Physics Phun Facts – IB 12

A collection of key physics concepts and definitions relevant to IB 12 curriculum.

Fundamental Units

Seven basic units: kilogram, meter, second, kelvin, mole, ampere, candela.

Newton's First Law

If the forces are balanced, an object is at rest or moving at constant velocity.

Newton's Second Law

If the forces are unbalanced, the object accelerates. Net force equals rate of change of momentum.

Newton's Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Elastic Collision

A type of collision where total kinetic energy is conserved.

Impulse (J)

The change in momentum; J = FΔt = Δp.

Work-Energy Theorem

The work done by a resultant force is equal to the change in energy of the system.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

Motion where acceleration is proportional to displacement and directed toward equilibrium.

Doppler Effect

An observed change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source.

Photoelectric Effect

Phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when light of a certain frequency hits it.

Radioactive Decay

Spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus into a lighter nucleus, accompanied by the emission of radiation.

Thermal Equilibrium

State when objects reach the same temperature, resulting in no net heat exchange.