Physics and Electrical Science Review

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering classical energy forms, static and current electricity, electrical charge properties, methods of charging, and circuit fundamentals.

How is energy defined in physics, and in what unit is it measured?

Energy is defined as the capacity or ability to do work, and it is measured in Joules ($J$).

What is kinetic energy, and what factors influence its amount?

Kinetic energy refers to the energy an object has due to its motion, and it depends on the object's mass and velocity.

What is potential energy, what is its formula, and what factors influence it?

Potential energy is stored energy that can be used to do work. Its formula is $PE = mgh$, and it is influenced by mass, height, and gravity.

How is work defined in physics?

Work occurs when a force applied to an object causes the object to move.

What is the difference between an energy transfer and an energy transformation?

An energy transfer is the movement of energy from one place or object to another, whereas an energy transformation is the change of energy from one form to another.

What is thermal kinetic energy?

Thermal kinetic energy is the motion or vibration of atoms and molecules in an object that is hot.

What is chemical potential energy?

Chemical potential energy is the energy stored in the bonds between atoms, which is released as heat, sound, or light during reactions.

How does an object become positively charged?

An object becomes positively charged by losing electrons, which reduces the amount of negatively charged electrons.

What subatomic particles are responsible for the flow of electric current in a metal wire?

Electrons, which are negatively charged particles.

What electron transfer occurs when rubbing hair against a balloon?

Electrons transfer from the hair onto the balloon, leaving the hair positively charged and the balloon negatively charged.

Why does a student experience an electrostatic shock upon touching a metal door handle after walking across a carpet?

Touching the metal door handle releases the build-up of negatively charged electrons gathered while walking across the carpet.

Why are small pieces of paper attracted to a charged object without direct contact?

Due to electrostatic induction, where the electrical field of the charged object shifts the charges in the paper.

What is the unit of measure for electrical charge, and what symbol represents it in equations?

The unit of measure is the Coulomb ($C$), and it is symbolized by the letter $q$.

How many electrons or protons are equivalent to the charge of one Coulomb?

One Coulomb is equal to the charge of $6.25 \times 10^{18}$ electrons or protons.

What is the difference between charging by friction, conduction, and induction?

Friction charges by rubbing different materials together; conduction charges a neutral object through direct contact with a charged object; induction charges a neutral object without physical contact.

What is an electrostatic charge?

An electrostatic charge is the imbalance of positive protons and negative electrons.

What are electrical insulators and why are they used?

Insulators are materials that do not allow electric charge to move through them easily. Because electrons cannot move freely, they are used to stop or reduce the flow of electricity.

What is earthing?

Earthing is the process of connecting an object to the Earth.

Why does a person's hair stand on end when touching a Van de Graaff generator?

A slight positive charge is created in the hair, causing the individual strands to repel each other.

What are the main components that make up a Van de Graaff generator?

A motor, pulley, dome, voltage source, metal brush, and a moving belt that carries charge.

What is the fundamental operational difference between static electricity and current electricity?

Static electricity is electrical charge that builds up on an object through electron transfer, whereas current electricity is electric charge that flows continuously through a conductor in a complete circuit.

How are voltage, current, and resistance defined in an electrical circuit?

Voltage is the electrical pressure that pushes charges through a circuit, current is the flow of the charges, and resistance is the force that opposes the flow.

Under what condition will electrons flow in an electrical circuit?

Electrons will only flow in a closed circuit, not an open one.

What are the four rules for drawing basic circuit diagrams?

1. Use a ruler and pencil; 2. Draw symbols in their correct place with no symbols on corners; 3. Use square or rectangular shapes; 4. Ensure there are no crossing lines.