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AS Physics > Definitions 1 > Flashcards

Definitions 1 Flashcards

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AP® Physics flashcards Physics 101 flashcards
1
Q

Derived units

A

Some combination of the base units; the base units may be multiplied together or divided by one another, but never added or subtracted

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2
Q

Homogenous units

A

When each term has the same base units, the equation is said to be homogenous or ‘balanced’

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3
Q

Scalar

A

A quantity that has a magnitude/size

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4
Q

Vector

A

A quantity that has a magnitude/size and direction

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5
Q

Accuracy

A

How close a reading is to its true value; when readings are accurate

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6
Q

Precision

A

Smallest change in value that can be measured by an instrument

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7
Q

Random errors

A

An uncontrollable error that changes with each reading of a measurement caused by unknown and unpredictable changes

To reduce errors, take several readings to get an average value

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8
Q

Systematic errors

A

An error caused by the imperfection of the instrument used causing readings to differ from the true value by a consistent amount each time a reading is made

Look for a zero error to avoid systematic error, or if known, subtract from readings

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9
Q

Uncertainty

A

The range of values within which a measurement is likely to be in

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10
Q

Acceleration

A

A vector equal to the rate of change of velocity

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11
Q

Displacement

A

A vector, is the straight line distance between the start and finish points in that direction

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12
Q

Distance

A

A scalar equal to the total length travelled by an object

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13
Q

Free fall

A

The downward motion of an object under the influence of the force of gravity with a constant acceleration of g = 9.81ms-2

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14
Q

Speed

A

A scalar equal to the distance travelled per unit time taken

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15
Q

Terminal velocity

A

The maximum constant speed of an object in free fall when the resultant force is zero due to large air resistance

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16
Q

Velocity

A

A vector equal to the rate of change of displacement

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17
Q

Conservation of momentum

A

Total momentum of an isolated system of interacting bodies remains constant, provided there are no resultant external forces

18
Q

Elastic collisions

A

Total momentum and total kinetic energy of a system is conserved. Relative speed of approach is equal to the relative speed of separation: u1-u2 = v1-v2

19
Q

Force

A

A vector equal to the rate of change of momentum of a body

20
Q

Impulse

A

A vector which is the product of a force and the time during which the force is applied

21
Q

Inelastic collisions

A

Total momentum of a system is conserved, but the total kinetic energy is not conserved. Speed before impact is not equal to speed after

22
Q

Linear momentum

A

A vector equal to the product of an object’s mass and velocity

23
Q

Mass

A

A scalar equal to the measure of inertia of a body or the property of a body that resists change in motion

24
Q

Newton’s 1st law

A

A body remains at rest or constant velocity unless acted on by a resultant force

25
Q

Newton’s 2nd law

A

The resultant force is proportional to the rate of change of momentum

26
Q

Newton’s 3rd law

A

If one body exerts a force on another, it will experience a force by the other body, which is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. Both forces are of the same kind and must act on different objects

27
Q

Weight

A

A vector equal to the force due to the gravitational field

28
Q

Centre of gravity

A

The point on an object at which the entire weight of the body appears to act

29
Q

Density

A

A scalar equal to the amount of mass per unit volume of a substance

30
Q

Equilibrium

A

Net/resultant force is zero and sum of clockwise moments = sum of anticlockwise moments. If the force triangle is ‘closed’ then there is no resultant force and the object is in equilibrium

31
Q

Moment/torque

A

A vector equal to the product of the force and the perpendicular distance to the pivot

32
Q

Pressure

A

A scalar equal to the perpendicular/normal force applied per unit area

33
Q

Principle of moments

A

The sum of the clockwise moments about a point equals the sum of the anticlockwise moments (about the same point)

34
Q

Torque of a couple

A

Product of one of the forces and perpendicular distance between the forces. It is the turning effect caused by two equal and opposite forces when there lines of actions are different

35
Q

Upthrust

A

A vector equal to the resultant force on a submerged object which pushes upwards; it is due to the difference in hydrostatic pressure at the top and bottom of the immersed object

36
Q

Energy

A

A scalar equal to the ability to do work

37
Q

Work done

A

A scalar equal to the product of a force and the distance moved in the direction of the force

38
Q

GPE

A

Energy stored due to height/position of a mass

39
Q

Kinetic energy

A

Energy of an object due to its motion

40
Q

Power

A

A scalar equal to the rate of work done

AS Physics (3 decks)

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