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Physics Q1 Review
Review of key terms and equations learned in quarter 1 of Physics.
Term | Definition |
---|---|
physics | the study of the physical world |
branches of physics | mechanics, thermodynamics, vibration and waves, optics, electricity and magnetism, relativity, and quantum mechanics |
scientific method of problem solving | state the problem gather information form hypothesis test hypothesis analyze data draw a conclusion |
experiment | procedure for testing hypothesis |
variable | quantity that can change |
independent vs. dependent variable | independent variable is the variable that you change and the dependent variable is the one you measure |
control variable | standard by which results are compared |
model | idea, system, or structure that represents reality |
standard | quantity people agree on to use for comparison |
measurement systems | English system (ft., cup, gallon, etc.) Metric system ( m., g., Celcius, etc.) SI system (m., Kg., K, etc.) |
volume | space occupied by an object |
length | distance between two points |
mass | amount of matter in an object measured in g, Kg, cg, mg, etc. (SI unit=Kg) |
density | mass per unit volume measured in g/cm^3, g/mL, kg/m^3, ect |
temperature | SI unit=K 0 K=-273°C=-460°F 100°C=212°F=373 K |
SI prefixes and conversions | G--M--KHD(b)dcm--μ--n |
scientific notation | 1=1x10^0 10=1x10^1 100=1x10^2 .1=1x10^-1 .01=1x10^-2 |
accurate | how right or wrong you are |
precision | refinement of a measurement |
significant figures | -all non-zero digits -not leading zeros -yes captive zeros -trailing sometimes 5.200 - yes 5200 - no |
derived units | combination of units |
mechanics | physics of motion and forces |
kinematics | mechanics describing motion with no regard to causes |
frame of reference | structure used in an experiment to show relationship between objects |
scalar | has a magnitude but no direction |
vector | has both a magnitude and direction |
resultant | vector representing sum of two or more vectors |
trajectory | parabolic path |
projectile | object projected into space by the exertion of a force |
angle at which projectiles are launched the farthest | 45° |
force | push or pull SI unit=N |
contact forces | forces between objects that are touching |
field forces | forces acting over a distance |
fundamental forces | - electromagnetic force - gravity - strong nuclear force - weak nuclear force |
equilibrium | when the sum of all forces acting on an object is 0 |
inertia | tendency of an object to resist change in motion |
Newton's first law of motion | motion will not change without external forces acting on it |
Newton's second law of motion | sum of all forces= mass x acceleration |
Newton's third law of motion | everything has an equal and opposite reaction |
energy | ability to cause change |
potential energy | stored energy |
acceleration of gravity | 9.81 m/s^2 |
free fall | motion under the influence of gravity only |
elastic potential energy vs. gravitational potential energy | elastic potential energy measures stored energy in a spring and gravitational potential energy has to do with how high above ground you are |
mechanical energy | sum of kinetic energy, elastic potential energy and gravitational potential energy (ME is conserved in the absence of friction) |
power | rate at which work is done SI unit=watts English unit=horsepower (hp) |
law of conservation of momentum | initial momentum=final momentum |