Forces & Motion
What is the formula for force?
F = ma
What is the formula for kinetic energy?
KE = 1/2mv^2
What is the speed of light in a vacuum?
3.00 x 10^8 m/s
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life in a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole.
What are tectonic plates?
Large pieces of Earth's lithosphere that move over the asthenosphere.
What law explains that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by an external force?
Newton’s First Law of Motion (Inertia)
What type of energy is stored in an object due to its position?
Potential Energy
What is the term for the bending of light as it passes through different mediums?
Refraction
What process explains how organisms better suited to their environment survive and reproduce?
Natural selection
What type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other?
Transform boundary (e.g., the San Andreas Fault)
A 10 kg object is being pushed with a force of 50 N. What is its acceleration?
a = Fm =50N/10kg = 5 m/s2
How does thermal energy transfer through a metal spoon placed in a hot cup of coffee?
Conduction
What is the electromagnetic wave that is used in communication?
What is an example of a keystone species?
Sea otters, because they maintain the balance of kelp forests by controlling sea urchin populations.
What type of seismic waves can travel through both solids and liquids?
P-waves (Primary waves)
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is the amount of matter in an object (measured in kilograms), while weight is the force of gravity acting on the object (measured in newtons).
Explain how energy is conserved in a roller coaster.
As the coaster goes up, potential energy increases. As it goes down, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, with total energy remaining constant (assuming no friction).
How does a convex lens focus light?
A convex lens bends parallel light rays inward to a focal point.
How do human activities like deforestation contribute to climate change?
Deforestation removes trees that absorb CO₂, leading to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global warming.
How do convergent plate boundaries create mountains?
When two tectonic plates collide, the Earth's crust is forced upward, forming mountain ranges.
How does friction affect motion? Give an example.
Friction opposes the motion of an object, slowing it down. Example: A car's tires rubbing against the road.
What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources?
Renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind) can be replenished naturally, while nonrenewable energy sources (e.g., coal, oil) are finite and cannot be replaced.
What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in waves?
The frequency and wavelength of a wave are inversely related. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases (and vice versa). The equation is V = f(lambda)
How does the introduction of an invasive species affect biodiversity?
Invasive species often outcompete native species for resources, leading to a loss of native biodiversity.
What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?
Fossil evidence, seafloor spreading, GPS data, and the matching of rock formations across continents.