Fundamentals of Physics Quiz

Definition: The science that studies matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature.

Classical Physics:
- Mechanics: Motion of objects (Newton’s laws, kinematics).
- Thermodynamics: Heat, temperature, and energy transfer.
- Waves: Sound and light waves; properties and behaviors.
- Optics: Study of light and its interactions with matter.
Modern Physics:
- Quantum Mechanics: Behavior of particles at atomic and subatomic levels.
- Relativity: Einstein’s theories (Special and General) about time, space, and gravity.
- Nuclear Physics: Structure of atomic nuclei and nuclear reactions.
Applied Physics:
- Merges physics concepts with engineering applications (e.g., medical physics, materials science).

Force: An interaction that changes the motion of an object (measured in Newtons).
Energy: The capacity to do work, exists in various forms (kinetic, potential, thermal).
Momentum: The product of mass and velocity; a conserved quantity in isolated systems.
Work: The process of energy transfer that occurs when a force makes an object move (W = F × d).
Power: The rate at which work is done (P = W/t).

Newton's First Law: An object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.
Newton's Second Law: F = ma; acceleration is proportional to net force and inversely proportional to mass.
Newton's Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

First Law: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed (Conservation of Energy).
Second Law: Entropy in an isolated system always increases; heat flows naturally from hot to cold.
Third Law: As temperature approaches absolute zero, entropy approaches a constant minimum.

Wave Properties: Wavelength, frequency, amplitude, speed.
Types of Waves:
- Mechanical (require a medium: sound, water).
- Electromagnetic (don’t require a medium: light, radio waves).

Gravitational Force: Attraction between masses; weakest force but has an infinite range.
Electromagnetic Force: Acts between charged particles; it governs electricity and magnetism.
Weak Nuclear Force: Responsible for radioactive decay; influential at subatomic levels.
Strong Nuclear Force: Holds protons and neutrons together in nuclei; strongest force.

Double-Slit Experiment: Demonstrates wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics.
Cavendish Experiment: Measured the gravitational constant and confirmed Newton's law of gravitation.
The Michelson-Morley Experiment: Conducted to detect the presence of aether; led to the development of special relativity.

Vectors and Scalars: Vectors have direction and magnitude; scalars have magnitude only.
Calculus: Used in physics to describe changes and motion (derivatives and integrals).
Algebra: Fundamental for solving equations and understanding relationships between physical quantities.

Classical Physics: Focuses on the observable world, encompassing motion, heat, and classical wave phenomena.
- Mechanics: Explores the motion of objects through Newton's laws and kinematics.
- Thermodynamics: Delves into heat, temperature, and energy transfer.
- Waves: Investigates the properties and behaviors of sound and light waves.
- Optics: Studies light and its interactions with matter.
Modern Physics: Investigates the behavior of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels.
- Quantum Mechanics: Explains the unusual behavior of particles at very small scales, challenging classical physics.
- Relativity: Encompasses Einstein's theories on time, space, and gravity, offering a revolutionary perspective.
- Nuclear Physics: Explores the structure of atomic nuclei and the reactions that occur within them.
Applied Physics: Integrates physics concepts to solve real-world problems.
- Applied physics drives advancements in diverse fields like medical technology and materials science.

Force: A push or pull that can change the motion of an object, measured in Newtons.
Energy: The capacity to do work, existing in various forms like kinetic (motion), potential (stored), and thermal (heat).
Momentum: A measure of inertia in motion, calculated as the product of an object's mass and velocity.
Work: Occurs when a force moves an object, transferring energy (W = F × d).
Power: The rate at which work is done, calculated as work over time (P = W/t).

Newton's First Law: Also known as the law of inertia, it states that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion continues moving at a constant speed and direction unless acted upon by a net external force.
Newton's Second Law: F = ma; acceleration is directly proportional to the net force acting on an object and inversely proportional to its mass.
Newton's Third Law: For every action (force), there is an equal and opposite reaction.

First Law: Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another.
Second Law: Entropy (disorder) in an isolated system always increases. Heat naturally flows from hot to cold regions.
Third Law: As temperature approaches absolute zero (the lowest possible temperature), the entropy of a system approaches a minimum value.

Wave Properties: Waves possess various characteristics including wavelength (distance between peaks), frequency (waves passing a point per second), amplitude (height of wave), and speed.
Types of Waves:
- Mechanical Waves: Require a medium to propagate (sound, water).
- Electromagnetic Waves: Do not require a medium (light, radio waves).

Electric Force: The force of attraction or repulsion between charged particles.
Magnetic Force: The force due to moving charges or magnetic fields.
Maxwell's Equations: A set of fundamental equations that form the foundation of classical electromagnetism, describing the relationship between electric and magnetic fields.

Gravitational Force: The weakest force but acts over an infinite range, attracting masses towards each other.
Electromagnetic Force: Responsible for electrical and magnetic phenomena, acting between charged particles.
Weak Nuclear Force: Influences subatomic particles, responsible for radioactive decay.
Strong Nuclear Force: The strongest force, holding protons and neutrons together within the atomic nucleus.

Double-Slit Experiment: Demonstrated wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics, indicating that light can exhibit both wave and particle-like properties.
Cavendish Experiment: Measured the gravitational constant and confirmed Newton's law of gravitation.
The Michelson-Morley Experiment: Designed to detect the presence of a hypothetical medium called "aether," which was thought to carry light waves. The experiment's negative results led to the development of special relativity.

Vectors and Scalars:
- Vectors: Have both magnitude and direction (e.g., displacement, velocity, force).
- Scalars: Have magnitude only (e.g., temperature, speed, time, mass).
Calculus: Used to describe changes and motion in physics, utilizing derivatives and integrals.
Algebra: Fundamental for solving equations and understanding relationships between physical quantities.