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Physics Flashcards

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1
Q

Vector

A

numbers that have direction and magnitude

Ex/ displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, weight

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2
Q

Scaler

A

numbers that have magnitude

Ex/ distance, speed, energy, pressure, mass, work

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3
Q

Dot product

A

the product of multiplying 2 vectors and the cosine of the angle between them to produce a scaler
A·B = |A| |B| cos 𝜃

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4
Q

Cross product

A

the product of multiplying 2 vectors and the sin of the angle between them to produce another vector
A x B = |A| |B| sin 𝜃

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5
Q

Velocity

A

Instantaneous speed of an object is equal to the magnitude of the objects instantaneous velocity (v) vector
v = Δx/Δt

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6
Q

Gravitational force

A

all objects exert gravitational forces on each other

Fg = Gm1m2 / r²

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7
Q

Newton’s first law

A

an object at rest, or in motion at constant velocity, will remain so until a force acts on it

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8
Q

Newton’s second law

A

F(net) = ma

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9
Q

Newton’s third law

A
  • every force exerted by object A on object B, will result in a force by object B on object A
  • F = -F
  • For every reaction, there is an equal and opposite reaction
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10
Q

Kinematics equations

A 
v = v₀ + at
x = v₀t + 1/2at² —> x = v₀t + at² / 2
v² = v₀² + 2aΔx
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11
Q

Terminal velocity

A

When the drag force equals the magnitude of the weight of an object (object is falling at constant velocity). The force of gravity and air resistance are equal

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12
Q

Projectile motion

A

Force and acceleration in the vertical direction only. Distance can only be found with the horizontal components of the force

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13
Q

Incline planes

A

Fg (parallel) = mg sin 𝜃

Fg (perpendicular) = mg cos 𝜃

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14
Q

Normal force

A

equal in magnitude to the perpendicular component of gravity

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15
Q

Centripetal force

A

Fc = mv^2 / r

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16
Q

Centripetal acceleration

A

Ac = v^2 / r

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17
Q

Torque

A

Application of a force at some distance from the fulcrum
𝞃 = F x r = F x r (sin𝜃)
- 𝜃 is the angle between the lever arm and force vectors

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18
Q

Kinetic energy

A

KE = 1/2 mv²

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19
Q

Gravitational potential energy

A

U = mgh

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20
Q

Elastic potential energy

A

U = 1/2 kx²

When k is not given, F = |kx| —> k = F/x

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21
Q

Total mechanical energy

A

E = U + K

If there is an increase in 1, there is a decrease in the other

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22
Q

Conservative forces

A

Forces, like gravitational and electrostatic, that do not disrupt the flow of energy

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23
Q

Nonconservative forces

A

Forces like friction, air resistance, viscosity, and convection that do disrupt the flow

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24
Q

Work

A

Transfer of energy from one system to another
W = Fd = Fd x cosϴ
F = W / d —> F = KE / d

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25
Q

Isobaric process

A

When pressure of the system is constant and volume changes. This does not effect the 1st law
W = P∆V ( J = N/m² x m³)

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26
Q

Power

A

The rate at which energy is transferred. Unites in Watt (W) or J/s
P = W/t
P = ∆E/t (energy/time)
P = KE/t

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27
Q

Work-energy theorem

A

W = ∆KE = KEf - KEi

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28
Q

Mechanical advantage

A

MA = (force exerted on object by machine) / (force exerted on machine)

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29
Q

Efficiency

A

Efficiency = (load x load distance) / (effort x effort distance)
- Load is the weight and effort is the force

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30
Q

0th law of thermodynamics

A

If object A is in thermal equilibrium with object B, and object B is in thermal equilibrium with object C, then object A and object C are in thermal equilibrium. No net heat will flow between these objects

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31
Q

Heat

A

Transfer of thermal energy from a object with higher temp to one with lower

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32
Q

Thermal equillibrium

A

When no net heat flows between objects

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33
Q

Absolute zero

A

The lowest temperature possible where no heat is produced from the movement of particles. A substance at absolute zero displays no kinetic energy

