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Questions and Answers
Which discipline is concerned with the study of nature, focusing on motion, force, and energy?
Which discipline is concerned with the study of nature, focusing on motion, force, and energy?
The term 'physics' originates from which ancient language?
The term 'physics' originates from which ancient language?
Which branch of physics specifically investigates the characteristics and behavior of light?
Which branch of physics specifically investigates the characteristics and behavior of light?
In the scientific method, what is the role of a hypothesis?
In the scientific method, what is the role of a hypothesis?
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What distinguishes empirical data from other forms of information?
What distinguishes empirical data from other forms of information?
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In an experiment, what is the purpose of the independent variable?
In an experiment, what is the purpose of the independent variable?
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What best describes the function of a dependent variable in experimental research?
What best describes the function of a dependent variable in experimental research?
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What is the primary goal of 'peer review' in the scientific process?
What is the primary goal of 'peer review' in the scientific process?
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How does a scientific theory differ from a hypothesis?
How does a scientific theory differ from a hypothesis?
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In the context of scientific research, what do 'biases' primarily represent?
In the context of scientific research, what do 'biases' primarily represent?
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What is the primary distinction between speed and velocity?
What is the primary distinction between speed and velocity?
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Which of the following scenarios does NOT exemplify acceleration?
Which of the following scenarios does NOT exemplify acceleration?
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When a car slows down as it approaches a red light, what type of acceleration is it experiencing?
When a car slows down as it approaches a red light, what type of acceleration is it experiencing?
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What is the SI unit for acceleration?
What is the SI unit for acceleration?
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Kinematics, as a branch of classical mechanics, primarily focuses on:
Kinematics, as a branch of classical mechanics, primarily focuses on:
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In the context of uniformly accelerated motion (UAM), which of the following quantities is NOT necessarily constant?
In the context of uniformly accelerated motion (UAM), which of the following quantities is NOT necessarily constant?
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Which of the following conditions must be met for an object to be considered in 'free fall'?
Which of the following conditions must be met for an object to be considered in 'free fall'?
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In free fall equations, what does 'g' represent?
In free fall equations, what does 'g' represent?
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What is the direction of acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface?
What is the direction of acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface?
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Which of the following is true regarding average velocity?
Which of the following is true regarding average velocity?
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In which step of the scientific method is a testable statement formulated based on background research?
In which step of the scientific method is a testable statement formulated based on background research?
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Which of the following is NOT explicitly listed as a step in the experimental design process described?
Which of the following is NOT explicitly listed as a step in the experimental design process described?
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What is the standard unit of measurement for temperature in the International System of Units (SI)?
What is the standard unit of measurement for temperature in the International System of Units (SI)?
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When converting units using a conversion factor, where should the original unit that you want to cancel out be positioned?
When converting units using a conversion factor, where should the original unit that you want to cancel out be positioned?
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According to the rules for significant figures, which of the following statements is always true?
According to the rules for significant figures, which of the following statements is always true?
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How many significant figures are in the number $0.005020$?
How many significant figures are in the number $0.005020$?
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When performing multiplication or division with measurements, the final answer should be rounded to have the same number of significant figures as which measurement?
When performing multiplication or division with measurements, the final answer should be rounded to have the same number of significant figures as which measurement?
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Which aspect of motion is the primary focus of kinematics?
Which aspect of motion is the primary focus of kinematics?
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A person walks 3 km East, then 4 km North. What is the distance they have traveled?
A person walks 3 km East, then 4 km North. What is the distance they have traveled?
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What is the key distinction between velocity and speed?
What is the key distinction between velocity and speed?
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Study Notes
Branches of Physics
- Physics is the study of nature, focusing on motion, force, and energy.
- Branches include:
- Mechanics: Study of bodies in motion
- Optics: Study of light and its properties
- Thermodynamics: Energy and its changes in a system
- Electromagnetism: Interaction of opposite charges and their energy fields
- Acoustical: Study of sound and vibrations
- Relativity: General (with gravity), Special (without gravity); space and time relative to observer
The Scientific Method
- Scientists use a series of steps to answer questions about the world.
- Steps of the Scientific Method:
- Ask a question
- Research background
- Develop a hypothesis (potential solution)
- Design and conduct an experiment
- Analyze data
- Form a conclusion (accept or reject hypothesis)
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Key terms:
- Independent variable: The tested factor
- Dependent variable: The measured factor
- Significance: Statistical importance of a change
- Peer review: Evaluation of scientific work by other experts
- Scientific theory: Hypothesis supported by evidence
- Biases: Prejudices that affect results
Experimental Design
- Experimental design is crucial for supporting or rejecting hypotheses.
- Key steps:
- Define variables
- Formulate hypothesis
- Design the experiment
- Assign subjects (if needed)
- Measure the dependent variable
- Proper execution of experiment steps and research are essential.
International System of Units (SI)
- SI is the standard system of measurement (metric system).
- It uses a decimal (base 10) system.
- SI units for physical quantities (examples):
- Length: Meter (m)
- Mass: Kilogram (kg)
- Volume: Cubic meter (m³)
- Density: Kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³)
- Temperature: Kelvin (K)
Problem Solving and Significant Figures
- Careful problem-solving is emphasized (plan and practice).
- Significant figures: Indicate the accuracy of a measured value; rules for determining them.
- Large/small numbers: Convert to scientific notation for accurate representation (coefficient, base, exponent).
Kinematics
- Kinematics studies motion without considering its causes (forces).
- Key kinematic quantities: Displacement, time, initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration
- Focuses on: Distance, direction, speed, acceleration.
Distance vs. Displacement
- Distance: Total length of the path traveled (scalar).
- Displacement: Length between starting and ending points (vector).
- Displacement considers both the distance and direction.
Speed vs. Velocity
- Speed: Distance divided by time (scalar).
- Velocity: Displacement divided by time (vector).
- Velocity includes both speed and direction.
Acceleration
- Acceleration: Change in velocity over time.
- Acceleration can be positive (speeding up), negative (slowing down).
- Deceleration is negative acceleration
- Acceleration's magnitude (numerical value) is always positive
- Acceleration calculated from change of velocity over time.
Graphing Motion
- Motion can be analyzed algebraically or graphically (x/y plots).
- Graphs should include arrows on axes, variables labeled, and values in both directions (positive and negative).
Uniformly Accelerated Motion (UAM)
- UAM: Describes motion with constant acceleration.
- Five kinematic equations: Equations relating displacement, time, initial velocity, final velocity, and acceleration.
- Choose the correct equation based on the known and unknown quantities.
Free Fall
- Free fall: Motion under the influence of gravity only (ignoring air resistance).
- Acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²).
- Free fall equations: Relating velocity, displacement, time, and acceleration due to gravity.
Graphing Free Fall
- Position-time graph: Shows the object falling further over time. A curve.
- Velocity-time graph: Shows the object's velocity increasing at a constant rate. A straight line sloping downward.
Acceleration of Gravity
- Acceleration of gravity: Measures velocity change per time interval.
- Acceleration due to gravity (g): Calculated using Newton's equations (approximately 9.8 m/s² near Earth's surface, directed vertically downward).
- Free fall idealized (no air resistance).
- Objects fall at the same rate (neglecting air resistance).
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Description
This quiz explores the essential branches of physics, including mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, and more. It also covers the steps involved in the scientific method, helping students understand how scientific inquiries are conducted. Test your knowledge of these fundamental concepts in physics and science methodology.
