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A Level Physics > 2 Foundations Of Physics > Flashcards

2 Foundations Of Physics Flashcards

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1
Q

Independent variable

A

The variable for which value is changed or selected by the investigator

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2
Q

Dependent variable

A

The variable of which the value is measured for each and every change in independent variable

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3
Q

Control variable

A

A variable which, in addition to the IV, affects the outcome of the investigation so has to be kept constant or monitored

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4
Q

Interval

A

Quantity between readings

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5
Q

Reproducible

A

If the investigation is repeated by another person or by using different equipment or techniques and the same results are obtained

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6
Q

Repeatable

A

If the original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and equipment and obtains the same results

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7
Q

Hypothesis

A

A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

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8
Q

Resolution

A

The greater the resolution of the measuring instrument is, the smaller the smallest increment that can be measured to e.g. a metre ruler marked off in mm has greater resolution than one marked in cm

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9
Q

Error

A

The difference between the measured value and the true value of the thing being measured

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10
Q

Uncertainty

A

A quantification of the doubt about the measured result

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11
Q

Random error

A

Humans and the equipment have limitations

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12
Q

Systematic error

A

that does not happen by chance but instead is introduced by an inaccuracy in the apparatus or its use by the person conducting the investigation.
o Zero Error: an error that occurs when the apparatus shows a non-zero value when it should be registering a value of exactly zero.
o Parallax Error: an error produced whenever a scale, gauge, or pointer is observed wrongly during scientific experimentation due to position of viewing and perception.

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13
Q

SI meaning

A

International system of units

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14
Q

The six SI base units

A 
Length- m
Mass- kg
Time- s
Electric current- A
Temp- k
Amount of substance- mol
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15
Q

What’s a derived unit

A

A unit that can be worked out from the base units

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16
Q

Prefixes

A 
Peta 
Tera
Giga 
Mega
Kilo
Deci
Centi
Milli
Micro
Nano 
Pico 
Femto
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17
Q

Peta

A

10^15

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18
Q

Tera

A

10^12

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19
Q

Giga

A

10^9

20
Q

Mega

A

10^6

21
Q

Kilo

A

10^3

22
Q

Deci

A

10^-1

23
Q

Centi

A

10^-2

24
Q

Milli

A

10^-3

25
Q

Micro

A

10^-6

26
Q

Nano

A

10^-9

27
Q

Pico

A

10^-12

28
Q

Femto

A

10^-15

29
Q

Homogeneity of physical equations

A

It is said that an equation is homogenous if both sides of the equations can be simplified to the same base unit or set of base units. This means that the equation could be correct, as long as there are no numerical errors made.
If an equation is not homogenous then it is incorrect.

30
Q

Accuracy

A

An experiment is accurate if the quantity being measured has a value that’s very close to the commonly accepted or true value.

31
Q

Precision

A

The results of an experiment are precise if they are close together and have a small range. The smaller the range of the repeated values, the higher the precision. The term precision is linked to the spread of the data or the percentage uncertainty in a measurement. A precise experiment has a smaller spread in the data or the smaller the uncertainty.

32
Q

Single readings uncertainty

A

If single readings have been taken then the uncertainty should be the smallest interval or division on the measuring instrument. Consider the example below.
o Example: A metre rule is used to measure the length of a book. uncertainty in the measuring instrument (the ruler) = ± 1mm length = (295 ± 1) mm

33
Q

Percentage uncertainty

A

Percentage Uncertainty = (Uncertainty/Average value ) x 100
o Referring back to the previous example about the ruler, The percentage uncertainty in
the length is % uncertainty = ± (1/295) x 100 = ±0.34%

34
Q

Multiple readings uncertainty

A

If multiple readings have been taken then half of the range of the readings will be the uncertainty in the measured or calculated quantity.

35
Q

Readings versus measurements

A

Readings:
No zero error
Uncertainty is half resolution
Examples: measuring cylinder, weighing scales, thermometer

Measurements:
Zero error
Uncertainty is resolution
Examples: ruler, protractor, stopwatch

36
Q

Adding or subtracting uncertainties rule

A

Add absolute uncertainties

37
Q

Multiplying or dividing uncertainties rule

A

Add percentage uncertainties

38
Q

Raising an uncertainty to a power rule

A

Multiply percentage uncertainties by the power

39
Q

How to determine the uncertainty in a gradient

A

a. Error bars may be added to each plotted point if the data points are not too scattered.
b. Draw a best fit line through the scattered points (or through the error bars). The worst acceptable line is then drawn. This will either be the steepest or shallowest line.
c. Determine the gradient of the best fit line and the gradient of the worst acceptable line.
d. Uncertainty = |gradient of best fit line – gradient of worst acceptable line|.
e. The percentage uncertainty in the gradient can be determined as follows:
 Percentage Uncertainty = (Uncertainty/Gradient of best fit line) x 100

40
Q

Working out error bars

A

If each stage in iv is repeated for several results, squad all results
Find range of repeats
When drawing- half uncertainty

41
Q

What is a scalar quantity

A

quantity which only has magnitude

42
Q

What is a vector quantity

A

quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

43
Q

Scalar quantity examples

A 
Mass
Time
Temperature 
Length 
Speed 
Energy
44
Q

Vector quantity examples

A 
Displacement
Force
Velocity 
Acceleration 
Momentum
45
Q

How to remember base SI units

A 
Kelvin
Kills
Small
Angry
Mole 
Men
46
Q

True value=

A

Observed value + error

47
Q

Observed value=

A

True value + random error + systematic error

A Level Physics (15 decks)

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