Physics Paper 1 Flashcards
What is specific latent heat capacity of a substance
The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kg of the substance by one degree celcius
What is energy
The measure of the ability of an object or system to perform work
What is the conservation of energy
The total energy of a system is constant I.e. every can’t be created or destroyed but only transferred from one store into another
What is thermal insulation for
To reduce the rate of energy flow
What is renewable energy resources
Those that are or can be replenished as they are used
What are non renewable energy resources
Finite sources of energy. Once they have been used they can’t be replenished
Give examples of renewable energy
Solar
Wind
Tidal
Wave
Biomass
Geothermal
Hydroelectric
Give examples of non renewable energy
Fossil fuels
Nuclear
Gas
Oil
Coal
Uranium
What are some expected consequences of global warming
Higher CO2 concentration
Stronger greenhouse effect
More total energy in atmosphere and ocean
Regional climate change
Storms and extreme weather
Sea ice melting
Sea level rise
Ocean acidification
Coral reef damage
Decline of fish stock
What is the environmental impact of nuclear fuels
Radioactive waste can remain dangerous for a very long time so needs to be disposed of safely
How does static electricity happen
Electric charge that builds up on the surface of an insulator
What is the rule for electric fields exerting forces on each other
Like charges repel
Unlike charges attract
What is an electric current
A flow of charge
What is the potential difference between 2 points in an electric circuit
The work done (energy transferred) per coulomb of charge that passes between the points
What causes resistance
Collisions between free electrons and ions cause resistance to the flow of current
How is the potential difference in a parallel circuit
The same across each component
What happens to the current in a parallel circuit
Current can divide at each junction
How is the current in an ohmic conductor
The current is directly proportional to the potential difference provided the temp is constant
What is a diode
A component that allows a current to flow in one direction only
What way do the arrows point in a diode
Arrows point in the conducting direction of the diode
What is direct current
Direct current flows in one direction only and is provided by individual cells and batteries which have positive and negative terminals
What is alternating current
Alternating current changes direction and flows backwards and forwards through wires
What are the 3 main wires in a British domestic circuit
Live wire
Neutral wire
Earth wire
What do each of these 3 wires do
Live: alternates between a positive and negative voltage of around 230V
neutral: completes the circuit, kept at a zero voltage
Earth: safety wire that is needed for a metal case
What is a fuse
A safety device that protects an electric cable from overheating
What are step up transformers used for
Increase voltage
How is the the particle movement in a gas
Rapid random motions at a range of speeds
What is the specific latent heat of a substance
The amount of energy required to change the state of one kg of the substance with no temp change
As temperate increases in particles what else increases
Speed
What is work
The transfer of energy by a force
What is background radiation
The level of radiation which is around us at all times
What is irritation
The process of exposing an object to ionizing radiation
Is alpha radiation dangerous outside of the body
No because it is low penetrating
What is nuclear fission
The splitting of a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei
What is the nuclear fission process
A neutron is absorbed by a uranium nucleus
Nucleus splits into 2
2 or 3 neutrons are released
Gamma rays are emitted
What are boron control rods used for
To absorb excess neutrons
What are some advantages and disadvantages of nucleur fission
No greenhouse gasses emitted
Reliable energy source
Radioactive waste products with long half life
Danger of radiation leaks
When does nucleur fusion occur
When light nuclei join a heavier nucleus
