Combined Science Physics Paper 1 Higher Checklist

Conservation of Energy

Energy changes without net loss in a closed system.

Power

Rate of energy transfer, measured in watts.

Specific Heat Capacity

Energy needed to raise temperature of 1 kg by 1°C.

Energy Dissipation

Energy stored in less useful forms, often wasted.

Thermal Insulation

Material that reduces heat transfer between environments.

Renewable Energy Resources

Energy sources that can be replenished naturally.

Non-Renewable Energy Resources

Energy sources that cannot be replenished in a short time.

Electric Circuit

Pathway for electric current to flow.

Series Circuit

Circuit configuration where components are connected end-to-end.

Parallel Circuit

Circuit configuration where components are connected across common points.

Resistance

Opposition to current flow, measured in ohms.

Direct Current (DC)

Electric current that flows in one direction.

Alternating Current (AC)

Electric current that reverses direction periodically.

Power Transfer

Energy transferred per unit time in a circuit.

Heating Device

Appliance that converts electrical energy to heat.

Density

Mass per unit volume of a substance.

States of Matter

Solid, liquid, gas; defined by molecular arrangement.

Latent Heat

Energy absorbed or released during a change of state.

Half-Life

Time taken for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

Isotopes

Atoms with the same number of protons but different neutrons.

Plum Pudding Model

Early atomic model with positive 'soup' and electrons.

Nuclear Model

Atomic model with a dense nucleus and orbiting electrons.

Radioactive Decay

Process by which unstable nuclei lose energy.

Contamination vs. Irradiation

Contamination involves unwanted radioactive material; irradiation does not.

Heating and Cooling Graphs

Visual representation of temperature changes during state changes.

Energy Resources Comparison

Evaluating uses of energy sources for transport, heating, etc.