8th Grade Physical Science Vocabulary – Flashcards
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Science
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A way of learning about the natural world by gathering information
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Observing
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using one or more senses to gather information
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Qualitative Observations
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descriptions that don't involve numbers or measurements
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Quantitative Observations
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measurements; an observation that deals with a number or amount
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Inferring
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making an inference (an interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge)
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Predicting
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making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence
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Chemistry
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the study of the properties of matter and how matter changes
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Physics
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the study of matter and energy and how they interact
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Scientific Inquiry
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the different ways scientists study the natural world
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Hypothesis
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a possible answer to a scientific question or explanation for a set of observations
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Variables
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factors that can change in an experiment
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Manipulated Variable
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the variable that is changed in an experiment
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Responding Variable
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the variable that is expected to change because of the manipulated variable
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Controlled Experiment
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an investigation in which all variables except one remain the same
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Data
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the facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations
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Communicating
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sharing ideas and conclusions with others through writing and speaking (sharing the process you used in your inquiry)
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Scientific Law
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a statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions
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Scientific Theory
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a well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results
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Estimate
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an approximation of a number based on reasonable assumptions
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Accuracy
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how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value
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Precision
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how close a group of measurements are to each other
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Mean
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numerical average
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Median
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middle number in a set of data
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Mode
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the number that appears the most often in a list of numbers
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Significant Figures
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to the digits in a measurement (it is much more than just that, so please go look up how to find significant figures)
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Matter
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anything that has mass and takes up space
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Substance
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a single kind of matter that is pure, meaning it always has a specific makeup (composition) and a specific set of properties
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Physical Property
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a characteristic of a pure substance that can be observed without changing it into another substance
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Chemical Property
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a characteristic of a pure substance that describes its ability to change into different substances
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Element
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a pure substance that cannot be broken down into any other substances by chemical or physical means (simplest substances)
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Atom
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the basic particle from which all elements are made
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Chemical Bond
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a force of attraction between two atoms
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Molecules
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a neutral particle made of two or more atoms joined by covalent bonds
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Compound
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a pure substance made of two or more elements chemically combined in a set ratio
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Chemical Formula
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shows the elements in the compound and the ratio of atoms
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Mixture
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made of two or more substances (elements, compounds, or both) that are together in the same place but are not chemically combined (can be separated by physical means)
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Heterogeneous Mixture
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you can see the different parts
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Homogeneous Mixture
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the substances are so evenly mixed, that you can't see the different parts
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Solution
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a well-mixed mixture containing a solvent and at least one solute that has the same properties throughout
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Weight
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a measure of the force of gravity on an object
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Mass
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the measurement of the amount of matter in the object
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International System of Units (SI Units)
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a system that scientists use to measure the properties of matter
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Volume
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the amount of space that matter occupies
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Density
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the ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume Density = Mass ÷ Volume
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Physical Change
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any change that alters the form or appearance of matter but does not make any substance in the matter into a different substance
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Chemical Change
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a change in matter that produces one or more new substances (produces new substances with properties different from those of the original substance)
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Law of Conservation of Mass
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the fact that matter is not created or destroyed in any chemical or physical change
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Energy
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the ability to do work or cause change
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Temperature
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a measure of the average energy of random motion of particles of matter
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Thermal Energy
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the total energy of all of the particles in an object
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Endothermic Change
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a change in which energy is taken in
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Exothermic Change
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a change in which energy is released
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Kinetic Energy
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the energy of matter in motion
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Potential Energy
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the energy an object has because of its position
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Chemical Energy
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the internal energy stored in the chemical bonds between atoms (a form of potential energy)
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Electromagnetic Energy
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a form of energy that travels through space as waves
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Electrical Energy
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the energy of electrically charged particles from one place to another
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Electrodes
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a metal strip that conducts electricity; a metal part of an electrochemical cell, which gains or loses electrons
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Solid
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has a definite shape and volum
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Crystalline Solids
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a solid that is made up of crystals in which particles are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern
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Amorphous Solids
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a solid made up of particles that are not arranged in a regular pattern
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Liquid
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has a definite volume, but not a definite shape
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Surface Tension
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the result of an inward pull among the molecules of a liquid that brings the molecules on the surface closer together
