2024 Physics Fall Final

Front

What is the formula for gravitational force between two objects?

Back

F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, and r is the distance between their centers.

Front

How does the gravitational force change when the distance between two objects is increased?

Back

The gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance. If the distance is increased by a factor of 5, the new force is F/25.

Front

What is the significance of the gravitational constant (G)?

Back

G is a proportionality constant used in the calculation of gravitational force, approximately equal to 6.67 x 10^-11 N(m/kg)^2.

Front

How do you calculate the gravitational force between the Sun and Mercury?

Back

Use the formula F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, substituting the mass of the Sun, mass of Mercury, and the distance between them.

Front

What is the acceleration of an object when a net force is applied?

Back

Acceleration (a) can be calculated using Newton's second law: a = F_net / m, where F_net is the net force applied and m is the mass of the object.

Front

What is the relationship between mass, weight, and gravity?

Back

Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, calculated as weight (W) = m * g, where m is mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Front

What is the principle of conservation of energy in the context of roller coasters?

Back

The total mechanical energy (potential + kinetic) of a roller coaster remains constant if we ignore friction and air resistance.

Front

How do you determine the speed of an object at the bottom of a hill using potential energy?

Back

At the top of the hill, potential energy (PE) is converted to kinetic energy (KE) at the bottom. Use PE = mgh and KE = 1/2 mv^2 to find speed.

Front

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Back

Speed is a scalar quantity representing how fast an object is moving, while velocity is a vector quantity that includes direction.

Front

How do you calculate average velocity?

Back

Average velocity is calculated as total displacement divided by total time: v_avg = Δx / Δt.