Physical Science Final Exam Study Guide Flashcards

Flashcards for Physical Science Final Exam Study Guide

Alpha Decay

The breakdown of a nucleus emitting an alpha particle; 2 protons and 2 neutrons, equivalent to Helium; weakest particle, can be stopped by paper.

Beta Decay

The breakdown of a nucleus emitting a neutron, where the positive part (proton) stays in the nucleus and the negative part (electron) is given off. Stronger than alpha, stopped by thin metal.

Gamma Rays

Electromagnetic wave usually given off with alpha or beta decay; has no mass or charge, strongest type, stopped by thick lead.

Fission

One larger nucleus splitting into 2 smaller nuclei.

Fusion

Two smaller nuclei combining into one larger nucleus.

Half-life

The time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay.

Speed

How fast an object is moving.

Velocity

How fast an object is moving with a direction.

Acceleration

Change in velocity over time.

Friction

A force that opposes the sliding motion of an object.

Terminal Velocity

When an object falls at a constant velocity because air resistance equals the force of gravity.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Potential energy due to position; increases as weight's mass increases.

Elastic Potential Energy

Potential energy created from stretched or compressed objects.

Kinetic Energy

Energy created from movement/motion.

Temperature

Measure of the average kinetic energy of particles of a substance.

Heat

The transfer of energy between substances.

Conduction

Transfer of energy by direct contact (e.g., touching a hot stone).

Convection

Transfer of energy due to motion of fluids or gases (e.g., lava lamp).

Radiation

Transfer of energy by light waves (e.g., heat from the sun).

Mechanical Wave

A wave that requires a medium (e.g., sound, water wave).

Medium

A substance a wave travels through (e.g., air, water, slinky).

Transverse Wave

Wave in which particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction the wave travels (e.g., water wave).

Longitudinal Wave

Wave in which particles vibrate in the same direction the wave is traveling (e.g., sound).

Reflection

Light off a mirror or an echo in a canyon.

Refraction

Straw appearing broken or bent in a glass of water.

Diffraction

Ocean waves bending around an island.

Current

The movement of electric charges, measured in Amperes.

Voltage

The push that causes electric charges to flow, measured in Volts.

Resistance

The tendency of a material to resist the flow of electrons, measured in Ohms.

Big Bang Theory

Explains the formation of the universe. All matter and energy was compressed into an extremely small volume that exploded 13-15 billion years ago and began expanding in all directions.

Space Probes

Technology sent into space to take pictures, analyze samples, and collect data from distant planets, moons, etc., to help scientists learn more about these objects.