A-level Physics/Glossary of Terms

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Definitions of keywords and terms that you will need to know.

Contents
Top - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

[edit] A

Absolute zero: Zero on the thermodynamic temperature scale, or 0 K (kelvin), where a substance has minimum internal energy, and is the coldest possible temperature. It is equal to -273.15 degrees Celsius.
Acceleration: The (instantaneous) rate of change of velocity in respects to time.

[edit] B

[edit] C

[edit] D

Displacement: A vector quantity, the distance something is from its initial position, in a given direction
Density: Density is the mass of a body per unit volume

[edit] E

Energy

The capacity to do work

[edit] F

Force

Something which causes a mass to change motion

[edit] G

[edit] H

Heat is a form of energy transfer, also known as 'Thermal Energy'.

[edit] I

[edit] J

Joule: The SI unit of work done, or energy. One joule is the work done when a force of one newton moves an object one metre.

[edit] K

Kinetic Energy: The energy of a moving body, given by KE = 0.5 x mass x velocity²

[edit] L

[edit] N

Newton: Unit in which force is measured. Symbol "N". One Newton is the force required to give a mass of 1kg an acceleration of 1ms^-2

[edit] O

[edit] P

Period (T)

The time taken for one complete oscillation. Denoted by 'T'. T=1/f

Power: The rate at which work is done.
Pressure: The force per unit area applied on an object.

Potential Energy = mass x gravity (or gravitational field strength) x height

  potential difference
 The work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to the other.The unit is volt

[edit] Q

[edit] R

[edit] S

Speed: A scalar quantity, speed = distance / time

NB s can also mean displacement.

[edit] T

Torque / moment: Moment = force x perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force; Torque = one of the forces x the distance between them

[edit] U

Upthrust

A force experienced due to the pressure difference of the fluid at the top and bottom of the immersed portion of the body.

[edit] V

Velocity: The (instantaneous) rate of change of displacement with respect to time.

[edit] W

Work Done: The energy transferred when an object is moved through a distance by a force. Can be calculated by multiplying the force involved by the distance moved in the direction of the force.

Alternatively, [work done = transfer of energy]. ie, work is done when energy is transferred from one form to another.

[edit] X

[edit] Y

Young Modulus: Stress/Strain, units: Pascals or N/m2

[edit] Z