Q1 - GenPhy1 ⚛️ Flashcards
- Is the branch of science that studies matter, energy, and the interactions between them.
- It seeks to understand how the universe behaves, from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies.
Physics
Branches of Physics (3):
- Classical Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, & Electromagnetism
- Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics, & Relativity
- Other Branches: Optics, Acoustics, & Astrophysics
Study of motion & forces (e.g., Newton’s Laws).
Mechanics (Classical Physics)
Study of heat, work, & energy (e.g., Laws of Thermodynamics).
Thermodynamics (Classical Physics)
Study of electric & magnetic fields (e.g., Faraday’s Laws).
Electromagnetism (Classical Physics)
Study of particles at the atomic & subatomic levels (e.g., Schrödinger’s cat).
Quantum Mechanics (Modern Physics)
Study of objects moving at high speeds and the effects of gravity (e.g., Einstein’s Theory of Relativity).
Relativity (Modern Physics)
Study of light and its properties.
Optics (Other Branches)
Study of sound and its propagation.
Acoustics (Other Branches)
Study of the physics of the universe, stars, and galaxies.
Astrophysics (Other Branches)
5 items - in order
The Scientific Method in Physics:
- Observation: Identifying a phenomenon to study.
- Hypothesis: Proposing an explanation based on prior knowledge.
- Experiment: Testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments.
- Analysis: Interpreting the data gathered from the experiment.
- Conclusion: Accepting or rejecting the hypothesis based on the results.
Fundamental Quantities & Units
Basic Physical Quantities:
- Length (meter) - Unit of distance.
- Mass (kilogram) - Unit of mass.
- Time (second) - Unit of time.
- Temperature (kelvin) - Unit of thermodynamic temperature.
Discuss the ________________ and why it is used globally in scientific studies. Mention other derived units like Newton (force), Joule (energy), and Watt (power).
International System of Units (SI)
Technological Advances:
Physics is the foundation of many modern technologies, including:
- Smartphones
- Computers
- GPS Systems
- Medical Imaging Devices (MRI & X-rays)
- Renewable Energy Solutions
Understanding Natural Phenomena
- It helps us explain why the sky is blue, how rainbows form, and what causes lightning.
- It also helps us comprehend natural forces like gravity, which keeps us grounded on Earth, and how energy is transferred when we cook food.*
Physics
Example of Physics in Action:
Explain the concept of inertia and how it is related to seatbelts in cars. Seatbelts prevent injury by restraining our motion when a car suddenly stops (Newton’s First Law of Motion).
- Is the change in position of an object.
- It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
Displacement
Can be calculated by measuring the final distance away from a point, and then subtracting the initial distance.
Displacement
Is the rate of change of displacement with respect to time. It is also a vector quantity.
Velocity
Types of Velocity (2):
- Instantaneous Velocity
- Average Velocity
The velocity of an object at a specific moment in time. It can be obtained by taking the derivative of the position with respect to time in calculus-based physics.
Instantaneous Velocity
The overall change in displacement over a given time period.
Average Velocity
Is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is also a vector quantity.
Acceleration
When the acceleration of an object is constant, the object’s velocity changes at a uniform rate.
Constant Acceleration
Measures the change in position and differs from distance.
Displacement
Is the rate of change of displacement.
Velocity
Is the rate of change of velocity.
Acceleration
Allow for solving problems involving motion with constant acceleration.
Kinematic Equations
Is a specific type of motion where the only force acting is gravity, with an acceleration of 9.8 m/s downward.
Free-fall Motion
Newton’s Three (3) Laws of Motion:
- Law of Inertia (Newton’s First Law of Motion)
- Law of Acceleration (Newton’s Second Law of Motion)
- Action-Reaction Law (Newton’s Third Law of Motion)
States that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in
motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
Law of Inertia (Newton’s First Law of Motion)
The resistance of an object to change its state of motion.
Inertia
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Example: A book on a table remains at rest until pushed; a moving car continues to move unless brakes are applied.
Law of Inertia (Newton’s First Law of Motion)
States that acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied.
Law of Acceleration (Newton’s Second Law of Motion)
Mathematically, ( F = ma ).
Law of Acceleration (Newton’s Second Law of Motion)
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Relationship: Greater force leads to greater acceleration; greater mass leads to lesser acceleration for the same force.
Law of Acceleration (Newton’s Second Law of Motion)
States that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Action-Reaction Law (Newton’s Third Law of Motion)
________ & ________ forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
Action & Reaction
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Examples: A rocket launch, walking (feet push back on the ground, ground pushes forward on feet).
Action-Reaction Law (Newton’s Third Law of Motion)
Force that opposes motion between two surfaces.
Friction
Force transmitted through a string, rope, or wire when it is pulled tight.
Tension
Support force exerted upon an object in contact with another stable object.
Normal Force
Applying Newton’s Laws in Different Contexts
Analyze forces acting on an object on an inclined plane.
Inclined Planes
Calculate components of gravitational force parallel and perpendicular to the plane.
Inclined Planes
Applying Newton’s Laws in Different Context
Understand how pulleys change the direction of the applied force and distribute weight.
Pulleys
Solve problems involving multiple pulleys and masses.
Pulleys