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Viscosity
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a liquid's resistance to flowing
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Gas
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has no definite volume or shape
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Melting
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the change of state from solid to liquid
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Melting Point
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the temperature at which a substance changes from a solid to a liquid
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Freezing
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the change of state from liquid to solid
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Vaporization
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the change of state from liquid to gas
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Evaporation
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(another kind of vaporization) vaporization that takes place only on the surface of a liquid
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Boiling
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(another kind of vaporization) occurs when a liquid changes to a gas below its surface as well as at the surface
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Boiling Point
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the temperature at which liquid boils
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Condensation
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the opposite of vaporization (the from the gaseous to liquid state of matter)
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Sublimation
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the change in state from a solid directly to a gas without passing through the liquid state
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Pressure
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the force exerted on a surface divided by the total area over which the force is exerted Pressure = Force ÷ Area
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Boyle's Law
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a principle that describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at constant tempreature
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Charles's Law
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a principle that describes the relationship between the temperature and volume of a gas at constant pressure
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Graph
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a diagram that tells how two variables, or factors that change, are related
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Origin
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The (0,0) point on a line graph
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Directly Proportional
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when a graph of two variables is a straight line passing through the origin, it is said to be "directly proportional"
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Vary Inversely
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when a graph of two variables forms a curve that slopes downward, it is said to "vary inversely"
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Atom
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the smallest particle of an element
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Electrons
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the negatively charged particles that are found outside the nucleus of an atom
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Nucleus
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the central core of the atom (contains neutrons and protons)
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Protons
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the positively charged particles in the nucleus of an atom
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Energy Level
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the specific amount of energy an electron has
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Neutron
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a small particle in the nucleus of the atom (electrically neutral - no electric charge)
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Atomic Number
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the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
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Isotopes
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atoms with the same number of protons and a different number of neutrons
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Mass Number
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the sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
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Atomic Mass
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the average mass of all the isotopes of an element
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Periodic Table
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a chart of the elements showing the repeating pattern of their properties
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Periods
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the horizontal rows in the periodic table
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Groups
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the 18 vertical columns in the periodic table
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Chemical Symbol
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a one or two letter representation of an element
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Plasma
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a state of matter that consists of a gas-like mixture of free electrons and nuclei of atoms that have been stripped of electrons
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Nuclear Fusion
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a process in which two atomic nuclei combine, forming a larger nucleus and releasing huge amounts of energy (creates heavier elements)
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Metals
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a class of elements characterized by physical properties that include shininess, malleability, ductility, and conductivity
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Malleable
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describes a material that can be hammered or rolled into other shapes
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Ductile
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describes a material that can be pulled out, or drawn, into a long wire
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Conductivity
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the ability of an object to transfer heat of electricity to another object
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Reactivity
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the ease and speed with which an element combines, or reacts, with other elements and compounds
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Corrosion
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the gradual wearing away of a metal element due to a chemical reaction
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Alkali Metals
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the metals in Group 1 of the periodic table
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Alkaline Earth Metals
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the metals in Group 2 of the periodic table
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Transition Metals
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the elements in Groups 3 through 12 of the periodic table
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Particle Accelerators
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a machine that moves atomic nuclei at higher and higher speeds until they crash into one another, sometimes forming heavier elements
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Nonmetal
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an element that lacks most of the properties of a metal (most are poor conductors of electricity and heat and are reactive with other elements; solid ones are dull and brittle)
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Diatomic Molecule
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a molecule that consists of two atoms
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Halogens
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the elements in Group 17 of the periodic table
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Noble Gases
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the elements in Group 18 of the periodic table
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Metalloids
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have some characteristics of both metals and nonmetals
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Semiconductors
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substances that can conduct electricity under some conditions but not other conditions
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Radioactive Decay
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the atomic nuclei of unstable isotopes release fast-moving particles and energy
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Radioactivity
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the spontaneous emission of radiation by an unstable atomic nucleus
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Alpha Particle
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consists of two protons and two neutrons and is positively charged (release of this particle by an atom decreases the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4)
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Beta Particle
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a fast-moving electron giving off by a nucleus during radioactive decay (release of this particle by an atom results in its atomic number increasing by 1
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Gamma Radiation
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a type of nuclear radiation made of high-energy waves (causes no change in atomic mass or atomic number)
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Tracers
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radioactive isotopes that can be followed through the steps of a chemical reaction or an industrial process
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Valence Electrons
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those electrons that have the highest energy level and are held most loosely
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Electron Dot Diagram
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includes the symbol for the element surrounded by dots
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Chemical Bond
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the force of attraction that holds two atoms together as a result of the rearrangement of electrons between them
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Ion
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an atom or group of atoms that has an electric charge
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Polyatomic Ions
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ions that are made of more than one atom
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Ionic Bond
