Honors Physics Semester 1 Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms from the Honors Physics Semester 1 Review.

Length

A measurement of distance, typically expressed in meters (m).

Mass

A measure of the amount of matter in an object, typically expressed in kilograms (kg).

Time

A measure of the duration of events, typically expressed in seconds (s).

Significant Figures

Digits in a number that contribute to its accuracy; includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between them, and any trailing zeros after a decimal point.

Scalar

A quantity that has only magnitude and no direction, such as speed or distance.

Vector

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as velocity or force.

Resultant Velocity

The combined effect of two velocities; calculated as VAB = VA - VB.

Displacement

The shortest distance from the initial to the final position of an object, along with the direction.

Velocity

The rate of change of displacement; includes both speed and direction.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity over time.

SI Units

The International System of Units, which includes standard units such as meter (m), kilogram (kg), and second (s).

Dimensional Analysis

A mathematical technique used to convert one set of units to another.

Scientific Notation

A way of expressing numbers that are too large or small to be conveniently written in decimal form.

Centripetal Acceleration

The acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path.

Uniform Circular Motion

Motion in a circular path at a constant speed.

Magnitude

The size or quantity of a vector.

Precision

The degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions show the same results.