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34
Q

Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin conversion

A 
F = 9/5 C + 32
K = C + 273
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35
Q

Linear thermal expansion

A

∆L = ⱭL∆T

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36
Q

Volumetric thermal expansion

A

∆V = βV∆T

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37
Q

Isolated system

A

No exchange of energy or matter with the surroundings

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38
Q

Closed system

A

Exchange of energy, but not matter

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39
Q

Open system

A

Exchange of energy and matter

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40
Q

Calorie to joule conversion

A

1 Cal = 1000 cal (1 kcal) = 4184 J

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41
Q

Conduction

A

Direct transfer of energy through molecular collisions

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42
Q

Convection

A

Transfer of heat by the physical motion of fluid over a material. Only liquids and gasses exhibit this

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43
Q

Radiation

A

Transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves. This can be transferred in a vacuum

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44
Q

Specific heat

A

Relationship between adding/removing heat energy to a system and how much the temperature changes based on how much energy is added or removed.
q = mc∆T

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45
Q

Specific heat of water

A

1 cal/g·℃ or 4.184 J/g·K

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46
Q

Specific heat during a phase change

A

q = mL where L is the heat of fusion or vaporization

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47
Q

Heat of fusion

A

Heat of transformation at the melting point

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48
Q

Heat of vaporization

A

Heat of transformation at the boiling point

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49
Q

Isothermal process

A

When the system’s temperature is held constant so ∆U = 0 and Q = W

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50
Q

Adiabatic process

A

When there is no heat exchange between the system and surroundings so Q = 0 and ∆U = -W

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51
Q

Isovolumetric process

A

When there is no change in volume and no work is done in the process so W = 0 and ∆U = Q

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52
Q

Entropy

A

Measure of spontaneous dispersal of energy at a specific temp
∆S = Q (rev) / T

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53
Q

1st law of thermodynamics

A

Conservation of energy: Energy is not created or destroyed, just transferred from one form to another. Any change in the total energy of the system is due to work or heat
∆U = q - W or ∆U = q + W (if energy is being transferred out of the system)

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54
Q

2nd law of thermodynamics

A

Entropy always increases over time

∆S universe = ∆S system + ∆S surroundings > 0

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55
Q

3rd law of thermodynamics

A

Absolute zero temperature is unattainable

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56
Q

Density

A

ρ = m / V

Units: kg/m³ or g/mL —> g/cm³

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57
Q

Density of water

A

1 g/cm³ —> 1000 kg/m³

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58
Q

Specific gravity

A

The density of a substance compared to the density of water. Finding the difference in densities of a substance and water gives you the ability to find the density of the other solutes (excluding the substance and water)

SG = ρ / 1 g/cm³ or 1 g/mL

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59
Q

Pressure (fluids)

A

P = F/A

1 Pa = 1 N/m²

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60
Q

Pascal to atmosphere conversion

A

1.013 x 10⁵ Pa = 100 kPa = 760 mmHg = 760 torr = 1 atm

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61
Q

Absolute pressure

A

Also known as hydrostatic pressure
P = Po + ρgz
z = depth
Po = 10⁵ Pa

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62
Q

Gauge pressure

A

Pressure in a closed space above atmospheric pressure

Pgauge = P - Patm = (Po + ρgz) - Patm

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63
Q

Pascal’s prinicple

A

In a incompressible fluid, a change in pressure will be transmitted to each portion of the fluid and to the walls of the vessel

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64
Q

Archimede’s principle

A

When a object is wholly or partially immersed in a fluid, it will be buoyed upward by a force equal to the weight of the fluid that is displaced
Fbuoy = ρ(fluid) x V(fluid displaced) x g = ρ(fluid) x V(submerged) x g

65
Q

Buyount force

A

Exerted by the mass of a fluid that is displaced (corresponds to the volume of fluid displaced). It always directed upward
Fbuoy = mg = ρVg

66
Q

% of an object submerged

A

(ρ(object) / ρ(fluid)) x 100

67
Q

Surface tension

A

Causes liquids to form a strong layer at the surface due to the increased intermolecular attraction

