Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

MCAT > PHYSICS FINAL REVIEW > Flashcards

PHYSICS FINAL REVIEW Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
MCAT flashcards
1
Q

M, k, d, c, m, u, n, p prefixes

A

Mega, kilo, deci, centi, milli, micro, nano, pico

10^6, 10^3, 10^-1, 10^-2, 10^-3, 10^-6, 10^-9, 10^-12

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Sin 0, 30, 45, 60, 90

A 
Sin 0 = 0 
Sin 30 = .5
Sin 45 = .7 
Sin 60 = .9
Sin 90 = 1
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Cos 0, 30, 45, 60, 90

A 
Cos 0 = 1 
Cos 30 = .9 
Cos 45 = . 7
Cos 60 = .5
Cos 90 = .0
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Tan 0, 30, 45, 60, 90

A 
Tan 0 = 0
Tan 30 = .5
Tan 45 = 1
Tan 60 = 2
Tan 90 = undefined
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

velocity equation

A

average velocity ⊽= Δx/Δt

Δx = displacement, Δt = change in time
does not account for distance traveled

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

speed equation

A

average speed: v= distance/time

accounts for distance traveled

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

velocity vs speed

A

speed is a scalar quality, the rate at which an object covers distance; velocity is a vector quality, and the rate at which the position changes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Gravitational force equation

A

F = GMm / r^2

G= gravitational constant, M= mass 1, m= mass 2, r=distance between center of mass
pay attention to the relationship between r and force
as r doubles, force is divided by four

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

SI Units

Density
Force
Pressure
Temperature
Energy
Power
Charge
Potential
Current
Resistance
Magnetic Field
A 
Density = kg/m^3
Force = N
Pressure = Pa
Temperature = K
Energy = J
Power = W
Charge = C
Potential = V
Current = A
Resistance = Ohm
Magnetic field = Tesla
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

static friction and kinetic friction equations and application

A

static friction: fS MAX = ukN
stationary objects

  • can experience the minimum static force (0) if the object is resting on a surface with no applied force
  • when static friction is overwhelmed the object will move
kinetic friction: fK = ukN
sliding objects (sleds, not tires)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Weight equation

A

Fg (weight) = mg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Acceleration equation

A

average acceleration
Δv/Δt

  • change in velocity over time
  • the value of speed/velocity, distance/displacement are interchangeable in this case
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Newton’s first law equation

A

FNET = ma = 0

A body will remain in its motion unless a net force acts upon it
law of inertia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Newton’s second law equation

A

FNET = ma

Force is equal to change in momentum per change in time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Newton’s third law equation

A

FAB = -FBA

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Linear motion equations (velocity, displacement, acceleration, and time)

A

V = V0 + at
final velocity = initial velocity + acceleration*time

x = V0t + 1/2at^2
displacement = initial velocity(time) + 1/2acceleration*time^2
v^2 = v0^2 + 2ax
velocity^2 = initial velocity^2 + 2ax
x = vt
displacement = average velocity * time
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

How to analyze projectile motion

A

analyze the vertical and horizontal values separately
vy will change at the rate of gravity as acceleration
vx will not change

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Inclined planes, Force of gravity parallel to plane and perpendicular to plane

A

Fg (parallel to plane) = mgsinፀ

Fg (perpendicular to plane) = mgcosፀ

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Circular motion equation

A

Fc= mv^2/r
centripetal force = mass * velocity^2 / radius
acceleration is therefore v^2/r

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How to draw free body diagrams

A

make sure to draw for any calculation on forces

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is translational equilibrium

A

when the vector sum of all the forces acting on an object is zero
constant speed and constant direction, zero acceleration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is rotational equilibrium

A

when the vector sum of all the torques acting on an object is zero
constant angular velocity (probably zero)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Equation for kinetic energy

A

K = ½ mv^2

units of Joules (like all energy)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Equation for gravitational potential energy

A

U= mgh

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Equation for elastic potential energy

A

U=1/2kx^2

x is the magnitude of displacement from equilibrium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Equation for total mechanical energy

A

E = U + K

  • energy is never created or destroyed, merely transformed
  • this equation does not account for thermal energy so E can decrease
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What are the conservative forces and what does that mean

