Physics Lecture Notes Review

Flashcards for key terms and concepts derived from the Physics lecture notes.

Distance

The amount of space between two objects, measured in meters (m).

Time

The duration of an event, measured in seconds (s).

Speed

The distance traveled per unit of time, measured in meters per second (m/s).

Acceleration

The rate at which an object's velocity changes, measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).

Scalar Quantities

Quantities that have magnitude but no direction (e.g., speed, distance).

Vector Quantities

Quantities that have both magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity, displacement).

Force

A vector quantity that causes an object with mass to accelerate, measured in Newtons (N).

Thrust

An upward force that propels an object forward, typically associated with engines.

Weight

The force exerted by gravity on an object, measured in Newtons (N).

Friction

The force that opposes the motion of an object, acting opposite to its direction of movement.

Resultant Force

The net force acting on an object, calculated by combining all individual forces acting on it.

Hooke's Law

States that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the load applied to it, within the limit of proportionality.

Elastic Deformation

Temporary deformation of a material that returns to its original shape after the load is removed.

Plastic Deformation

Permanent deformation of a material after the load exceeds a certain limit, causing it not to return to its original shape.

Thinking Distance

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment a driver realizes they need to stop until they apply the brakes.

Braking Distance

The distance a vehicle travels while braking to a complete stop after the brakes are applied.

Terminal Velocity

The constant speed reached by an object falling through a fluid when the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force.

Momentum

The quantity of motion an object possesses, calculated as the product of mass and velocity (P = mv).

Conservation of Momentum

The principle that the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision.

Power

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, measured in Watts (W).

Electrical Current

The flow of electric charge, measured in Amperes (A).

Voltage

The electric potential difference between two points in a circuit, causing current to flow, measured in Volts (V).

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in Ohms (Ω).

Ohm's Law

The relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R), given by the formula V = IR.

Series Circuit

A circuit in which all components are connected end-to-end, so the current is the same through all components.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit in which components are connected across common points or junctions, allowing multiple paths for current.

Alpha Radiation

A type of radiation consisting of helium nuclei, highly ionizing and low penetrating power.

Beta Radiation

A type of radiation consisting of high-energy electrons, moderately ionizing and capable of penetrating materials.

Gamma Radiation

A type of electromagnetic radiation with high energy and penetrative ability, but least ionizing.

Nuclear Fusion

The process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Nuclear Fission

The process of splitting a heavy atomic nucleus into lighter nuclei, accompanied by a release of energy.

Radioactivity

The spontaneous emission of particles and energy from unstable atomic nuclei.

Geiger-Müller Tube

A device used for detecting ionizing radiation, often used in radiation measurement.