FAA Physics Exam Flashcards

Flashcards for FAA Physics Exam

Temperature

A measure of the kinetic energy of molecules.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion; stored energy.

Convection

Transfer of heat via the rising of hot air.

Conduction

Transfer of heat from one molecule to another; heat transfer through a substance.

Radiation

Transfer of heat by electromagnetic radiation; heat transfer without heating the intervening space.

Diffusion

Mixing of molecules; not a method of heat transfer.

Boyle's Law

The pressure of a confined gas is determined by the relationship of temperature to volume.

Compressibility of Liquids

Liquids cannot be compressed.

Boiling Point

The boiling point of a liquid varies with pressure.

Speed of Sound

Speed of sound changes with a change in temperature.

Absolute Humidity

The actual amount of water vapor in the air.

Relative Humidity

The ratio of water vapor actually present in the atmosphere to the amount that would be present if the air were saturated at the prevailing temperature and pressure.

Dew Point

The temperature to which humid air must be cooled at constant pressure to become saturated.

Density of Humid Air

Less dense than dry air.

Effect of High Temperature and Humidity on Landing Speed

True landing speed of an aircraft is greatest at higher temperatures and higher humidities because the air is less dense.

Bernoulli's Principle

As air goes through a narrow part in a tube, as the air speeds up, the air pressure becomes less.

Unmetered Pressure

The pressure of the air coming in the front of the tube.

Metered Pressure

Pressure when air goes through a narrow spot

Newton's Third Law of Motion

Air is being deflected downward, this means there's an upward force on the wing

Aspect Ratio

Ratio between the wingspan to the cord.

Plan Form of a Wing

The view of the wing when seen from above.

Rectangular Wing

Wing has a tendency to stall at the wing root first.

Stall Strip

At high angles of attack it causes the air to burble here near the wing root first, rather than out at the wing tip.

Asymmetrical Lateral Control

Occurs at or near stall angles of attack when a stall strip is missing.

Wing Tip Vortices

Air tries to make its way around the wing tip to destroy the lift on the top of the wing.

Winglets

To increase lift and reduce drag, and so they increase the lift drag ratio.

Wing Dihedral

To give you increased lateral stability.

Work

Is done when a resistance is overcome by a force acting through a measurable distance.

Power

Work per unit of time; rate of work.

Horsepower

A unit of measurement, equal to 33,000 foot pounds of work accomplished in one minute.

Mechanical Advantage

The strands that go back and forth.

Inclined Plane

Facilitates the raising or lowering of heavy objects by applying a small force over a longer distance, and therefore, a longer period of time.

Pascal's Law

The force available in a hydraulic system is equal to the pressure in this cylinder multiplied by the cross sectional area of the piston.