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the attraction between two oppositely charged ions (form as a result of the attraction between positive and negative ions)
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Ionic Compound
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a compound that consists of positive and negative ions
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Chemical Formula
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a combination of symbols that shows the ration of elements in a compound
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Subscript
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tells you the ratio of elements in the compound
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Crystal
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an orderly, three-dimensional pattern of ions or atoms in a solid
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Covalent Bond
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the chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons
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Molecule
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a neutral group of atoms joined by covalent bonds
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Double Bond
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a chemical bond formed when atoms share two pairs of electrons
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Triple bonds
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a chemical bond formed when atoms share three pairs of electrons
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Molecular Compound
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a compound that is composed of molecules
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Polar Bond
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a covalent bond in which electrons are shared unequally
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Nonpolar Bond
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a covalent bond in which electrons are shared equally
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Alloy
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a mixture made of two or more elements that has the properties of metals (generally stronger and less likely to react with air or water than are pure metals from which they are made)
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Metallic Bond
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an attraction between a positive metal ion and the electrons surrounding it
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Physical Change
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any change that alters the form or appearance of a substance but that does not make the substance into another substance
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Chemical Reaction
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a change in matter that produces one or more new substances (another word for chemical change)
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Precipitate
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a solid that forms from solution during a chemical reaction
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Endothermic Reaction
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a reaction in which energy is absorbed
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Exothermic Reaction
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a reaction that releases energy
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Chemical Equation
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a short, easy way to show a chemical reaction, using symbols instead of words
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Reactants
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the substances you have at the beginning of a chemical reaction
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Products
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the new substances you have when the reaction is complete
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Conservation of Mass
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states that during a chemical reaction, matter is not created or destroyed
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Open System
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matter can enter from or escape to the surroundings
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Closed Systems
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matter is not allowed to enter or leave
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Coefficient
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a number placed in front of a chemical formula in an equation
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Synthesis
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when two or more elements or compounds combine to make a more complex substance
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Decomposition
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when compounds break down into simpler products
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Replacement
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when one element replaces another in a compound or when two elements in different compounds trade places
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Activation Energy
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the minimum amount of energy needed to start a chemical reaction
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Concentration
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the amount of a substance in a given volume
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Catalyst
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a material that increases the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy
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Enzymes
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a biological catalyst that lowers the activation energy of reactions in cells
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Inhibitor
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a material used to decrease the rate of a reaction
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Combustion
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a rapid reaction between oxygen and a fuel
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Fuel
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a material that releases energy when it burns
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Solution
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a well-mixed mixture that contains a solvent and at least one solute
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Solvent
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the part of a solution present in the largest amount
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Solute
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the substance that is present in a solution in a smaller amount
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Colloid
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a mixture containing small, undissolved particles that do not settle out
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Suspension
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a mixture in which particles can be seen and easily separated by settling or filtration
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Dilute Solution
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a mixture that has only a little solute dissolved in a certain amount of solvent
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Concentrated Solution
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a mixture that has a lot of solute dissolved in the solvent
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Solubility
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a measure of how much solute can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature
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Saturated Solution
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a mixture that contains as much dissolved solute as is possible at a given temperature
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Unsaturated Solution
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a mixture that contains less dissolved solute than is possible at a given temperature
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Supersaturated Solution
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has more dissolved solute than is predicted by its solubility at the given temperature
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Acids
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a substance that tastes sour, reacts with metals and carbonates, and turns blue litmus paper red
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Corrosive
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the way in which acids react with some metals so as to eat away the metal
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Indicator
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a compound that changes color when in contact with an acid or base
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Bases
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a substance that tastes bitter, feels slippery, and turns red litmus paper blue
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Hydrogen Ion (H⁺)
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an atom of hydrogen that has lost its electron
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Hydroxide Ion (OH⁻)
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an negatively charged ion made of oxygen and hydrogen
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pH scale
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a range of values from 0 to 14 that expresses the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution
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Neutralization
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a reaction of an acid with a base, yielding a solution that is not as acidic or basic as the starting solutions were
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Salt
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any ionic compound that can be made from the neutralization of an acid with a base (made from the positive ion of a base and the negative ion of the acid)
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Digestion
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breaks down the complex molecules of foods into smaller molecules
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Mechanical Digestion
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a physical process in which large pieces of food are ton and ground into smaller pieces
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Chemical Digestion
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breaks larger molecules in food into smaller ones
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Motion
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the state in which one object's distance from another is changing (an object is in motion if it changes position relative to a reference point)
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Reference Point
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a place or object used for comparison to determine if something is in motion
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Meter
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the SI unit of length
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Speed
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the distance an object travels per unit of time Speed = Distance ÷ Time
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Average Speed
