Physics - Core Science S1 Exams

What is a unbalanced force

When opposing forces are not equal, causing a change in an objects speed or direction (acceleration)

What is a balanced force?

When all forces acting on object are euqal, resulting in no change in motion.

What is Air Resistance

A frictional force that opposes the motion of an object through the air

What is Drag?

The resistance force experienced by an object moving through a fluid like air or water

What is Thrust?

A force that moves an object forward, usually produced by engines or propellers

What is Mass?

The amount of matter in an object, measured in Kg and does not change with location

What is Weight?

The force of gravity acting on mass, which depends on Gravity

What is Newtons 1st Law?

Law of intertia: Inertia is a body’s tendency to remain in its current state. A body at rest will tend to remain at rest, a body in motion will tend to remain in motion. Until acted on by a net force

Give an example of Inertia

When a car suddenly stops, your body wants to keep moving forward due to inertia. The seatbelt provides the unbalaned fore tha stops the body from flying forwards and keeps body in place.

What is Newtons 2nd Law?

The force on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration. More force means more acceleration, and more mass means less acceleration for the same force.

Formula: F = m × a

What is Newtons 3rd Law?

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

Give a application of Action vs Reaction

Kicking a ball: When you kick a soccer ball (action force), the ball pushes back on your foot with an equal force in the opposite direction (reaction force).

What is Energy?

The ability to do work or cause change.

What is Work?

The transfer of energy when a force moves an object over a distance.

What is Gravitational Potential Energy?

Stored energy an object has due to its height above the ground.
Formula: PE = m × g × h

What are the 9 types of energy?

• Kinetic

• Gravitational potential

• Elastic potential

• Electrical

• Chemical

• Nuclear

• Thermal

• Sound

• Light

What is Elastic Potential Energy?

Energy stored in stretched or compressed objects (e.g. spring, rubber band).

What is Nuclear Potential Energy?

Energy stored in the nucleus of atoms, released during nuclear reactions (e.g. nuclear power).

What is Electrical Potential Energy?

Energy stored due to electric charge or position in an electric field (e.g. battery).

What is Chemical Potential Energy?

Energy stored in chemical bonds, released during chemical reactions (e.g. food, fuel).

What is Kinetic Energy?

The energy of a moving object.