Science Reviewer: Laws of Motion, Plate Boundaries, EM Waves, and Electricity

Flashcards covering Newton's Laws of Motion, Plate Tectonics, Electromagnetic Waves, and Basic Electricity based on the review notes.

What is force as defined in the notes?

A push or pull exerted by an object on another, which is a vector quantity.

What does Newton's First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia) state?

An object stays at rest or keeps moving unless a force acts on it.

What property of an object determines its inertia?

Mass (objects with more mass have more inertia).

What does Newton's Second Law of Motion (Law of Acceleration) state?

An object speeds up more when a greater force is applied and speeds up less if it has more mass.

What is the equation for Newton's Second Law of Motion?

$$F = m \cdot a$$

A $15\,kg$ box is pushed, causing it to accelerate at $4\,m/s^2$. What is the force applied to the box?

$$F = 60\,N$$

What does Newton's Third Law of Motion (Law of Action-Reaction) state?

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

When did Alfred Wegener propose continental drift?

1912

What discovery in the 1950s-1960s provided crucial evidence for plate movement?

Discovery of mid-ocean ridges, magnetic striping, and seafloor spreading.

Which scientist proposed continental drift and Pangaea using matching fossils and rock types as evidence?

Alfred Wegener

Which scientist introduced transform faults and mantle plumes?

John Tuzo Wilson

Which scientists connected magnetic striping on the ocean floor to seafloor spreading?

Fred Vine & Drummond Matthews

Which scientist proposed seafloor spreading and recognized mid-ocean ridges as places where new crust forms?

Harry Hess

What occurs at a divergent plate boundary?

Plates move apart (divide), creating a gap or rift where magma rises, cools, and hardens to form new crust.

What occurs at a convergent plate boundary?

Plates move toward each other and crash.

What occurs at a transform plate boundary?

Plates slide past each other horizontally, and crust is neither created nor destroyed.

What is the difference between a mechanical wave and an electromagnetic wave?

A mechanical wave needs a medium to travel, whereas an electromagnetic wave does not need a medium.

At what speed do electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum?

$$3 \times 10^8\,m/s$$

Which scientist developed a theory explaining electromagnetic waves?

James Clerk Maxwell

Which scientist proved that radio waves exist?

Heinrich Rudolf Hertz

Which scientist discovered electromagnetic induction?

Michael Faraday

Which scientist founded electrodynamics/electromagnetism?

André-Marie Ampère

Which scientist discovered that electric current can affect a magnetized compass?

Hans Christian Ørsted

How do wavelength, frequency, and energy relate in electromagnetic waves?

Shorter wavelength results in higher frequency and energy; longer wavelength results in lower frequency and energy.

Which EM waves are categorized as ionizing radiation?

UV, X-rays, and Gamma rays

Which EM wave type has the longest wavelength and lowest energy?

Radio waves

Which EM wave type has the shortest wavelength and highest energy?

Gamma rays

How is electric current defined and measured?

The rate of flow of electrons in a conductor, measured in Amperes (amps).

How is voltage defined?

An electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts (V).

How is electrical resistance defined and measured?

A measure of the opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit, expressed in Ohms ($\Omega$).

What three factors affect the resistance of a material in a circuit?

Thickness of wire, length of wire, and conductivity of material.

What does Ohm's Law state and what is its mathematical expression?

Voltage is directly proportional to current under constant resistance, expressed as $V = I \times R$.

What is the function of an ammeter in a circuit?

A device used to measure the current (both DC and AC) that flows in a circuit.

What is the function of a voltmeter in a circuit?

A device used to measure the voltage between two points in a circuit.

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

In a series circuit, bulbs are connected in one path and if one bulb is busted, all lights go out. In a parallel circuit, bulbs are connected in two or more pathways and if one bulb is busted, the remaining lights stay lit.

What is Alternating Current (AC)?

Electric current where charge periodically reverses its direction of flow; highly efficient for long distance power transmission.

What is Direct Current (DC)?

Electric current where charge flows continuously in only one direction.