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the total distance traveled divided by the total time
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Instantaneous Speed
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the rate at which an object is moving at a given instant in time
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Velocity
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speed in a given direction
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Slope
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the steepness of a line on a graph Slope = Rise ÷ Run
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Acceleration
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the rate at which velocity changes Acceleration = Change in speed ÷ Time
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Force
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a push or a pull
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Newton
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SI unit for force
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Net Force
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the combination of all forces acting on an object
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Unbalanced Forces
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forces that produce a nonzero net force, which changes an object's motion
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Balanced Forces
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equal forces acting on one object in opposite directions (equal but opposite forces)
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Friction
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the force that two surfaces exert on each other when they rub against each other
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Static Friction
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the friction that acts on objects that are not moving
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Sliding Friction
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occurs when two solid surfaces slide over each other
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Rolling Friction
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occurs when an object rolls across a surface
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Fluid Friction
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occurs when a solid object moves through a fluid
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Gravity
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a force that pulls objects toward each other
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Weight
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the force of gravity on a person or object on the surface of a plantet
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Free Fall
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when the only force acting on an object is gravity
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Air Resistance
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the fluid friction experienced by objects falling through the air
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Terminal Velocity
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the greatest velocity a falling object reaches
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Projectile
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an object that is thrown
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Newton's First Law of Motion
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states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object moving at a constant velocity will continue moving at a constant velocity, unless it is acted upon by an unbalanced force
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Inertia
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the tendency of an object to resist change in motion
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Newton's Second Law of Motion
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states that acceleration depends on the object's mass and on the net force acting on the object Acceleration = Net Force ÷ Mass
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Newton's Third Law of Motion
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sates that if one object exerts a force on another object, then the second object exerts a force of equal strength in the opposite direction on the first object
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Momentum
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Momentum = Mass x Velocity
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Law of Conservation of Momentum
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states that in the absence of outside forces, the total momentum of objects that interact does not change (the amount of momentum is the same before and after they interact)
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Satellite
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any object that orbits another object in space
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Centripetal Force
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any force that causes an object to move in a circular path
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Pressure
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the force exerted on a surface divided by the total area over which the force is exerted Pressure = Force ÷ Area
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Pascal
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SI unit for pressure (N/m²)
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Fluid
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a material that can easily flow (a gas can be a fluid)
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Barometer
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an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure
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Buoyant Force
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the upward force exerted by a fluid on a submerged object
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Archimedes' Principle
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states that the buoyant force acting on a submerged object is equal to the weight of the fluid the object displaces
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Density
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Density = Mass ÷ Volume
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Pascal's Principle
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states that when a force is applied to a confined fluid, the change in pressure is transmitted equally to all parts of the fluid
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Hydraulic System
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uses liquids o transmit pressure in a confined fluid
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Bernoulli's Principle
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states that the faster a fluid moves, the less pressure the fluid exerts
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Lift
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an upward force
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Work
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When you exert a force on an object that causes the object to move some distance.
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Joule
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The amount of work you do when you exert a force of one newton to move an object a distance of one meter.
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Power
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It is the rate at work is done. Power equals the amount of work done on an object in a unit of time.
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Machine
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It is device that allows you to do work in a way that is easier.
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Input Force
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The force that you exert on a machine.
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Output Force
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The force the machine exerts on an object.
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Input Work
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The input force times the input distance.
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Output Work
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The output force times the output distance.
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Mechanical Advantage
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The number of times a machine increases a force exerted on it.
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Efficiency
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It compares the output work to the input work and is expressed in a percentage.
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Inclined Plane
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A flat, sloped surface.
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Wedge
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A device that is thick at one end and tapers to a thin edge at the other end.
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Screw
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Can be thought of an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.
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Lever
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A rigid bar that is free to pivot, or rotate, on a fixed point.
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Fulcrum
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The fixed point that a lever pivots around.
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Wheel and Axel
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A machine that is made of two circular or cylindrical objects fastened together than rotate about a common axis.
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Pulley
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A simple machine that is made of a grooved wheel with a rope or cable wrapped around it.
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Compound Machine
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A machine that utilizes two or more simple machines.
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Energy
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The ability to do work or cause change.
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Kinetic Energy
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The energy an object has due to its motion.
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Potential Energy
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Stored energy that results from the position or shape of an object.
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Gravitational Potential Energy
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Potential energy related to a object's height.
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Elastic Potential Energy
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The potential energy associated with objects that can be stretched or compressed.
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Mechanical Energy
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Tthe form of energy associated with the position and motion of an object.
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Thermal Energy
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The total potential and kinetic energy of particles in an object.
