Physical Science Final Exam Study Guide

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering states of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, electricity, energy, Newton's laws, gas laws, light, simple machines, and motion.

What are the characteristics of matter in a solid state?

A solid has a definite shape, a definite volume, particles that are tightly packed and vibrate in place, and it possesses the lowest particle movement.

What are the characteristics of matter in a liquid state?

A liquid has a definite volume but no definite shape, takes the shape of its container, and has particles that slide past each other.

What are the characteristics of matter in a gas state?

A gas has no definite shape or volume, expands to fill its container, has particles that move freely and quickly, and exhibits the highest movement of normal matter.

What is plasma?

A superheated charged gas found in stars, lightning, and neon signs.

What are the three endothermic phase changes where heat energy is gained?

Melting (solid $ightarrow$ liquid), vaporization/evaporation/boiling (liquid $ightarrow$ gas), and sublimation (solid $ightarrow$ gas).

What are the three exothermic phase changes where heat energy is lost?

Freezing (liquid $ightarrow$ solid), condensation (gas $ightarrow$ liquid), and deposition (gas $ightarrow$ solid).

What defines a physical change and what are some examples?

A physical change forms no new substance, changes only appearance or state, and is usually reversible. Examples include melting ice, tearing paper, crushing a can, and dissolving sugar.

What are the signs that a chemical change has occurred?

Signs include color change, bubbles/gas production, temperature change, odor change, light produced, or the formation of a precipitate.

What determines the identity of an element within its atomic structure?

The number of protons, which is also called the atomic number.

How is the atomic mass of an atom calculated?

$$ext{protons} + ext{neutrons}$$

What is the formula for finding the number of neutrons in an atom?

$$ext{atomic mass} - ext{atomic number}$$

What are the properties of metals and where are they located on the periodic table?

Metals are shiny/lustrous, malleable, ductile, and good conductors; they are mostly found on the left side of the periodic table.

What are metalloids and what are some examples?

Metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals and are semiconductors. Examples include boron, silicon, and germanium.

What are valence electrons and why are they important?

Valence electrons are the outer shell electrons that determine an atom's bonding and reactivity.

What is the common ion charge for elements in Group 1, Group 17, and Group 18?

Group 1 is $+1$, Group 17 is $-1$, and Group 18 is $0$.

What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonds?

Ionic bonds occur between a metal and a nonmetal where electrons are transferred; covalent bonds occur between two nonmetals where electrons are shared.

What are the rules for writing chemical formulas?

Charges must balance to zero, do not write charges in the final formula, and use subscripts when needed.

How is a chemical equation balanced according to the rules?

Only change coefficients (never change subscripts) so that there is the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation.

What is the difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit?

A series circuit has one path for current (if one bulb goes out, all go out), while a parallel circuit has multiple paths (if one bulb goes out, others stay on).

Define kinetic and potential energy.

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion; potential energy is stored energy.

What is Newton's 1st Law of Motion?

The Law of Inertia, which states that objects stay at rest or in motion unless acted on by an outside force.

What is the formula and meaning of Newton's 2nd Law of Motion?

$F = ma$ (Force = mass $imes$ acceleration). More force leads to more acceleration, while more mass leads to less acceleration.

What is Newton's 3rd Law of Motion?

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Compare Boyle’s Law and Charles’s Law.

Boyle’s Law states pressure and volume are inversely related; Charles’s Law states temperature and volume are directly related.

What is the difference between reflection, refraction, and absorption of light?

Reflection is light bouncing off a surface, refraction is the bending of light, and absorption is light energy being taken in.

How do convex and concave lenses affect light?

A convex lens curves outward and magnifies; a concave lens curves inward and spreads light out.

Name the six simple machines and provide an example of each.

Lever (seesaw), Pulley (changes force direction), Wheel and axle (doorknob), Inclined plane (ramp), Wedge (knife), and Screw (spiral inclined plane).

On a solubility curve, what do the positions below, on, and above the curve indicate?

Below the curve is unsaturated, on the curve is saturated, and above the curve is supersaturated.

What is the formula for density and what are its units?

Density = $rac{ ext{mass}}{ ext{volume}}$ (D = rac{m}{v}). Units include $g/cm^3$ or $g/mL$.

What is the difference between speed, velocity, and acceleration?

Speed is $ext{distance} imes ext{time}$, velocity is speed with direction, and acceleration is the change in velocity over time.

What is the formula for momentum?

$p = mv$ (momentum = mass $imes$ velocity).

What are the definitions of malleable, ductile, and luster?

Malleable means it can be hammered into sheets; ductile means it can be drawn into wires; luster refers to shininess.

What is the difference between mass, weight, and volume?

Mass is the amount of matter, weight is the force of gravity on an object, and volume is the amount of space an object takes up.

How is temperature defined scientifically?

The average kinetic energy of particles.