Physical Science Final Exam Review Fall 2023

Front

What is specific heat capacity?

Back

Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Front

What does it mean if a substance has a low specific heat capacity?

Back

It means the substance heats up and cools down quickly.

Front

What is alpha decay?

Back

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, resulting in a new element.

Front

What happens during a phase change?

Back

During a phase change, a substance changes from one state of matter to another (solid, liquid, gas) without changing its temperature.

Front

What is the significance of flat lines on a temperature vs. time graph during heating?

Back

Flat lines indicate phase changes where temperature remains constant while heat is added.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What energy transformation occurs during fusion reactions in stars?

Back

Nuclear energy changes to electromagnetic energy.

Front

What is the atomic mass of an element after it undergoes alpha decay?

Back

The atomic mass decreases by 4 units.

Front

What is the difference between an element and a compound?

Back

An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom, while a compound is made of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together.

Front

What is the periodic table?

Back

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of elements organized by increasing atomic number, showing periodic trends.