A

Conservative forces are those that are path independent and that do not dissipate energy, △E = △U + △K = 0

Gravitational, Electrostatic, and Elastic

If the change in energy around any round-trip path is zero, or if the change in energy is equal despite taking any path between two points, then the force is conservative

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What are nonconservative forces

A

Nonconservative forces are when total mechanical energy is not conserved

Wnonconservative = △E = △U + △K

Wnonconservative is the work done by the nonconservative forces only

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Work equation for displacement vectors

A

Work is a form of energy. The transfer of energy by work or heat is the only way by which anything occurs

W = Fdcosθ
θ is the angle between the applied force vector and the displacement vector

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Work equation for change in volume with constant pressure

A

Work is a form of energy. The transfer of energy by work or heat is the only way by which anything occurs

W = P△V for change in volume with constant pressure

if volume stays constant no work is done

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Power equation

A

P = W/t = △E/t

unit is the watt, which is a J/s

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Work equation for energy change

A

Work-energy theorem
Work equals change in kinetic energy
Wnet = △K = KEf - KEi

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Mechanical advantage

A

Mechanical advantage = Forceout/Forcein

deals with forces

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Efficiency equation

A

Efficiency = Workout/Workin
deals with work
=load(load distance) / effort(effort distance)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Zeroth law of thermodynamics

A

if A is in thermal equilibrium with B and C is in thermal equilibrium with C, A is in thermal equilibrium with C

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Converting between temperature equation

A

F = 9/5C + 32

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

heat vs temperature

A

heat is the transfer of thermal energy between systems as a result of different temperatures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

thermal expansion equations for length and volume

A

△L = αL△T
Change in length = (coefficient of thermal expansion)(Original length)(Temperature change in Celsius)

for liquids: △V = βV△T
beta is coefficient of volumetric expansion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Types of systems

A

Isolated systems
not capable of exchanging energy or matter with their surroundings

Closed systems
capable of exchanging energy, but not matter, with the surroundings

Open systems
can exchange both matter and energy with the environment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

State functions

A

thermodynamic properties that are independent of the path taken to get to a particular equilibrium state

Pressure, density, temperature(not heat), volume, enthalpy, internal energy, gibbs free energy, entropy

Process functions on the other hand describe the path taken to get from one state to another

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

First law of thermodynamics

A

△U = Q - W

change in system’s internal energy = energy transferred as heat - work done by the system

change in internal energy = temperature

+q = heat into system

+w = work done by the system (expansion)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Three methods of heat transfer

A

Conduction is direct transfer of heat through molecular collisions
Convection is transfer of heat by the physical motion of a fluid over a material
Radiation is the transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Specific heat equation

A

q=mc△T

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Cal to cal to J to BTU equation

A

1 Cal = 10^3 cal = 4200 J = 4 BTU

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Heat of transformation equation

A

q=mL

L is latent heat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Types of thermodynamic processes

A

Isothermal - constant temperature
no change in internal energy

Adiabatic - no heat exchange

Isobaric - constant pressure

Isovolumetric (isochoric) - no volume change

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Second law of thermodynamics

A

objects in thermal contact but not thermal equilibrium will transfer heat from higher temperature to lower temperature

-Isolated systems go towards higher entropy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Entropy equation

A

entropy is the heat gained or lost in a reversible process divided by the temperature in kelvin

△S = Qrev/T

when energy is distributed into a system at a steady temperature, entropy increases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Restating the second law in an equation

A

△Suniverse = △Ssystem + △Ssurroundings > 0

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

simple density equation, density of water (which unit is 1000?)

