Cambridge O Level Physics - Flashcards

Flashcards for Cambridge O Level Physics 5054 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Define scalar quantity and provide examples.

A scalar quantity has magnitude (size) only. Examples: distance, speed, time, mass, energy, temperature.

Define vector quantity and provide examples.

A vector quantity has magnitude and direction. Examples: displacement, force, weight, velocity, acceleration, momentum, electric field strength, gravitational field strength.

Define speed and velocity.

Speed is distance travelled per unit time, while velocity is change in displacement per unit time.

Define acceleration and deceleration.

Acceleration is change in velocity per unit time; deceleration is a negative acceleration.

What is the approximate value of the acceleration of free fall (g) near the Earth's surface?

Approximately 9.8 m/s²

Define mass and inertia.

Mass is a measure of the quantity of matter in an object; inertia is the resistance of an object to change from its state of rest or motion.

Define gravitational field strength.

Gravitational field strength is force per unit mass.

Define density.

Density is mass per unit volume.

State Newton's first law of motion.

An object either remains at rest or continues to move in a straight line at constant speed unless acted on by a resultant force.

State Newton's third law of motion.

When object A exerts a force on object B, then object B exerts an equal and opposite force on object A.

How does friction affect motion?

Friction is a force that may impede motion and produce heating.

Define thinking distance, braking distance, and stopping distance.

Thinking distance is the distance travelled during the driver's reaction time, braking distance is the distance travelled while braking, and stopping distance is the sum of both.

Define the spring constant.

The spring constant is defined as force per unit extension.

Define the moment of a force.

The moment of a force is a measure of its turning effect. It is calculated as force × perpendicular distance from the pivot.

Define centre of gravity

The center of gravity is the point where the entire weight of an object appears to act.

Define momentum and impulse

Momentum is mass × velocity; impulse is force × time for which force acts.

What are the main types of energy stores?

Kinetic, gravitational potential, chemical, elastic (strain), nuclear, electrostatic, and internal (thermal)

Define power

Power is work done per unit time and also as energy transferred per unit time.

Define pressure

Pressure is force per unit area.

List the three states of matter.

Solid, liquid, and gas.

What is absolute zero?

The lowest possible temperature (−273°C), where particles have least kinetic energy.

What equation relates pressure and volume for a gas at a constant temperature?

p1V1 = p2V2

What is specific heat capacity?

The energy required per unit mass per unit temperature increase.

Describe latent heat.

The energy required to change the state of a substance.

List the three methods of thermal energy transfer.

Conduction, convection, and radiation.

what is the method of thermal energy transfer that does not require a medium?

radiation

What is the role of waves?

Waves transfer energy without transferring matter.

Define frequency, wavelength and amplitude.

Frequency as the number of wavelengths that pass a point per unit time; wavelength as the distance between two consecutive, identical points; amplitude as the maximum distance from the mean position

State the equation relating wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.

wave speed = frequency × wavelength or v = f λ

What is the approximate range of frequencies audible to humans?

20Hz to 20000Hz

What are the main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum (in order of frequency or wavelength)?

Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays.

What is ultrasound?

Sound with a frequency higher than 20kHz.

What are the three types of particles emitted during radioactive decay?

Alpha particles (α-particles), beta particles (β-particles), and gamma rays (γ-radiation).

Define the term isotope?

An element with the same number of proton but different number of neutrons.

What are the main sources of background radiation?

Radon gas (in the air), rocks and buildings, food and drink, cosmic rays.

Define half-life.

The time taken for half the nuclei of that isotope in any sample to decay.

Name two processes that may cause a nucleus to decay

Fission and Fusion