68
Q

Cohesion

A

Attractive force that a molecule of liquid feels towards molecules of the same liquid. It leads to a net upward force

69
Q

Adhesion

A

Attractive force that a molecule of liquid feels towards molecules of an other substance

70
Q

Poiseuille’s Law

A

Q = 𝛑r⁴ΔP / 8𝛈L
*Assume laminar flow. In laminar flow, the center of the “pipe” moves fastest while the “edges” have no velocity due to the no-slip boundary

71
Q

Continuity equation

A

Q = A₁v₁ = A₂v₂

Volume flow rate = Q = A1v1

72
Q

Bernoulli’s equation

A

More energy dedicated to fluid movement means less energy dedicated to static fluid pressure

P₁ + 1/2ρv₁² + ρgh₁ = P₂ + 1/2ρv₂² + ρgh₂

73
Q

Dynamic pressure

A

1/2ρv²

74
Q

Static pressure

A

P + ρgh

75
Q

Venturi effect

A

In a dumbbell shaped tube, point A has the larger radius and B is smaller. Going from A to B, the area decreases, but v increases. So as a fluid is flowing through, the dynamic pressure increases and the static pressure decreases. If a column of fluid is sticking up at A and B, the absolute pressure in B will be lower than A

76
Q

Fainting

A

Occurs after there is insufficient blood flow to the brain. According to the equation P=pgz, decreases in height (or increase in depth) —> increase in pressure. So when blood flow is insufficient, you faint in order to decrease the height your brain is at so there can be an increase in pressure (more blood flow to brain)

77
Q

Faraday’s constant

A

96,485 C/mol or 10⁵ C/mol

78
Q

Coulomb’s law

A

Describes the electrostatic force between 2 charges

Fc = kq₁q₂ / r²

79
Q

Test charge

A

q, the force place in the field

80
Q

Source charge

A

Q, the force exerted by the field

81
Q

Electric field lines

A

Drawn away from positive sources are towards negative sources. If the magnitude of the charge increases or decreases, the density (number of lines) of the lines increase or decreases

82
Q

Electrical potential energy

A

A form of potential energy that is dependent on the relative position of a charge with respect to another charge
U = kQq / r²
U = qEd or U = qV
U = 1/2 CV²

83
Q

Electric potential

A

The ratio of a charge’s electric potential energy to the magnitude of the charge itself
V = U/q or U = ΔVq
V is the electrical potential measured in Volts = 1 J/C

84
Q

Dipole moment

A

p, the product of charge and separation distance. It is a vector that points from the (+) to (-) charge along d
p = qd

85
Q

Diamagnetic materials

A

made up of unpaired electrons that have no net magnetic field. Ex/ wood, plastic

86
Q

Paramagnetic materials

A

become weakly magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field. Ex/ Al, Au, Cu

87
Q

Ferromagnetic materials

A

strongly magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field. Ex/ Fe, Ni, Co

88
Q

Current

A

Amount of charge passing through a conductor per unit time
I = Q/Δt
1 A = 1 C/s

89
Q

Potential difference

A

It is the voltage or the difference in potentials required for a current to flow

90
Q

Electromotive force (emf)

A

the “pressure” or “force” that causes a current to move when there is a potential difference

91
Q

Galvanic (voltaic) cell

A

Electrochemical cell that contains spontaneous oxidation-reduction reactions that generate emf as a result of the differences in reduction potentials of 2 electrodes and a salt bridge to prevent charge buildup

92
Q

Junction rule

A

the sum of currents flowing into a point (or junction) must equal the sum of the currents flowing away from that point

93
Q

Loop rule

A

in a closed circuit, the sum of the voltage that is used will always equal the sum of the voltage that is lost (dropped)

94
Q

Resistance

A

the opposition of flow of charge

R = ρL / A

95
Q

Ohm’s law

A

V = IR measured in Ω. Voltage and current are directly proportional when R is constant

96
Q

Power

A

When energy is produced by a flow of electrons, electrical potential energy is converted to kinetic energy driven by the emf
P = W/t or P = ΔE/t
P = IV —> P = I²R or P = V²/R