A

p = m/V
density =mass/volume
density of water = 1g/cm^3 or 1000kg/l^3

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Finding the density of a fluid from weight and volume, or vice versa

A

Fg(weight) = pVg

Weight = density * volume * gravity

(F=ma with m = density*volume)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Specific gravity

A

Specific gravity is a unitless ratio of density/density of water
Ex: 877kg/m^3 =.877 specific gravity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

Simple pressure equation

A

P = F/A

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Absolute pressure and equation

A

Absolute pressure (hydrostatic) is the total pressure exerted on an object that is submerged in fluid (both liquid and gas)

P = p0 + pgh

P is absolute pressure, P0 is incident or ambient pressure, p is density of fluid, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is depth
P0 is often atmospheric pressure but not always

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Fluid pressure equation

A

Pf = pgh

density of fluid * gravity * depth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

Conversion between Pa, mmHG, torr, and atm

A

10^5 Pa = 760mmHG =760 torr = 1 atm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

Gauge pressure and equation

A

Gauge pressure in the difference in atmospheric pressure and absolute pressure

Pgauge = Pressure - Patm = (pgh) - Patm

pgh = densitygravitydepth

(Absolute pressure is gauge pressure measured in a vacuum)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

Hydraulic systems principles equations

A

a change in pressure will be transmitted undiminished to every portion of the fluid an to the walls of the containing vessel

Hydraulic systems
P = F1/A1 = F2/A2
force and area are a fixed ratio for both sides of a hydraulic system (the force is proportional to the area)

V = A1d1 = A2d2
(Area)(distance) on both sides is equal (the distance is inversely proportional to the area)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

Archimedes principle equation (Force of bouyancy)

A

Fbouyancy = pfluidVsubmergedg

Bouyancy force = weight of displaced fluid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

Surface tension

A

results from cohesion between molecules due to IMFs

adhesion is the attractive force that a molecule of the liquid feels toward the molecules of some other substance

A meniscus occurs due to adhesion with the side of the container, a convex meniscus occurs when the adhesive forces are greater than cohesive forces

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

viscosity

A

viscosity (η) is the resistance of a fluid to flow
increased viscosity increases its viscous drag
-analogous to air resistance

those with lower viscosities behave more like ideals fluids, which are inviscid
-we assume this for the MCAT

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

Poiseulle’s Law (Laminar flow)

A

Laminar flow, can be modeled through Poiseuille’s Law

Q = ΔPπr^4 / 8ηl

pay attention to:
radius to the fourth power and pressure change on the numerator
viscosity and length are the denominator

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

Turbulent flow

A

Turbulent flow is rough, causes formation of eddies

eddies are swirls of fluid of varying sizes
laminar flow occurs at the boundaries in a boundary layer

can arise when the speed of the fluid exceeds a certain critical speed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

critical speed equation

A

vc = Nrη / pD

vc is the critical speed
Nr is a constant called the Reynolds number
η is viscosity
p is density of the fluid 
D is diameter of the tube

Most likely just need to understand the concept/relationships

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

flow rate and linear speed through a pipe equation

A

Q (flow rate) = v1 (linear speed) * A1 (cross sectional area)

Area = pi*r^2

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

Bernoulli’s equation

A

P + 1/2pv^2 + pgh = CONSTANT
Pressure energy + Kinetic energy + pressure is constant

P is absolute pressure, p is density, v is linear speed, g is gravity, h is average height of flow

velocity and pressure are inversely related

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

electrostatic force between two charges

A

Fe = kq1q2/r^2

similar to gravitational force, with k instead of G and q instead of m

quantities the magnitude

repulsive forces lead to positive electrostatic force

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

Energy of an electric field equation

A

E = Fe / q = kQ / r^2

equal to the electrostatic force divided by charge placed in the electric field

Q is stationary source charge that creates the electric field

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

Electric potential energy equation

A

U = kQq/r

similar to gravitational energy in the same way as the electrostatic force is similar to the gravitational force

energy ends with /r, force ends with /r^2

repulsive forces lead to positive energy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

Electric potential equation

A

a charges potential energy divided by the magnitude of its charge
V = U/q = kQ/r
measured in volts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

Potential difference

A

Difference in electric potential

potential difference between two charges gives voltage

ΔV = Vb - Va = Wab/q

Wab is the work needed to move a test charge q through an electric field from point a to b

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

Equipotential line

A

An equipotential line is a line on which the potential at every point is the same

the potential difference between any two points on an equipotential line is zero

73
Q

Electric dipole and dipole moment

A

results from two equal and opposite charges being separated a small distance d from each other

dipole moment is a vector that is a product of charge and separation distance

p = qd

74
Q

magnetic field equation for a straight wire, direction of field vectors

A

All moving charges create a magnetic field, field lines point from north to south

