General Science Physics in Daily Life Flashcards

A complete set of Question and Answer study flashcards covering key concepts in general science physics, heat transfer, motion, optics, acoustics, chemistry, and environmental safety.

What is impulse?

The effect of a force acting on an object over a period of time, which changes the object's momentum.

How is momentum defined?

The quantity of motion an object has, depending on its mass and velocity.

What is impact?

The moment when two objects collide or hit each other, causing forces to act between them.

What is force, and what is its standard unit of measurement?

A push or pull that can change an object's motion, direction, or shape; its unit is the Newton ($N$).

How do airbags reduce the force experienced by a passenger during a vehicle collision?

Airbags increase the time of impact, thereby reducing the force exerted on the passenger's body during a sudden change in motion.

How does a helmet protect the head from serious injury during an impact?

It absorbs and spreads some of the energy from an impact, reducing the force that reaches the head.

What three methods of heat transfer are depicted in this diagram of a pot on a stove?

Conduction (transfer of energy between adjacent molecules), Convection (movement of a hot fluid), and Radiation (emission of electromagnetic rays).

What is heat transfer, and in what direction does heat naturally move?

The movement of thermal energy from a warmer object or area to a cooler object or area; heat naturally moves from higher temperature to lower temperature until temperatures become more balanced.

What is conduction?

The transfer of heat through direct contact between particles, especially in solids such as metals.

What is convection?

The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as liquids and gases.

What is radiation, and how does it differ from conduction and convection?

The transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves; unlike conduction and convection, it does not require direct contact or a medium, allowing heat to travel through empty space.

What is translational motion?

Motion that occurs when an object moves from one position to another, with all parts of the object moving in the same direction and covering the same distance.

What is rotational motion?

Motion that occurs when an object spins or turns around a fixed point or axis, causing its parts to move along circular paths.

Why does a gymnast spin faster when pulling their arms closer to their body?

Pulling the arms closer decreases the moment of inertia, which causes the angular speed to increase in order to conserve angular momentum.

How does a moving bicycle demonstrate both translational and rotational motion?

The forward travel of the bicycle is translational motion, while the spinning of its wheels around their centers is rotational motion.

How does the number of tire rotations relate to the distance traveled by a vehicle?

Each complete rotation moves the vehicle forward by approximately one circumference of the tire, so more rotations result in a greater distance traveled.

What components of motion are demonstrated by a paper Mars helicopter?

Its forward movement demonstrates translational motion (distance traveled), while the spinning of its blades demonstrates rotational motion.

How does a Frisbee demonstrate both translational and rotational motion?

It moves through the air from one location to another (translational motion) while simultaneously spinning around its center (rotational motion).

What do the downward movement and spinning motion of a yo-yo represent?

The downward movement shows linear displacement (translational motion), while the spinning motion shows angular displacement (rotational motion).

What is a simple machine, and what are the six examples listed in the text?

A device that uses one basic mechanism to make work easier by changing the amount or direction of force; examples are the lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, and screw.

What is a compound machine, and what examples are provided in the text?

A device that combines two or more simple machines to perform a task more easily or efficiently; examples include the bicycle, wheelbarrow, and can opener.

How does a pulley make lifting an object, such as a flag, easier?

It changes the direction of the applied force, allowing a person to pull downward while the object moves upward.

How does an inclined plane or ramp make raising an object easier?

It allows an object to be moved to a higher level using less force over a longer distance.

Why should an energy audit be conducted first when trying to minimize energy loss in a facility?

It identifies sources of unnecessary energy loss so management can determine where electricity is being wasted before deciding on appropriate solutions.

How does checking refrigerator door seals help minimize energy loss?

A properly sealed door keeps cold air inside, preventing the refrigerator from using extra electricity to maintain its temperature.

What is an energy-efficient appliance, and what example is given in the text?

A device that uses less electricity or energy to perform the same task while maintaining good performance; an example is an LED bulb compared to a traditional incandescent bulb.

How does LIDAR calculate distance to a target surface?

By sending laser pulses toward the surface and measuring the time it takes for reflected light to return to the scanner.

What is fiber optics?

A technology using thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit information as pulses of light over long distances at high speeds with low signal loss.

Which two advanced fiber optic cable structures are illustrated in this diagram?

