Physics Flashcards
Force
A push or pulling effect, measured in Newtons
Newton meter
Device used to measure the size of a force
Free body diagram
Diagram showing the direction and sizes of forces acting upon, used to calculate resultant forces and motion
Unbalanced (resultant) force
Has a value other than 0N and a direction, causes object to change speed
Balance (resultant) force
Has a value of 0N, causes motion at a constant speed or no motion
Friction
Force that occurs when solids are in motion against each other, converts kinetic energy into thermal energy
Energy
The ability to do work (make something happen). Can’t be made or destroyed, only converted from one form to another
Drag
Force that occurs when a solids is in motion against a liquid or gas, converts kinetic energy into thermal energy
Energy transfer
Converting energy from one form to another
Types of energy
Thermal, kinetic, sound, chemical, electrical, light, nuclear, spring potential, gravitational potential
Efficiency
How much energy is wasted when an energy transfer occurs
Efficiency = useful energy produced/energy input
Speed formula
Speed (m/s) = distance (m) / time (s)
Distance time graph
Graph showing the distance an object travels over time
Moment/torque
The turning effect of a force, moment = force X distance from pivot
Centre of mass
The point of an object through which its mass appears to act. Objects will balance at this point
Lever
A bar which rotates around a fixed point called a pivot. Applying a greater force, further away from the pivot makes the lever more effective
Gravity
Gravity is the force of mutual attraction between any 2 point masses
Magnet
A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field.
Magnetic field
Magnetic field is the region around a magnet where it can affect magnetic materials.
Electromagnet
An electromagnet only works as a magnet when a current flows through it.
Static electricity
Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material
Insulator
An insulator is a material through which charge cannot flow easily.
Conductor
A Conductor is a material through which charge can flow easily.
Series circuit
Component in series are all in a single loop
Parallel circuit
Components in parallel are on different wires.
Current
Current is the amount of charge flowing per second in a circuit. It is measured in amperes
Potential Difference/voltage
Potential difference is a measure of the energy that can be transformed to charge in a circuit. Potential difference is measured in Volts.
Resistance
Resistance is a measure how much a component works against an electric current. Resistance is measured in Ohms
Resistance formula
Momentum formula
Resistance is voltage / current
Force * distance from pivor = Newons per meter