B = μ0I / 2πr
B is the magnetic field, μ0 is the permeability of free space, I is the current, r is the distance from the wire

The direction of the field vectors can be determined using the right hand rule (I)
point your thumb in the direction of the current, your fingers will wrap in a way that mimics the circular field lines

75
Q

magnetic field equation for the center of the circular loop

A

B = μ0I / 2r for the magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of the circular loop

76
Q

Units for magnetic field

A

Tesla and gauss are the units for magnetic field strength, one tesla = 10^4 gauss

77
Q

Diamagnetic vs paramagnetic vs ferromagnetic

A

Diamagnetic materials have no net magnetic field and are slightly repelled by a magnet
wood, plastic, water, glass, skin

Paramagnetic materials have unpaired electrons and will become slightly magnetized
aluminum, copper, gold

Ferromagnetic materials have unpaired electrons and will become strongly magnetized
iron, nickel, cobalt

78
Q

Magnetic force and equation with respect to a charge

A

FB = qvBsinθ

q is the charge, v is the magnitude of its velocity, B is the magnitude of the magnetic field, and θ is the smallest angle between the velocity vector v and the magnetic field vector B

79
Q

Magnetic force and equation with respect to a current carrying wire

A

For a current carrying wire: FB = ILBsinθ

where I is the current, L is the length of the wire in the field, B is the magnitude of the magnetic field, and θ is the angle between L and B

80
Q

determining the direction of the magnetic force on a moving charge

A

the direction of the magnetic force on a moving charge can be determined using a right hand rule (II)

thumb in the direction of the velocity vector, fingers in the direction of the magnetic field lines.

Your palm will point in the direction of the force vector for a positive charge, whereas the back of your hand will point in the direction of the force vector for a negative charge

81
Q

Metallic vs electrolytic conductivity

A

Metallic conductivity
metallic bond can be visualized as a sea of electrons flowing over and past a rigid lattice of metal cations

Electrolytic conductivity
not substantially different from metallic conductivity, but depends on the strength of the solution

82
Q

Current equation and patterns of flow

A

Current is the amount of charge passing through the conductor per unit time

I = Q/Δt

unit of Ampere (1A = C/s)

two patterns of flow, direct current and alternating current

83
Q

potential difference, voltage, and electromotive force

A

Potential difference (voltage) can be produced by an electric generator, galvanic cell, etc

When no charge is moving between the two terminals of a cell that are at different potential values, the voltage is called the electromotive force (emf)

84
Q

Resistance of a resistor calculation

A

On a resistor, calculated using R = pL/A

p is the resistivity

85
Q

Relationship between voltage, current, and resistance formula

A

V = IR

voltage is measured in Ohms

86
Q

Internal resistance affect on current equation

A

Internal resistance lowers the amount of voltage supplied to a circuit through the equation:
V = Ecell - I(r)
Ecell is emf of the cell, I is the current, r is the internal resistance

87
Q

Simple power equation

A

P = W/t = ΔE/t

88
Q

Power equations with respect to current, voltage, and resistance

A

Power is the current times voltage drop
P = IV

and the current^2 times resistance if combined with Ohm’s Law
P = I^2R

and the voltage squared divided by resistance if combined with Ohm’s law
P = V^2/R

89
Q

Resistors in series or parallel equation

A

Resistance is additive in series
Rtotal = R1 + R2 …
In parallel it decreases
1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 …

90
Q

Simple capacitance equation

A

Capacitance is defined as the charge over voltage

C = Q/V

unit of farad

91
Q

Capacitance of parallel plate equation

Electric field equation

A

In a parallel plate, C = ε0(A/d)

A is the area of overlap of the two plates and d is the separation, ε0 is permittivity constant

Separation of charges sets up a uniform electric field, calculated as E = V/d
(this can be used for the cell membrane)

92
Q

Potential energy stored in a capacitor equation

A

U = 1/2CV^2

93
Q

affect of dielectric materials on capacitance equation

A

insulation, when introduced in between the plates of a capacitor it increases the capacitance by a factor called the dielectric constant

