MCAS - Introductory Physics Flashcards

What is Newton’s First Law of motion?

The Law of Inertia an object in motion stays in motion and an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an external force.

What is Newton’s Second Law of Motion?

The acceleration of an object depends on the net force applied and its mass expressed as 𝐹=𝑚𝑎 (Force = mass × acceleration).

What is Newton’s Third Law of motion?

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

What is the formula for acceleration?

𝑎=Δ𝑣/𝑡 (Acceleration = change in velocity over time).

What is the unit for force?

Newton

What is the difference between speed and velocity

Speed is how fast something moves while velocity includes both speed and direction.

What is the formula for work?

W=Fd (Work = Force × Distance)

What does the law of conservation of energy state?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed only transformed.

What is the formula for power?

( P=W/t) (Power = Work ÷ Time)

What is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth?

9.8 m/s² but can be rounded to 10

How does mass affect the rate of free fall in the absence of air resistance?

It does not all objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum.

What type of wave is light?

Electromagnetic and Transverse

What is the speed of light?

3 × 10⁸ (300,000,000)

What happens to light when it moves from air to water?

It slows down and refracts (bends).

What is Ohm’s Law?

Voltage is equal to the Current times the Resistance.

What is the unit for electric current

Ampere (A)

What is the unit for electrical resistance

Ohm (Ω)

What is radioactive decay?

The process in which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.

What happens in alpha decay?

The nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons & 2 neutrons), decreasing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

What is an alpha particle?

A helium nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

Is alpha decay highly penetrating?

No, alpha particles can be stopped by paper or skin.

What happens in beta decay?

A neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron or positron).

How far can beta radiation travel?

They are moderately penetrating and can be stopped by aluminum or plastic.

What happens in gamma decay?

The nucleus releases gamma rays (high-energy electromagnetic waves) without changing its atomic number or mass.

What is a gamma ray?

A high-energy photon with no mass or charge.

How penetrating is gamma radiation?

Gamma Radiation is highly penetrating, requiering thick lead or concrete to stop it.