Hollow-Core Fiber (HCF) and Multi-Core Fiber (MCF).

What physics principle enables light to travel inside optical fibers in an endoscope?

Total internal reflection, which keeps light traveling through the cable to illuminate and transmit images of internal organs.

What is wireless capsule endoscopy, and how does it function?

A medical examination technique using a small, swallowable camera that captures images as it moves through the digestive tract.

How do LCD screens utilize light polarization to display images?

They filter light by controlling the direction of its vibrations, adjusting light transmission and brightness to form images.

How does LASIK eye surgery use refraction to correct vision?

It reshapes the cornea to alter how incoming light bends, allowing light to focus accurately onto the retina.

How does SONAR determine the location of underwater objects?

It transmits sound waves underwater, which reflect off objects and return to the receiver as echoes.

How does RADAR utilize the Doppler effect to track moving weather systems like storms?

Reflected waves are compressed (higher frequency) when the storm moves closer and stretched (lower frequency) as it moves away.

How does ultrasound imaging construct images of internal body organs?

A probe sends high-frequency sound waves into the body and receives returning echoes reflected from different tissue layers.

Based on the provided diagram of a speaker, what four labeled components interact to convert electrical signals into sound waves?

Permanent magnet, Coil, Cone, and Electrical signals.

What must happen to a microphone's diaphragm before its signal can be amplified?

The diaphragm must vibrate in response to sound waves, converting these vibrations into an electrical signal.

Who was Louis Pasteur ($1822\text{–}1895$), and what key scientific concept did he help disprove?

A French scientist who contributed to microbiology, medicine, and public health; he demonstrated that microorganisms cause fermentation and disproved spontaneous generation.

What did Louis Pasteur's study of tartaric acid crystals reveal about molecular structure?

It showed that molecules can have different three-dimensional spatial arrangements of atoms, contributing to stereochemistry.

What is fermentation?

A process in which microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria, break down sugars and turn them into new products.

What is pasteurization?

A process involving heating a food or beverage to a controlled temperature to reduce harmful microorganisms, followed by proper cooling and storage to prevent recontamination.

What are the four steps involved in the pasteurization of juice?

$1$. Heat juice to a controlled temperature. $2$. Hold at the required temperature. $3$. Cool quickly after treatment. $4$. Protect the treated juice from recontamination.

What vaccine did Louis Pasteur famously develop to protect humans after virus exposure?

The rabies vaccine.

What did Louis Pasteur discover regarding silkworm diseases?

He found that silkworm disease (pebrine) is transmitted through infected moths (eggs should be collected from disease-free moths) and that flacherie is controlled by improving hygiene and isolating infected silkworms.

What is the primary role of preservatives in shampoo?

To maintain safety and quality by preventing or slowing the growth of microorganisms in warm, humid storage environments.

What active chemical agents in whitening toothpaste help lighten tooth color?

Low levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Why is sodium fluoride included in toothpaste, and what does PPM stand for?

Sodium fluoride strengthens tooth enamel against acid attacks to prevent decay; PPM stands for parts per million.

What functions do surfactants, enzymes, and builders perform in laundry detergents?

Surfactants remove dirt and grease; enzymes break down protein, fat, and starch stains; builders soften water to enhance cleaning.

What is the main active ingredient in many household bleaches, and what is its function?

Sodium hypochlorite; its main function is to disinfect surfaces by destroying or inactivating microorganisms.

What are the primary functions of the government agencies DTI, FDA, and DENR regarding consumer products?

DTI protects consumers through proper product labeling and safety; FDA regulates health products like cosmetics for safety and quality; DENR promotes environmental protection and proper hazardous waste management.

Why is it dangerous to use strong cleaning products in poorly ventilated areas?

They release chemical vapors that can irritate the human respiratory system.

What environmental hazards are caused by pouring leftover household chemicals down drains or into waterways?

It introduces toxic chemicals into water systems, causing water pollution and posing risks to aquatic organisms and human health.

What safety rule regarding household chemical waste disposal is highlighted in this image?

Do not dispose of chemicals in household trash.

How does improperly discarded plastic waste contribute to urban flooding?

It blocks drainage pathways, reducing drainage system capacity for rainwater and causing water to overflow.