C’ = kC
with k being the dielectric constant and C being the old capacitance

94
Q

change in voltage when a dielectric is placed in an isolated capacitor vs circuit capacitor

A

when a dielectric is placed in an isolated, charged capacitor, the voltage decreases

  • this increases capacitance as a result
  • due to the dielectric material shielding the opposite charges from each other

when a dielectric is placed in a circuit capacitor (still connected to a voltage source) the charge increases, but the voltage remains constant
-This increases the capacitance

95
Q

Capacitors in Series or Parallel equation

A

Capacitance decreases in series
1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2 …

Capacitance is additive in parallel
Ctotal = C1 + C2 …

opposite of resistance

96
Q

Ammeters, Voltmeters, and Ohmmeters

A

Ammeters
used to measure the current at some point within a circuit, requires the circuit to be on
ideal have zero resistance

Voltmeters
like an ammeter, but used to measure the voltage drop across two points

Ohmmeters
does not require a circuit to be active, have their own battery of known voltage

97
Q

Sinusoidal waves and types

A

Primary focus of MCAT, the individual particles oscillate back and forth with a displacement that follows a sinusoidal pattern

Transverse waves
Those in which the direction of particle oscillation is perpendicular to the propagation of the wave
EM waves (visible light, etc)

Longitudinal waves
Ones in which the particles of the wave oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation; in the direction of energy transfer
exhibit cycles of compression and rarefaction (decompression)
slinky flat on a table top and tapping it

98
Q

propagation speed of waves

A

propagation speed (v) = frequency (f) * wavelength (λ)

must understand this relationship well

99
Q

Period and frequency relationship of waves, angular frequency

A

Period (T) = 1 / frequency (f)

This equation can be reversed too, know that they are inversely related

100
Q

Maximum phase difference

A

180 degrees

101
Q

angular frequency

A

angular frequency (ω) = 2πf = 2π/T

102
Q

Constructive and destructive interference

A

constructive interference
when the waves are perfectly in phase

destructive interference
when the waves are perfectly out of phase
noise-cancelling headphones

partially constructive or partially destructive interference
when the waves are not perfectly in or out of phase

103
Q

resonance, timbre, forced oscillation, and natural frequency

A

objects have natural frequencies at which they vibrate
the quality of the sound, called timbre, is determined by the natural frequency or frequencies of the object
sounds that we don’t consider musical are called “noise”

forced oscillation

  • if a periodically varying force is applied to a system, the system will be driven at a frequency equal to the frequency of the force
  • example: if the force frequency is identical to the swing of a swingset, the swing becomes larger

if the frequency of the periodic force is equal to the natural frequency of the system, the system is said to be resonating

104
Q

attenuation

A

a decrease in amplitude of a wave caused by an applied or nonconservative force

sound is subject to the same nonconservative forces as any traveling object

105
Q

What is sound?

A

a longitudinal wave transmitted by the oscillation of particles in a deformable medium

produced by the mechanical disturbance of particles in a material

106
Q

speed of sound related to bulk modulus and density and equation

A

speed of sound is equal to the square root of the bulk modulus divided by the density of the medium
V = sqrt(B/p)

bulk modulus increases from gas to solid more than density increases

107
Q

pitch; infrasonic and ultrasonic

A

our perception of the frequency of sound

below 20Hz is infrasonic, above 20,000Hz is ultrasonic

108
Q

Doppler effect and formula for different directions

A

frequency we perceive depends on the speed and direction of the object producing the sound

f’ = f(v-vo)/(v-vs)

  • vd is speed of detector, vs is speed of source
  • this setup is if the source is chasing the observer

f’ = f(v+vo)/(v+vs)
-this setup is if the observer is chasing the source

f’ = f(v+vo)/(v-vs)

  • this setup gives the maximum observed freq, with both moving towards each other
  • because the source is on the bottom, it moving away from the observer causes the observed frequency to increase. because the observer is on the top, it moving towards the observer causes the observed frequency to increase

used in echolocation

109
Q

Shock wave

A

special case of the doppler effect

an object is producing sound while traveling at or above the speed of sound

allows wave to stack, creating very high amplitude

  • this causes a highly condensed wave called a shock wave
  • high pressure followed by low pressure creates a sonic boom
110
Q

