Physics Semester Exam Review 24-25

Front

What is Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)?

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated as GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is the total path length traveled by an object, while displacement is the shortest straight-line distance from the initial to the final position, including direction.

Front

State Newton's First Law of Motion.

Back

An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by a net external force.

Front

What is an example of a contact force?

Back

An example of a contact force is friction, which occurs when two surfaces interact.

Front

Explain why objects fall at the same rate on the Moon.

Back

Objects fall at the same rate on the Moon because there is no atmosphere to create air resistance, allowing gravity to act equally on all objects regardless of their mass.

Front

What is a field force?

Back

A field force is a force that acts at a distance without physical contact, such as gravitational force, magnetic force, or electric force.

Front

Calculate the total distance traveled by a hiker who goes 1.0 km south, 3.0 km west, and 3.0 km north.

Back

Total distance = 1.0 km + 3.0 km + 3.0 km = 7.0 km.

Front

What is the formula for calculating work done?

Back

Work done (W) is calculated using the formula W = Fd cos(θ), where F is the force applied, d is the distance moved in the direction of the force, and θ is the angle between the force and the direction of motion.

Front

Define inertia in the context of Newton's First Law.

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion; it is directly related to the mass of the object.

Front

What is the significance of the acceleration due to gravity (g) on Earth?

Back

The acceleration due to gravity (g) on Earth is approximately 9.81 m/s², which is the rate at which objects accelerate towards the Earth when in free fall.