Physics Exam study guide

Scalar Quantities

Have magnitude only (e.g., distance, speed).

Vector Quantities

Have magnitude and direction (e.g., displacement, velocity).

Newton’s First Law (Law of Inertia)

An object remains at rest or moves with constant velocity unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Newton’s Second Law

Force = Mass × Acceleration; Formula is F = ma.

Newton’s Third Law

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

Momentum

Momentum equals mass times velocity; Formula is p = mv.

Kinetic Energy

Energy due to motion; Formula is KE = ½ mv²

Potential Energy

Energy due to position; Formula is PE = mgh.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another.

Boyle’s Law

At constant temperature, pressure is inversely proportional to volume; P1 V1 = P2 V2.

Charles’ Law

At constant pressure, volume is directly proportional to temperature; V1/T1 = V2/T2

Pressure Law

Pressure Law

The pressure law states that with a fixed mass of gas pressure is directly proportional to temperature providing that the volume is kept constant. P1/T1 = P2/T2

Pressure Formula

Pressure equals force divided by area; pressure= Force/Area

Liquid Pressure Formula

Liquid pressure equals density times gravity times height; P = pgh

Distance-Time Graph

Slope represents speed; horizontal line indicates object at rest.

Velocity-Time Graph

Slope represents acceleration; area under graph represents distance traveled.

Acceleration Formula

Acceleration equals change in velocity over time; a = v-u/t

SUVAT Equation for Final Velocity

v = u + at.

Simple Pendulum Conclusion

As the length increases, the period increases.