Intensity equation

A 
Intensity = Power / Area
I = P/A
111
Q

Decibel equation

A

ß = 10logI/I0
ß = sound level, I = intensity of sound wave, I0 = threshold of hearing
a sound level of 0dB is 10^-12 W/m^2
a sound level of 100dB is 10^-2 W/m^2

112
Q

equation for combining two sound levels

A

Sound level is additive

new sound level can be taken by adding past sound level and new one calculated using equation above

113
Q

Beat frequency and equation

A

periodic increase in volume due to a difference in pitch

fbeat = f1 - f2

114
Q

type of boundary and type of node in standing waves

A

Standing waves contain nodes and antinodes

closed boundaries do not allow oscillation, correspond to nodes
nodes have no fluctuation in displacement

open boundaries allow maximal oscillation and correspond to antinodes
antinodes have maximum fluctuation in displacement

115
Q

wavelength of a standing wave and the length of string that supports it equation

A

wavelength of a standing wave and the length of string the supports it is:
λ= 2L / n

λ is wavelength, L is length, n is harmonic number (integer)

116
Q

possible frequencies of a string equation

A

f = nv / 2L

v is wave speed

117
Q

harmonic number

A

number of half-wavelengths supported by the string

doubling doubles the frequency and halves the wavelength

all the possible frequencies that the string can support form its harmonic series

118
Q

open pipe and first harmonic

A

has antinodes at both ends

if only one node in between, length equals half of the wavelength of the standing wave (first harmonic)

119
Q

closed pipe and first harmonic

A

has nodes at closed end, antinode at open end
-first harmonic corresponds to only those two, length equals one quarter wavelength of the standing wave per each harmonic

120
Q

usage of ultrasound

A

Ultrasound can be used in diagnostics (imaging) or therapy (increases blood flow)

121
Q

Order of electromagnetic spectrum

A

From longest to shortest:
Radiowaves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-ray, gamma rays

Rabbits mate in very unusual expensive gardens

122
Q

Order of visible lights with wavelengths

A

from longest to shortest
700nm to 400nm

Roy G Biv

123
Q

speed of light equation

A

speed of light = frequency times wavelength

c = fλ

124
Q

Reflection and equation

A

the rebounding of incident light waves at the boundary of a medium

Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection from the normal

θ1 = θ2
-this is the angle from normal, not the ground

125
Q

Real reflection

A

an image is real if the light converges at the position of the image

always inverted

126
Q

Virtual reflection

A

an image is virtual if the light only appears to be coming from the position of the image but does not actually converge there

always upright

127
Q

Plane mirrors

A

causes neither convergence or divergence of reflected light ways
reflection is always virtual
-appearance of light from behind the surface

can be conceptualized as spherical mirrors with an infinite radius of curvature

128
Q

Spherical mirrors

A

have an associated radius of curvature

center of curvature is the center of the theoretical circle if the mirror were a complete sphere

Concave mirrors are called converging mirrors and convex mirrors are called diverging mirrors

129
Q

focal length master equation and interpretation

A

1/f = 1/o + 1/i = 2/r
focal length = radius of curvature / 2
1/focal length = 1/object distance + 1/image distance

if image distance is positive, it indicates a real image (in front of the mirror)
if the image distance is negative, it indicates a virtual image (behind the mirror)

130
Q

magnification equation and interpretation

A

m = -i / o
magnification is the negative ratio of the image distance to the object distance

negative magnification signifies an inverted, real image

positive magnification signifies an upright, virtual image

if ImI < 0, image is reduced, opposite is enlarged

object distance is always positive for MCAT
image distance is positive if real, negative if virtual

131
Q

adding together the magnification of multiple lens

A

m1 x m2 x m3 . . .

magnification is multiplicative

132
Q

Image from converging mirror/lens with varying distances from the mirror/lens

A

Object = one focal length away: no image is formed

Object < one focal length away: image is upright, virtual, magnified
-the light has not converged yet

