Physics Energy and Electricity Revision

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to energy, electricity, and radiation as outlined in the physics lecture notes.

Energy changes

The process of energy being transformed from one form to another.

Alpha radiation

A type of radiation consisting of helium nuclei; it has low penetration power.

Beta radiation

Electrons or positrons emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Gamma radiation

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a radioactive nucleus.

Specific heat capacity

The energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a material by one degree Celsius.

Fission

The splitting of a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Fusion

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

Potential difference (Voltage)

The difference in electric potential energy between two points in a circuit.

Current

The flow of electric charge in a circuit, measured in amperes (A).

Charge

A property of matter that causes it to experience a force when placed in an electromagnetic field.

Efficiency

The ratio of useful energy output to total energy input, expressed as a percentage.

Power

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

Half-life

The time required for half of the unstable nuclei in a sample to decay.

Contamination

The presence of radioactive material in an unwanted location, such as inside an organism or water supply.

Irradiation

The exposure of an object to nuclear radiation.

Thermal conductivity

The property of a material to conduct heat.

Gas pressure

The force exerted by gas particles colliding with the walls of a container.

Density

The mass of an object per unit volume.

Electric fields

Regions around charged particles where other charges experience a force.

Insulation

Material used to reduce the rate of heat loss.