Combined Science Physics O-Level Revision Guide - Key Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from a Combined Science Physics O-Level Revision Guide, focusing on Light, Electric Charge & Current Electricity, and D.C. Circuits.

Reflection

The phenomenon of light bouncing off a surface.

Law of Reflection

States that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

Virtual Image

An image formed by a mirror that is not real, is upright, laterally inverted, and the same size as the object.

Refraction

The change in direction of light as it passes from one medium to another.

Normal

A line perpendicular to the surface at the point where light strikes.

Refractive Index (n)

A measure of how much light slows down in a material.

Critical Angle

The angle beyond which total internal reflection occurs.

Total Internal Reflection

The phenomenon where light is reflected back into a denser medium when the angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle.

Converging Lens (Convex)

A lens that converges light rays.

Principal Axis

The straight line through the center of a lens.

Focal Point

The point where light rays meet after passing through a converging lens.

Focal Length

The distance from the center of a lens to its focal point.

Electric Charge

A fundamental property of matter that can be positive or negative.

Charging by Friction

The transfer of electrons between objects due to rubbing.

Charging by Induction

The rearrangement of charges in an object due to the proximity of a charged object.

Conductors

Materials that allow charges to move easily.

Insulators

Materials that impede the movement of charges.

Electric Current

The flow of electric charge.

Potential Difference (Voltage)

Energy used to move charges between two points in a circuit.

Resistance

Opposition to the flow of current in a circuit.

Ohm's Law

States that current increases proportionally with voltage at a constant temperature.

Series Circuit

A circuit where components are connected in a single path, so the same current flows through each.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit where components are connected in multiple paths, so the current splits between the branches.

Cell

Device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy.

Battery

Two or more cells connected in series to provide a higher voltage.

Resistor

A component that provides resistance to current flow.

Bulb

A device that emits light when an electric current passes through it.

Switch

A device used to open or close a circuit.

Ammeter

An instrument used to measure electric current in amperes.

Voltmeter

An instrument used to measure the potential difference (voltage) between two points in a circuit.

Variable Resistor

A resistor whose resistance can be adjusted.