Phys. Study for Finals

• What should you focus on when using formulas from data booklets?

  Understanding when and how to apply them
• Why is it important to label axes on graphs?

  To ensure clarity and understanding of data
• What should be included in a graph's title?

  A descriptive title
• Why is it important to use proper units in graphs?

  To accurately convey measurements and data
• What should be ensured about data points and intervals in graphs?

  They should be clear and evenly distributed
• What is the independent variable on a graph?

  The variable on the x-axis
• What does the slope of a linear graph represent?

  A specific quantity like speed or acceleration
• What is the definition of uniform motion?

  Movement in a straight line at constant speed
• Why is true uniform motion nearly impossible?

  Due to external forces like friction
• What is the formula for average speed?

  $v_{avg} =$$\frac{\Delta d}{\Delta t}$
• What does $\Delta d$ represent in the average speed formula?


  Total distance traveled
• What does $\Delta t$ represent in the average speed formula?


  Total time taken
• What does the slope of a distance vs. time graph represent?

  Average speed
• What does the area under the curve in a speed vs. time graph represent?

  Distance traveled
• What is speed defined as?

  A scalar quantity with magnitude only
• What is velocity defined as?

  A vector quantity including magnitude and direction
• How do positive or negative values relate to velocity?

  They indicate direction
• What is distance defined as?

  A scalar quantity representing total path traveled
• What is displacement defined as?

  A vector quantity representing the shortest path
• What does the slope of a velocity vs. time graph represent?

  Acceleration
• What are the units of acceleration?

  $m/s^2$
• What does Newton's First Law state?

  An object stays in motion unless acted upon
• What does Newton's Second Law express?

  $F =$$ma$: Force equals mass times acceleration
• What does Newton's Third Law state?

  For every action, there is an equal reaction
• How are work and energy measured?

  In Joules (J)
• What is kinetic energy?

  Energy of motion
• What is potential energy?

  Stored energy, like gravitational potential energy
• What is chemical energy?

  Energy stored in chemical bonds
• What is nuclear energy?

  Energy from nuclear reactions
• What is solar energy?

  Energy from sunlight
• What is electrical energy?

  Energy from moving electrons
• What is thermal energy?

  Energy related to heat
• What is mechanical energy?

  The sum of kinetic and potential energy
• What is gravitational potential energy?

  Energy due to height above the ground
• What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?

  $PE_g =$$mgh$
• What does $m$ represent in the gravitational potential energy formula?


  Mass of the object
• What does $g$ represent in the gravitational potential energy formula?


  Acceleration due to gravity
• What does $h$ represent in the gravitational potential energy formula?


  Height above the reference point
• What is the principle of the law of conservation of energy?

  Energy cannot be created or destroyed
• What does it mean that no energy transfer is 100% efficient?

  Lost energy is often dissipated as heat