97
Q

Resistors in series

A 
V𝗌 = V₁+V₂+V₃ +…
R𝑠 = R₁+R₂+R₃+…
98
Q

Resistors in parallel

A 
V𝗉 = V₁=V₂=V₃=…
1/R𝗉 = 1/R₁+1/R₂+1/R₃…
99
Q

Capacitor

A

has the ability to hold charge at a particular voltage (Ex/ defibrillator)

100
Q

Capacitance

A

the ratio of the charge stored on 1 plate to the voltage across the whole capacitor
C = Q/V
C = 𝞮₀ (A/d)
Units in Farad. 1F = 1 C/V

101
Q

Uniform electric field

A

Creates a separation of charges

E = V/d

102
Q

Dielectric material

A

An insulator. When a insulator is introduced between the plates of a capacitor, the capacitance increases by a factor called the dielectric constant (𝜅).

103
Q

Capacitors in series and parallel

A 
1/C𝑠 = 1/C₁+1/C₂+1/C₃+…
C𝗉 = C₁+C₂+C₃+…
104
Q

Wave speed

A

v = fλ —> f = v/λ -> f = c/λ

105
Q

Wave period

A

T = 1/f —> f = 1/T

f is in units of cycles/sec or Hz

106
Q

Range of human ear

A

Frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz

107
Q

Ultrasonic waves

A

Frequencies higher than normal human hearing (>20 kHz)

108
Q

Damping

A

Also called attenuation. Causes a decrease in the amplitude (an interruption) due to a nonconservative force

109
Q

Sound wave speed

A

Sound waves are longitudinal waves that can only be transmitted through a medium (speed through a medium: gas < liquid < solid)
v = √B/𝜌

110
Q

Doppler effect

A

fo = f𝘴 (v±vo / v∓v𝘴)
The upper sign is used if the detector or source is moving toward the object
The lower sign is used if the detector or source is moving away from the object

111
Q

Intensity

A

I = Power/Area in W/m²

*I = 2π²𝒑𝒇²A²𝐯

112
Q

Threshold of hearing (I₀)

A

1 x 10⁻¹² W/m² or 0 dB

113
Q

Sound level

A

β = 10 log I(final)/I₀

measured in decibels (dB)

114
Q

Visible light spectrum

A

700nm - 400nm (red —> purple)

115
Q

Electromagnetic spectrum

A

Radio–>micro–>IR–>visible light–>UV–>X-ray–>Gamma

116
Q

Speed of light

A

The speed of light (c) is 3 x 10⁸ m/s

c = λf

117
Q

Optics (mirror/lens) equation

A

1/f = 1/o + 1/i = 2/r

118
Q

Magnification

A

m = - i/o
If |m| <1 then the image is smaller than the object (reduced)
If |m| >1 then the image is larger than the object (enlarged)

119
Q

Converging mirrors

A

Positive focal length (positive power)

  • Behind focal point - real, inverted, magnified
  • On focal point - no image
  • Front focal point - virtual, upright, magnified
120
Q

Diverging optics

A

Negative focal length (negative power)

- Object only forms virtual, upright, reduced images (Ex/ parking garage mirrors).

121
Q

Snell’s law

A

n = c/v –> n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂

  • n = index of refraction (refraction is due to wavelength)
  • v is the speed in the medium (gas > liquid > solid)
  • n and v have an inverse relationship
  • 1 is where light is coming from and 2 is where it is entering
122
Q

Power (optics)

A 
p = 1/f
Power is (+) for converging lens and (-) for diverging lens
123
Q

Hyperoptia

A

farsightedness

124
Q

Myopia

A

nearsightedness

125
Q

Spherical aberration

A

Occurs when there is blurring of the periphery of an image

and is the result of inadequate reflection or refraction of parallel beams

126
Q

Plane polarized light

A

Light is polarized when the electric and magnetic fields are oriented in a particular (not random) way. It exhibits a particular alignment, separation, or orientation

127
Q

Florescence

A

emission of light after the absorption of light

128
Q

Chromatic aberration

A

occurs when there is a splitting of white light due to the thickness and curvature of a lens that results in rainbow halos around images

