Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on IGCSE Physics notes.

Scalar

A physical quantity that has magnitude only and no direction (e.g., distance, speed).

Vector

A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction (e.g., force, velocity).

Resultant

The single vector that represents the combined effect of two or more vectors.

Velocity

The distance traveled per unit time in a specific direction; a vector quantity.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity per unit time.

Newton's First Law

An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a resultant force.

Momentum

The quantity of motion of a moving body, calculated as the product of its mass and velocity.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a substance, usually expressed in kg/m³.

Thermal expansion

The tendency of matter to expand when heated and contract when cooled.

Conduction

The transfer of heat through a material without the movement of matter itself.

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy through the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas).

Radiation

The transfer of heat energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Electromagnetic spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Refraction

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in its speed.

Electric current

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

Voltage

The potential difference between two points in an electric circuit, measured in volts (V).

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω).

Friction

The force that opposes the motion of an object in contact with another surface.

Nuclear fission

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

Nuclear fusion

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

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Half-life

The time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.

Photon

A particle of light or electromagnetic radiation.

Centripetal force

The force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.

Gravity

The force of attraction between two masses, commonly experienced as weight.

Transformers

Devices used to change the voltage of alternating current (AC) in power systems.

E.M.F. (Electromotive Force)

The energy provided by a power source per coulomb of charge, measured in volts.

Power

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

Black body radiation

The theoretical radiation emitted by an idealized perfect black body at thermal equilibrium.