar quantity that describes how fast an object is moving.
8
Q
Define:
acceleration
A
The change in velocity over time.
It is a vector quantity with an SI unit of m/s².
9
Q
Explain:
The difference between scalar quantity and vector quantity.
A
- Scalar quantities have only magnitude (for example, distance and speed)
- Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction (for example, displacement, velocity and acceleration).
10
Q
List:
Four types of motion.
A
- Translational
- Rotational
- Oscillatory
- Irregular
11
Q
Describe:
translational motion
A
All parts of an object cover the same amount of distance at the same time.
Examples include a person walking or a moving car.
12
Q
Describe:
rotational motion
A
- It refers to an object’s motion along an axis.
- Different parts of the rotating object move at varying speeds based on their distance from the axis.
13
Q
Define:
Oscillatory or periodic motion
A
It is the repeated motion of objects at equal time intervals.
Examples include a pendulum, a swing or a vibrating tuning fork.
14
Q
Describe:
irregular or random motion
A
It occurs when there is no observed pattern in an object’s motion.
Examples include the motion of insects, birds and dust particles.
15
Q
Identify:
Newton’s first law of motion.
A
An object remains in its original state of motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
This law emphasizes the concept of inertia.
16
Q
Identify:
Newton’s second law of motion.
A
Acceleration is directly proportional to net force and inversely proportional to mass.
This relationship is expressed as Fnet = ma.
17
Q
Identify:
Newton’s third law of motion.
A
In every action, there is an equal but opposite reaction.
For example, when pushing a table, the table pushes back with equal force.
18
Q
Describe:
A free-body diagram
A
A graphical illustration showing all the forces acting on a body.
It is useful for analyzing problems involving motion and forces.
19
Q
Identify:
The formula to calculate net force.
A
Fnet = ma
Where Fnet is the net force, m is mass and a is acceleration.
20
Q
Identify:
What is the branch of physics that involves the study of motion?
A
mechanics
21
Q
Define:
force
A
It is the push or pull resulting from an interaction between objects.
Forces are vector quantities, meaning they have both magnitude and direction.
22
Q
Identify:
The formula for calculating speed.
A
speed = distance / time
This formula calculates the average speed of an object.
23
Q
Identify:
The formula for calculating velocity.
A
velocity = displacement / time
This formula calculates the average velocity of an object.
24
Q
Explain:
The difference between displacement and distance.
A
- Displacement is the vector sum of the paths taken.
- Distance is the total length of the path traveled.
Displacement can be zero even if the distance is not.
25
# Explain:
If a person walks from point A to point B and back to A, what is the total **displacement**?
Zero meters
## Footnote
Displacement considers the initial and final positions, which are the same in this case.
26
# Explain:
If a person walks 5 meters to point B and then 5 meters back to point A, what is the **total distance** covered?
10 meters
## Footnote
Distance is the total length of the path traveled, regardless of direction.
27
# Explain:
What is the **average speed** if a person travels 14 km in 4 hours?
3.5 km/h
## Footnote
This speed calculation does not consider direction.
28
# Explain:
What is the **average velocity** if a person has a total displacement of 12 km west in 3 hours?
4 km/h west
## Footnote
This velocity calculation retains direction in the result.
29
# Define:
acceleration
It describes the **change in velocity over time** and is a **vector quantity** with both magnitude and direction.
## Footnote
Acceleration can be understood as the **rate of change of velocity**.
30
# Identify:
The formula for **Newton's Second Law of motion**
F = m * a
## Footnote
Where:
*F* is **force**
*m* is **mass**
*a* is **acceleration**
This law explains how forces acting on an object cause **acceleration**.
31
# Explain:
What does **negative acceleration** indicate?
That an **object is slowing down**.
## Footnote
It refers to a **decrease in the magnitude of velocity**.
32
# Identify:
The formula for calculating **average acceleration**
a_avg = (vf - vi) / (tf - ti) = Δv / Δt
## Footnote
This formula represents the **change in velocity over the change in time**.