129
Q

Diffraction

A

process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or opening

130
Q

Dispersion

A

occurs when various wavelengths of light separate from each other after traveling through a medium

131
Q

Refraction

A

The bending of light as it moves from one medium to another changing the speed. This has to do based on wavelength (not frequency)

132
Q

Threshold frequency

A

fT, the minimum amount of light (photons) that causes ejection of electrons from a metal
where the energy of each photon is E= hf

133
Q

Plank’s constant

A

f = Plank’s constant = 6.6 x 10⁻³⁴ J·s

134
Q

Mass defect

A

the difference between the sum of all individual nucleons (protons and neutrons) in a nucleus and the actual mass of the nucleus
E = mc²

135
Q

Binding energy

A

energy that holds the nucleons together at the low energy level. The difference of energy is radiated away (heat, light, radiation)

136
Q

Isotopic notation

A

ᴬzX where A is the mass number (protons+neutrons) and Z is the atomic number (# of protons)

137
Q

Fusion

A

occurs when small nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus

138
Q

Fission

A

occurs when a large nucleus splits into smaller nuclei

139
Q

Radioactive decay

A

ᴬzX —> ᴬzY + decayed particle where X is the parent nucleus and Y is the daughter nucleus. It is a function of isotopes

140
Q

Alpha decay

A

The emission of an α-particle (⁴₂He). The daughter nucleus will have 2 less protons than the parent. The mass number will be 4 less

141
Q

Beta decay

A

The breakdown of a neutron into a proton and electron and the emission of a newly created electron (⁰-₁e⁻). The mass number stays the same, but the atomic number increases by 1

142
Q

Positron emission

A

The emission of a positron (⁰-₁β⁺) when a proton becomes a neutron. This is a type of β decay. A positron can be thought of as an electron with a positive charge (⁰₁e⁻). The mass number will stay the same, but the atomic number will decrease by 1

143
Q

Gamma decay

A

Also called gamma ray emission, occurs when an electron and positron collide. It accompanies other types of radioactive decay and does not change the identity of atom from which it is given off
⁰₁e⁻ + ⁰-₁e⁻ -> ⁰₀𝛾 + ⁰₀𝛾

144
Q

Electron capture

A

The capture of an electron (⁰-₁e⁻) and the merging of that electron w/ a proton to create a neutron. The mass number of the product stays the same, but the atomic number will decrease by 1. Emission of 𝛾-rays (⁰₀𝛾), which are high frequency photons, occurs also

145
Q

Half life

A

The time it takes for half the sample to decay. All atoms other than hydrogen are subject to some type of spontaneous decay.
(1/2)ˣ = y where x = the # of half lives and y = the amount of sample left after time has passed

146
Q

Exponential decay

A

Describes how the number of radioactive nuclei changes with time

147
Q

Variables of half life problems

A

1) initial amount of substance 2) final amount of substance 3) length of half life 4) the number of half lives

148
Q

Axis of phase change diagram

A

Energy on the X axis and temperature on the Y axis

149
Q

Translational equilibrium

A

An object is in translational equilibrium when the sum of all the external forces acting on the object equals zero

150
Q

Force (electric field)

A

F = qE

151
Q

Photoelectric effect

A

When photons strike metal and cause the ejection of electrons

152
Q

Wavenumber

A

The inverse of wavelength (λ)

153
Q

Rigidity

A

Inversely proportional to the delocalization of e- meaning if a double bond has more resonance structures, it is less rigid. Ex/ ethene is more rigid than ozone

154
Q

Right hand rule

A

Point your thumb in the direction of the current and wrap your fingers around the current carrying wire. Your fingers represent the circular field lines, curling around the wire.

155
Q

Internal resistance

A

If internal resistance is non-negligible, then the emf of the circuit must be greater than the voltage applied.
V = emf - i·r(internal)

156
Q

Resonance

A

When the natural frequency and the driving force are equal

157
Q

To resonate

A

vibrate

158
Q

Heat capacity

A

C = mc -> q = CΔT = mcΔT

MCAT (7 decks)

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