Physical Science Flashcards
What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, while potential energy is stored energy based on position or state.
What is the law of conservation of energy?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another.
Fill in the blank: Heat always flows from higher temperature to _______.
lower temperature.
List the different forms of energy.
- Thermal energy
- Kinetic energy
- Potential energy
- Mechanical energy
- Sound energy
- Electrical energy
- Chemical energy
- Light (Radiant) energy
What are the methods of heat transfer?
- Conduction
- Convection
- Radiation
True or False: Mechanical waves require a medium.
True.
True or False: Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium.
True.
What is temperature a measure of?
The average kinetic energy of particles in a substance.
Describe how sound is produced.
Sound is caused by vibrations in a medium.
What happens to a light wave when it is reflected?
It bounces off a surface.
What happens to a light wave when it is refracted?
It bends as it passes into a different medium.
What is the relationship between frequency and pitch?
Higher frequency results in a higher pitch.
What is the role of energy transformation in the law of conservation of energy?
Energy is not lost but transformed from one form to another, such as heat due to friction.
Identify examples of energy transformation.
- Potential to kinetic
- Light to thermal
How does specific heat vary among different materials?
Different materials have different abilities to absorb and retain heat.
What is the primary source of the electromagnetic spectrum?
The Sun.
Fill in the blank: A medium is required for _______ waves.
mechanical.
What is amplitude in the context of waves?
The maximum extent of a wave’s displacement from its rest position.
What is the relationship between loudness and amplitude?
Greater amplitude results in louder sound.
What are the three main types of heat transfer?
- Conduction
- Convection
- Radiation
What does the electromagnetic spectrum include?
- Infrared
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet
Describe the process of absorption as it relates to light.
Light is taken in by an object rather than being reflected or transmitted.
How can objects appear specific colors?
Objects appear specific colors based on the wavelengths of light they reflect.
What is a crest in wave terminology?
The highest point of a wave.