Object > one focal length away: image is inverted, real, and magnified

133
Q

Image from diverging mirror/lens with varying distances from the mirror/lens

A

image is always upright, virtual, reduced

  • light cannot converge in a diverging system
  • appears closer to mirror than it is
134
Q

speed of light in a new material equation

A

speed of light always less than c unless in a vacuum

n = c/v
n is a dimensionless quantity called the index of refraction, v is speed of light in the medium

135
Q

index of refractions of air, water, glass, diamond

A 
air = 1
water = 1.33
glass = 1.5
diamond = 2.4
136
Q

Snell’s law (angle of refraction)

A

n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2

theta is still measured with respect to the normal
light always bends towards the normal in a medium with a higher index of refraction

137
Q

Total internal reflection and equation

A

θc = sin^-1(n2/n1)

If the angle is above this angle, the refracted light ray passes along the interface between the two media

138
Q

Lensmaker’s equation for when the thickness of a lens cannot be neglected (focal length, index of refraction, and radius of curvatures)

A

1/f = (n-1)(1/r1 - 1/r2)
f is focal length, n is index of refraction for the lens, r1 is the radius of curvature for first lens surface, r2 is radius of curvature for the second lens surface

139
Q

focal distance equation of a lens

A

1/f = 1/o + 1/i = 2/r still applies for lens

a positive i still indicates that the image is real, which now means it was on the opposite side of of the light source

convex lens is converging, while concave lens is diverging
-opposite of mirror

140
Q

Power of a lens equation, sign for converging vs diverging lens

A

measured in diopters, inverse of focal length
P = 1/f

P has the same sign as f, and is therefore positive for a converging lens (convex) and negative for a diverging lens (concave)

141
Q

how to add together the power of multiple lens

how to add together the focal length of multiple lens

A

P1 + P2 + P3 . . .

Power is additive, which means focal length adds like:
1/f1 + 1/f2 + 1/f3 …

142
Q

Spherical aberration

A

a result of imperfect lens in which there is a blurring of the periphery of an image as a result of inadequate reflection of parallel beams
very slightly different image distances at the edge of the imag

143
Q

Dispersion

A

when various wavelengths of light separate from each other

violet light is the smallest wavelength and bends the most

if n = c/v, wavelength can change with respect to n if the speed of light is the same

144
Q

Chromatic aberration

A

depending on the thickness and curvature of of the lens, there may be a significant splitting of white light

145
Q

Diffraction; maxima and minima

A

the spreading out of light as it passes through a narrow aperture or around an obstacle

Creates maximum (central bright fringe) and minima (location of dark fringes)
maxima are places of constructive interference while minima are positions of destructive interference
146
Q

Diffraction gratings

A

Diffraction gratings consist of multiple slits arranged in patterns
Can create colorful patterns similar to a prism as the different wavelengths interfere in characteristic patterns
grooves on a DVD, thin films like soap bubbles or oil puddles

147
Q

X-ray diffraction

A

uses the bending of light rays to create a model of molecules

dark and light fringes do not take on a linear appearance, but rather a complex two dimensional image

148
Q

Plane polarized light

A

the electric fields of all the waves are orientated in the same directions

used to determine chirality

149
Q

Circular polarization

A

rarely seen phenomenon, interaction of light with certain pigments or highly specialized filters
uniform amplitude but continuously changing direction

150
Q

Photoelectric effect

A

When light is incident on a metal in a vacuum, the metal atoms emit electrons. Electrons liberated will produce a net charge flow per unit time, or current
occurs in chlorophyll

Supports the particle theory of light

151
Q

Threshold frequency of light and equation

A

the minimum frequency of light that causes ejection of electrons
Photoelectric effect is an all or nothing response

E = hf
the energy of each photon is proportional to the frequency of the light multiplied by planck’s constant h
lower frequency = higher wavelength = lower energy

152
Q

kinetic energy of ejected electrons equation

A

Kmax = hf - BE
Maximum kinetic energy of the ejected electron = photon energy - binding energy/ work
h is planck’s constant

Work = BE = hf0
where f0 is threshold frequency

minimum energy required to eject an electron, related to the threshold frequency of the metal
kinetic energy can be anywhere from zero to maximum

153
Q

Nuclear binding energy, mass defect and equation, and strong nuclear force

A

The actual mass of every nucleus is slightly smaller than the masses of the protons and neutrons

