Physics Flashcards
(11 cards)
Describe the energy transfers in a pendulum.
At the highest point, the pendulum has maximum gravitational potential energy. As it swings down, energy transfers to kinetic energy. At the lowest point, it has maximum kinetic energy.
Calculate the efficiency of a device.
Efficiency = (Useful energy output / Total energy input) × 100.
Calculate the energy transferred using power and time.
Use the formula: Energy = Power × Time.
What is the difference between series and parallel circuits?
In a series circuit, the current is the same at all points. In a parallel circuit, the current splits between different branches.
Use Ohm’s Law to find resistance.
Resistance = Voltage ÷ Current (R = V/I).
Draw and interpret a current-voltage graph for a filament lamp.
The graph is non-linear (S-shaped) because resistance increases as the temperature of the filament increases.
Explain how heating affects the particle model of matter.
Heating a substance increases the kinetic and potential energy of its particles.
How can density be measured for a regular solid object?
Measure mass using a balance. Measure volume using ruler measurements and the formula for volume. Density = mass/volume.
Explain the change in particle arrangement during melting.
Particles gain energy, move further apart, and change from fixed positions to sliding past each other in a liquid.
Describe the structure of an atom.
An atom has a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting. The plum pudding model was replaced by the nuclear model after the alpha scattering experiment.
What happens in nuclear reactions?
The nucleus of an atom splits, releasing energy and neutrons. The neutrons can start a chain reaction.
