Honors Physics - Final Exam Review

Physics

The study of the relationship between matter & energy. Physics not only explains what we see around us in the physical world, but also predicts behavior to make it possible to make developments into the "unknown" based on the relatively few Laws of Physics.

Acceleration

A change in velocity over a period of time

Newton's First Law

An object will retain its present state of rest or constant straight line motion unless an unbalanced (net) force acts on it or objects stay at rest will stay at rest and objects in motion will stay in straight line motion unless an unbalanced force acts upon it. (Law of Inertia)

Newton's Second Law

If an unbalanced (net) force acts on an object, the object will accelerate in proportion to that force. (FNet=ma)

Newton's Third Law

When a force is applied to an object, the object exerts an equal force back in the opposite direction. (Action/Reaction)

Accuracy vs. Precision

Accuracy is how close an experimental value is to an accepted value, and Precision is how closely measured values agree with each other.

Weight vs. Mass

Mass is the amount of matter in an object, and Weight is the downward force exerted by an object due to gravity.

Equilibrium

The state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.

Vectors vs. Scalars

Vectors include direction, Scalars do not.

Falling Objects - Projectiles vs. Dropped.

Projectiles are given a horizontal velocity, dropped objects only have a vertical one. Both will hit the ground at the same time.

Centripetal vs. Centrifugal Force

Centripetal is the amount of force needed to keep an object moving in a circle, Centrifugal is the force pushing out of the circle.

Centripetal Acceleration - Why?

The acceleration of an object in circular motion. It occurs due to the length of the radius.

Period of a Pendulum

One back and forth swing is the period of the pendulum. Only the length of the string affects the period of the pendulum (the mass of the bob and the height to which the bob swings have no effect on the period.)

Simple Machines - Principle

Simple machines are devices that make work easier by allowing less force to be applied to do work but the force must be applied for a greater distance.

Potential and Kinetic Energy for Falling Objects

The total amount of energy remains the same, with Potential Energy decreasing as the object comes closer to the ground.

Curved Path of Projectiles

Objects moving in two dimensions follow a curved path. Two dimensional motion is seen in projectiles due to the fact that they are moving horizontally and vertically at the same time.

Work and Power

Work is the product of force and displacement. In order for work to be done, the object must move. If the displacement is zero, then the work is zero. Power is the rate at which work is done. It is measured in Joules.

Terminal Velocity

The highest velocity an object in motion can reach due to specific factors. Wind friction slows down a falling object at the same rate gravity speeds it up.

Kinetic Theory

1. All matter is made up of tiny particles (atoms for pure elements and molecules for compounds)

2. The particles are in constant motion.

3. Collisions between the particles are perfectly elastic (Kinetic Energy is conserved).

Voltage, Current, and Resistance

• Voltage (Potential Difference) (V) - energy of the charge produced by the source - measured in volts

• Current (I) - number of charges passing through the wire each second - measured in Amperes or Amps

• Resistance (R) - opposition to the flow of current in the wire