33
# Identify:
The components of **acceleration** in **circular motion**
It can have both **tangential** and **centripetal** components.
## Footnote
Tangential acceleration relates to changes in speed, while centripetal acceleration relates to changes in direction.
34
# Define:
acceleration
Rate of change of velocity over time.
## Footnote
This definition highlights the relationship between acceleration and motion.
35
# Explain:
How does **acceleration** affect **velocity**?
It causes changes in a velocity vector's **magnitude** or **direction**.
## Footnote
This can include speeding up, slowing down or changing direction.
36
# Define:
gravity
An invisible force that pulls objects towards itself.
## Footnote
It prevents objects on Earth from being flung into space.
It is a **force of attraction between two objects**, first defined by Sir **Isaac Newton**.
37
# Identify:
The person credited with the first definition of **gravity**.
Sir Isaac Newton
## Footnote
Newton's observations began with the falling of an apple from a tree.
38
# Explain:
What did **Galileo Galilei** discover about falling objects?
All objects, regardless of mass, accelerate towards the Earth at the same rate.
## Footnote
He demonstrated this by dropping weights from the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
39
# Identify:
The **acceleration** due to **gravity** on Earth.
9.81 meters per second squared
| (**9.81 m/s²**)
## Footnote
This rate is **consistent for all objects** falling towards Earth.
40
# Identify:
The shape scientists observed for the **orbits of planets**.
Elliptical
## Footnote
This understanding was facilitated by **Newton's discovery of gravity**.
41
# Identify:
The misconception about **falling objects** before Galileo's discovery.
That objects with greater mass fall at a faster rate.
## Footnote
This idea was largely attributed to Aristotle.
42
# Explain:
How does **distance** affect **gravitational attraction** between objects?
Closer objects exert a stronger gravitational pull.
## Footnote
Gravity weakens as objects get further apart.
43
# Define:
weight
The non-contact force of Earth's gravitational pull on an object.
44
# Identify:
The equation used to calculate **weight**.
W = m * g
## Footnote
**Weight** is quantified by multiplying its **mass** by the **gravitational acceleration force**.
45
# Identify:
The standard metric unit for **weight**.
Newtons
| (N)
46
# Explain:
How does the **weight** of an object on the moon compare to its weight on Earth?
The weight on the moon is 1/6 of its weight on Earth.
47
# Identify:
The **difference** between *mass* and *weight*.
* **Mass** is the amount of matter in an object.
* **Weight** is the gravitational force exerted on an object.
48
# Define:
mass
It is a **scalar quantity** that measures the **amount of matter**.
49
# Explain:
What happens to the **mass of an object** as it moves to different locations?
It **remains constant** no matter the location.
50
# Identify:
The 3 most commonly used units to measure **mass**.
1. Kilograms (kg)
1. Grams (g)
1. Pounds (lbs)
51
# Identify:
The formula to find the **mass** of an object given its **volume** and **density**.
m = d * V
52
# Explain:
How do you convert **mass to weight**?
Multiply the **mass** by the **gravitational force**: W = m * g
53
# List:
The characteristics of **mass**.
* Scalar quantity (magnitude only)
* Constant, does not change with location
* Cannot be zero
* Measured in Kilograms (kg), grams (g) and pounds (lbs)
54
# List:
The characteristics of **weight**.
* Vector quantity (magnitude and direction)
* Changes with location due to gravitational fluctuations
* Can be zero in space (no gravity)
* Measured in Newtons (N)
55
# Define:
static electricity
The build up of a **temporary electric charge** in an object. It is produced by **pressure**, **heat**, **induction** and the **triboelectric effect**.
## Footnote
Static electricity is stationary and is discharged when the charge moves.
56
# Identify:
The difference between **static electricity** and **current electricity**.
Static electricity is stationary, while current electricity is moving.
## Footnote
Static electricity is a temporary charge, whereas current electricity flows continuously.
57
# Identify:
The 3 basic **subatomic particles** that make up atoms.
1. Protons
1. Neutrons
1. Electrons
## Footnote
Protons carry a positive charge, neutrons are neutral and electrons carry a negative charge.
58
# Explain:
What happens when an **atom** gains **electrons**?
It becomes negatively charged.
## Footnote
Conversely, losing electrons causes the atom to become positively charged.
59
# Identify:
A common example of **static electricity**.
lightning
## Footnote
Lightning is thought to result from the **triboelectric effect** within thunderstorm clouds.
60
# Describe:
A Van de Graaff generator
It is a device that creates a static electric charge.
## Footnote
It uses a belt and rollers to induce charge through the triboelectric effect.
61
# List:
3 uses of **static electricity**.
1. Ink jet printers
1. Car paint
1. Pollution particulate collection
62
# List:
3 methods that can help remove **unwanted static electricity**.
1. Humidification
1. Conducive bags
1. Fabric softener
63
# Define:
magnetism
A phenomena created by the **movement of charged particles**.
## Footnote
Magnetism involves protons and electrons, where moving electrons create an electric current and a magnetic field.
64
# List:
3 main types of **magnets**.
1. Permanent magnets
1. Temporary magnets
1. Electromagnets
## Footnote
Each type has unique properties and ways of being created.
65
# Explain:
What causes **magnetism**?
Alignment of charged particles within a material, creating a net external charge.
## Footnote
Charge alignment can result from **physical separation** or **electron orientation**.
66
# Define:
The poles of a magnet
The **oppositely charged sides** created by the physical separation of charges.
## Footnote
The negative side is called the south pole, and the positive side is called the north pole.
Oppositely charged magnetic poles **attract**, while like-charged magnetic poles **repel**.
67
# Define:
magnetic dipole
A magnetic object with one side having a **net negative charge** and the other **a net positive charge**.
## Footnote
All magnets are dipoles and cutting a dipole creates two new dipoles.
68
# Define:
magnetic monopole
An object that has only a **single charge**, such as an electron or proton.
## Footnote
No one has been able to separate the poles of a magnetic dipole.
69
# List:
Some examples of **magnetism** in daily life.
* Compass needle
* MRI machines
* Magnetic cabinet latches
* Electronic storage devices
## Footnote
An MRI is a large magnet that temporarily realigns the dipole water molecules in a person placed within it.
70
# Explain:
The importance of **magnetism**.
It is responsible for much of today's **technology** due to its relationship with moving charged particles and electric fields.
## Footnote
Understanding magnetism is crucial for advancements in various technological fields.
71
# Define:
light
It is a form of electromagnetic (em) radiation.
## Footnote
Electromagnetic radiation is categorized using the **electromagnetic spectrum**.
72
# Identify:
The frequency range of **visible light**.
400 THz to 700 THz
73
# Define:
Terahertz
| (THz)
A **unit of frequency** equal to one trillion hertz.
## Footnote
A hertz is the number of oscillations or cycles that occur in one second.
74
# Identify:
How does **light** travel?
As a wave.
75
# Identify:
The equation relating speed of light, wavelength and frequency.
c = λf
## Footnote
where:
*c* = speed of light
*λ* = wavelength in meters
*f* = frequency in Hertz
76
# List:
The **seven pure spectral colors** in order from lowest frequency to highest in the **visible spectrum**.
* Red
* Orange
* Yellow
* Green
* Blue
* Indigo
* Violet
## Footnote
Just outside of the visible range on the red end is the **infrared range**. Just outside on the violet end is the **ultraviolet range**.
77
# Identify:
The **highest frequency** of light in the visible spectrum.
**Violet** light. It goes as high as **750 THz**.
78
# Fill in the blank:
**White light** is a combination of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
all colors of the spectrum
## Footnote
White light can be split up to form a spectrum using a **prism**.
79
# Explain:
How do human eyes perceive **color**?
By detecting **light** in the visible range. Each **frequency** corresponds to a particular color.
80
# Identify:
Some factors that influence the naming of **colors**.
* Personal experiences
* Languages
* Cultures
81
# Identify:
The instrument capable of measuring the **frequency of light**.
A photometer.
## Footnote
The frequency of light is part of a formula that includes the light's wavelength and its speed: **f = c/w**.
82
# Define:
sound
**Energy** that travels as a **vibration** through molecules of matter (usually air).
## Footnote
Energy transfer through vibration can be shown by a periodic **wave** with defined properties.
83
# Define:
**Compressions** and **rarefactions** in sound waves
When energy travels as a vibration, molecules vibrate back and forth. **Compressions** occur when molecules are close together; **rarefactions** when molecules are far apart.
## Footnote
These can be represented by a **sine wave**.
84
# List:
The properties of **sound waves**.
* Wave direction
* Wavelength
* Frequency
* Wave speed
* Amplitude
* Timbre
85
# Explain:
wave direction
Sound waves propagate **outwards in all directions** from the source.
## Footnote
The direction can be changed through reflection, like an echo.
86
# Define:
wavelength
The measurable distance between two **waves**.
## Footnote
Wavelength is a key property of sound waves.
87
# Define:
frequency
| in the context of sound
The **number of waves** that pass by a certain point over a certain amount of time.
## Footnote
Higher frequency corresponds to shorter wavelengths.
88
# Define:
wave speed
| in sound
It is determined by how quickly **energy** is passed from molecule to molecule.
## Footnote
Sound travels at different speeds through different materials.
89
# Define:
amplitude
The **height of a sound wave** measured from the rest position to the crest of the wave.
## Footnote
Taller waves correspond to louder sounds.
90
# Define:
timbre
The perceived musical sound **quality** of a note.
## Footnote
Timbre differentiates music from noise.
91
# Describe:
How do humans perceive **sound**?
Energy from the sound wave **vibrates the eardrum** and the brain processes it.
## Footnote
The perception is influenced by **amplitude**, **wavelength**, **frequency**, **direction** and **timbre**.
92
# Explain:
The relationship between **amplitude** and **sound**.
Amplitude is directly related to the **energy** the sound wave carries. Higher amplitude means a louder sound.
## Footnote
Amplitude decreases over time.
93
# Identify:
The **SI unit** used to measure **amplitude**.
Decibels
| (dB)
## Footnote
Humans can hear sounds between 0 and 140 dB.
94
# Explain:
The relationship between **frequency** and **sound**.
**Frequency** is directly related to the **wavelength** of the sound; shorter wavelengths mean higher frequency.
## Footnote
Frequency determines the pitch of a sound.
95
# Explain:
The significance of a **higher hertz measurement**.
A higher hertz measurement indicates a faster traveling sound that is perceived as a higher-pitched sound.
## Footnote
For example, dog whistles can produce sounds up to 35,000 Hz.
96
# Identify:
The **unit** used for measuring **frequency**.
Hertz
| (Hz)
## Footnote
1 Hz equals one wave per second.
97
# Identify:
What are the human hearing limits in terms of **frequency**?
Humans can hear sounds **between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz**.
## Footnote
Other animals may have different hearing ranges.
98
# Describe:
The Law of Conservation of Mass
Mass can neither be created nor destroyed.
## Footnote
Also called the **law of conservation of matter**.
99
# Identify:
Who is credited with the modern formulation of the **Law of Conservation of Mass**?
Antoine Lavoisier
## Footnote
His work in the late **18th century** was pivotal in establishing this law.
100
# Explain:
The relationship between the **law of conservation of matter** and **chemical reactions**.
Atoms are not created or destroyed; they are rearranged.
## Footnote
Mass before and after a reaction remains equal.
101
# Identify:
Processes that are **exceptions** to the **law of conservation of matter**.
**Nuclear processes**, including fusion, fission and matter-antimatter reactions.
## Footnote
In these cases, mass can be converted into energy.
102
# List:
Some examples that illustrate the **law of conservation of matter**.
* Burning of wood
* Rainfall
* Burning of gasoline
* Rusting metal
103
# Define:
energy
The ability to do **work**.
## Footnote
In this context, **work** is better understood as **movement**.
104
# List:
The two main categories of **energy**.
* Kinetic energy
* Potential energy
105
# Define:
kinetic energy
The energy of **movement** or **motion**.
106
# Define:
potential energy
Energy that is **stored** and has the **potential to move**.
107
# Identify:
Examples of **kinetic energy**.
* A ball rolling down a hill
* Dogs running
* Cars driving
* Soup being stirred in a pot
* A kite flying in the wind
* Airplanes flying
* Water rushing down a waterfall
108
# Identify:
Examples of **potential energy**.
* A ball at the top of a swing
* A car stopped at the top of a hill
* Dishes in the cupboard
* Clothes in the dresser
* Dirt on the ground
* A bow pulled taut before firing an arrow
* A rock at the edge of a cliff
* Books on a shelf
* A container of flour in the pantry
* Clothes in your dresser
109
# Explain:
The main difference between **kinetic** and **potential energy**.
* Kinetic energy involves **motion**.
* Potential energy is **stored** and **not moving**.
110
Can **kinetic energy** be converted to **potential energy**?
Yes, when a moving object reaches a **height** and **stops**.
111
# Define:
conductor
Material that **transfers heat well**.
## Footnote
Examples include metals like those used in pots and pans.
112
# Define:
insulator
Material that does not **transfer heat well**.
## Footnote
Examples include air, wood, and glass.
113
# Define:
conduction
Heat transfer through direct contact.
## Footnote
It occurs when hot particles vibrate and transfer energy to neighboring particles.
114
# Explain:
How does **convection** transfer heat?
Through the **movement of fluids** (liquids and gases).
## Footnote
It often starts with **conduction** and continues as the fluid moves.
115
# Define:
radiation
Heat transfer through **electromagnetic waves**.
## Footnote
It can occur without a medium, such as the sun warming the Earth.
116
# Explain:
What does black surface do with **radiant energy**?
It **absorbs** and **emits** energy easily.
## Footnote
This is why blacktop gets hot in the sun.
117
# Explain:
What happens to water during **convection heating**?
Hot water **becomes less dense** and rises.
## Footnote
Colder, denser water sinks to take its place, creating a cycle.
118
# List:
The three methods of **heat transfer**.
* Conduction
* Convection
* Radiation
## Footnote
Each method has distinct mechanisms for transferring heat.
119
# List:
The four states of **matter**.
* Solid
* Liquid
* Gas
* Plasma
## Footnote
Each state has distinct properties related to **shape** and **volume**.
120
# List:
Some common characteristics of **solids**.
* Definite shape and volume
* Immobile molecules
* Stillness
* Maintain their own shape
121
# Identify:
An example of a **solid** state of matter.
Ice
## Footnote
Other examples include bricks and gold.
122
# List:
Some common characteristics of **liquids**.
* Moderate energy
* Mobile atoms/molecule
* Movement (fluid)
* Moderate density
* Definite volume
* Indefinite shape (assume shape of container)
123
# Identify:
An example of a **liquid** state of matter.
water
## Footnote
Mercury is another example.
124
# Identify:
Some common characteristics of **gases**.
* Lowest density among three main states
* Quickly moving molecules
* High internal energy level
* Indefinite volume and shape
* Fluid
125
# Mention:
An example of a **gas** state of matter.
Helium
## Footnote
Air and hydrogen are also examples.
126
# Define:
plasma
A **gas-like state of matter** with high energy and free-floating electrons.
## Footnote
It is the most common state of matter in the universe.
127
# Identify:
An example of **plasma**.
The Sun
## Footnote
Lightning is also a natural example.
128
# Identify:
**Phase transitions** between the three states of matter.
Solid to liquid (**melting**), liquid to gas (**evaporation**), gas to liquid (**condensation**), liquid to solid (**freezing**), solid to gas (**sublimation**) and gas to solid (**deposition**).
129
# Define:
recombination
Process by which **plasma changes to gas**.
| Also called **deionization**.
## Footnote
This process is less commonly observed in daily life.
130
# Define:
ionization
Process by which **gas changes to plasma**.