E = mc^2
calculates the mass defect, c is the speed of light
the mass defect is a result of matter that has been converted to energy

A strong nuclear force keeps protons and neutrons together
-very short range but very strong

Binding energy is the energy needed to decompose the nucleus into separate protons and neutrons

  • exactly the same magnitude as the mass defect
  • intermediate-sized nuclei are the most stable
154
Q

Atomic number

A

Z- number of protons

155
Q

Mass number

A

A- number of protons and neutrons

156
Q

Fusion

A

small nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus

mass defect is emitted

157
Q

Fission

A

large nuclei split into smaller nuclei

spontaneous fission rarely occurs, but can be induced through the absorption of a low-energy neutron

158
Q

Radioactive decay

A

Naturally occurring and spontaneous

Atomic number and mass number must be the same on both sides of the equation

159
Q

Alpha radioactive decay

A

an alpha-particle is a He nucleus
two protons, two neutrons
the atomic number of the daughter nucleus will be two less than that of the parent nucleus, and the mass number will be four less

160
Q

Beta radioactive decay

A

a beta particle is an electron
beta- decay is the loss of an electron
the atomic number of the daughter nucleus will be one higher, but the mass number will not change

beta+ decay is the loss of a positron
the atomic number of the daughter nucleus will be one lower
in some cases of induced decay

161
Q

Gamma radioactive decay

A

a gamma ray is a high energy photon, carries no charge

simply lower the energy of the parent nucleus without changing the mass number or the atomic number

162
Q

Electron capture radioactive decay

A

rare process where an inner electron combines with a proton to form a neutrino

decreases the atomic number by one
-the reverse of beta- decay, the same as beta+ decay

163
Q

Half-life

A

time it takes for half the sample to decay

164
Q

What to do if you are give an e value with a decay question?

A

multiply original mole amount times the e value to get the moles of product

165
Q

Converting between scientific notation (Ex: 10^-3 =?)

A

10^3 = + ,000

10^-3 = - ,000

166
Q

logarithmic base 10 estimation (ex: log1000)

A

log(10n) = n
the times 10 needs to be multiplied by itself to equal the number

log1000 = 3

167
Q

estimating pH

A

If [H+] = m x 10^-n , pH ≈ n-1.10-m or n-.m

168
Q

FINER method

A

The FINER method assesses the value of a research question on the basis of whether or not it is feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant

169
Q

positive vs negative controls

A

positive controls ensure that a change in the dependent variable occurs when expected

negative controls ensure that no change in the dependent variable occurs when none is expected

170
Q

Accuracy vs precision

A

Accuracy is the quality of approximating the true value

Precision is the quality of being consistent with approximations

171
Q

Hill’s criteria

A

Causality in observational studies is supported by Hill’s criteria, which include temporality, strength, dose-response relationships, consistency, plausibility, consideration of alternative explanations, experiments, specificity, and coherence

172
Q

Medical ethics

A 
Medical ethics includes
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
autonomy
justice
173
Q

Internal vs external validity

A

Internal validity refers to the identification of causality in a study between the independent and dependent variables
External validity refers to the ability of a study to be generalizable

174
Q

Statistical vs clinical significance

A

Statistical significance refers to the low likelihood of the experimental findings being due to change

Clinical significance refers to the usefulness or importance of experimental findings to patient care or patient outcomes

175
Q

Force of charged particle in a magnetic field formula

A

F = qvBsin(theta)

theta is the angle between velocity and magnetic field

176
Q

Magnetic force for a wire exposed to a magnetic field formula

A

F = ILBsin(theta)

theta is the angle between field and wire
B is magnetic field, I is current, L is length of wire

177
Q

How does a magnetic field do work on a charged particle?

A

It doesn’t, it just redirects the energy. (No change in velocity, only direction)

178
Q

Right hand rule for where a particle would go if it experiences a magnetic field

A

The direction of the magnetic force F is perpendicular to the plane formed by v and B
With a flat hand, Magnetic field is index finger, velocity is thumb, and force is the direction of the palm

179
Q

Electric Field Equation

A

E = V/d

(Volts/meter) = Volts/meter

MCAT (10 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions