Science 10: Physics

What are the 7 SI base quantities?

Mass (m), Length/Distance (d), Time (t), Electric Current (I), Temperature (T), Chemical Quantity (n), Luminous Intensity (Iv).

What are derived units?

Units made by combining base units (e.g., m/s, N, J, etc.).

What are prefixes used for in SI units?

To make multiples and submultiples of base units (powers of 10).

What are significant digits?

All digits that carry meaning for precision in a measurement.

Rule for adding/subtracting with significant digits?

Round to the least number of decimal places.

Rule for multiplying/dividing with significant digits?

Round to the least number of significant digits.

What is scientific notation?

A number written as a.bc × 10ⁿ, where a is 1–9.

How does a water wheel demonstrate energy transformation?

Gravitational energy of water → kinetic energy (spinning wheel) → mechanical energy (lifting crusher).

What were early theories of heat?

Phlogiston theory, Caloric theory, Count Rumford’s theory.

What did Joule receive credit for?

Discovering the relationship between heat and mechanical energy.

What is the significance of energy transformation history?

It shows how understanding of energy led to the invention and improvement of engines.

What are the two main types of energy?

Kinetic and Potential

What is potential energy?

Energy stored due to position or condition.

What is kinetic energy?

Energy of motion

What is the photosynthesis equation?

6H₂O + 6CO₂ → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Is photosynthesis endothermic or exothermic?

Endothermic — products have more energy.

What is the cellular respiration equation?

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6H₂O + 6CO₂

Is cellular respiration endothermic or exothermic?

Exothermic — reactants have more energy.

What does cellular respiration produce for energy use?

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).

What is the combustion of octane equation?

2C₈H₁₈ + 25O₂ → 16CO₂ + 18H₂O

Is combustion endothermic or exothermic?

Exothermic — energy released as heat and light.

What is a scalar quantity?

A quantity with only magnitude (e.g., distance, speed).

What is a vector quantity?

A quantity with both magnitude and direction (e.g., displacement, velocity).

What is distance?

Total path

What is displacement?

A straight line from start to end point

Formula for average speed?

v = Δd / Δt

Formula for average velocity?

→v = Δ→d / Δt

What’s the unit for velocity?

Metres per second (m/s) or kilometres per hour (km/h).