Basic Physical Definitions

Front

Define kinetic energy in words and with a formula, and give its unit!

Back

Kinetic energy is the amount of work an object with a mass of m moving at a speed of v can perform while its speed is reduced to zero: E_k = 1/2 mv^2. The unit of kinetic energy is joule.

Front

Define electron volt (eV)!

Back

Electron volt is a unit of energy. It is equivalent to the amount of kinetic energy gained by a single electron when accelerated through a voltage difference of 1 V.

Front

Define what force is!

Back

Force is a vector quantity characterizing the capability to cause acceleration.

Front

Define acceleration in words and with a formula!

Back

Acceleration is the rate of velocity change with time: a = dv/dt, where a is acceleration, dv is the change in velocity in time t.

Front

Define Newton’s 2nd law in words and with a formula!

Back

The acceleration of an object (a) is given by the ratio of the net (or resultant) force acting upon it (Fn) and the mass of the object (m): a = Fn/m.

Front

Define centripetal acceleration in words and with a formula!

Back

Centripetal acceleration (ac) is the rate of change in the direction of velocity with time.