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Electrical Energy
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The energy of electric charges.
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Chemical Energy
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The Potential energy that is stored in the chemical bonds that hold chemical compounds together.
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Nuclear Energy
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Potential energy that is stored in a nucleus of an atom.
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Electromagnetic energy
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Energy that travels in waves.
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Energy Transformation
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A change from one form of energy to another.
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Law of Conservation of Nuclear Energy
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Energy cannot be created or destroyed.
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Matter
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Anything that has mass and takes up space.
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Fossil Fuel
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Examples are: coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas.
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Combustion
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The process of burning fossil fuels.
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Termperature
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The measure of the average kinetic energy of the individual particles in matter.
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Fahrenheit Scale
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The most commonly used temperature scale in the US.
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Celsius Scale
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The most commonly used scale in nearly all the the countries.
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Kelvin Scale
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The temperature scale most commonly used in physical science.
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Absolute Zero
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Zero on the Kelvin scale represents -273°C.
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Heat
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Thermal energy that is transferred from matter at a higher temperature to matter at a lower temperature.
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Specific Heat
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The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of a material by 1 kelvin.
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Conduction
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The transfer of heat from one particle f matter to another without the movement of the matter.
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Convection
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Heat that is transferred by the movements of currents within a fluid.
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Convection Current
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A convection flow that creates a circular motion.
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Radiation
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The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves.
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Conductor
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A material that conducts heat well.
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Insulator
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A material that does not conduct heat well.
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State
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Forms
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Change of State
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The physical change from one state of matter to another.
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Melting
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The change of state from a solid to a liquid.
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Frezing
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The change of state from a liquid to a solid.
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Evaporation
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The change of state from liquid to a gas.
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Boiling
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When vaporization occurs below the surface of a liquid.
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Condensation
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A change from the gas state to a liquid state.
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Thermal Expansion
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The expanding of matter when it is heated.
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Heat Engine
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The transformation of thermal energy to mechanical energy requires this machine.
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External Combustion Engine
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Engines that burn fuel out side the engine in a boiler.
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Internal Combustion Engine
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Engines that burn fuel in cylinders inside the engine.
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Refrigerant
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A substance that absorbs and releases heat in a refrigerator.
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Wave
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A disturbance that transfers energy from place to place.
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Energy
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The ability to do work.
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Medium
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The material through which a wave travels through.
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Mechanical Wave
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Waves that require a medium through which to travel.
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Vibration
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A repeated back-and-forth or up-and-down motion.
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Transverse Wave
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Waves that move the medium at right angels to the direction in which the waves travel.
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Crest
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The highest point of a transverse wave.
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Trough
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The lowest part of a transverse wave.
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Longitudinal Wave
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They move the medium parallel to the direction in which the waves travel.
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Compression
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The parts where the coils are close together.
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Rarefaction
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The parts where the coils are spread out/rarefied.
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Amplitude
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The maximum distance that the particles of the the medium carrying the wave move away from their rest position.
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Wavelength
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The distance between two corresponding parts of a wave.
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Frequency
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The number of complete waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time.
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Hertz (Hz)
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Unit for frequency.
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Reflection
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When an object or a wave hits a surface through which it cannot pass, it bounces back.
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Law of Reflection
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States that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
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Refraction
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When a wave enters a new medium at an angle, one side of the wave changes speed before the other side, causing the wave to bend.
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Diffraction
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When a wave moves around a barrier or through an opening in a barrier, it bends and spreads out.
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Interference
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The interaction when waves meet.
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Constructive Interference
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The interference when waves combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude.
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Destructive Interference
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The interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with a smaller amplitude.
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Standing Wave
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A wave that appears to stand in one place, even though it is really two waves interfering as they pass through each other.
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Node
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The points of zero amplitude on a standing wave.
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Antinode
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The points of maximum amplitude on a standing wave.
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Resonance
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An increase in the amplitude of a vibration that occurs when external vibrations match an object's natural frequency.
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Seismic Wave
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The waves produced by earthquakes.
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P Wave
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Longitudinal seismic waves.
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S Wave
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Transverse seismic waves.
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Surface Wave
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A combination of longitudinal waves and traverse waves that travels along the surface of a medium.
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Tsunami
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Earthquakes underwater can produce large surface waves on the ocean.
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Seismograph
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This device records the ground movements caused by seismic waves as they move through Earth.
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Echo
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A reflected sound wave.
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Elasticity
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The ability of a material to bounce back after being disturbed.
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Density
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How much matter, or mass, there is in a given amount of space or volume.
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Loudness
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It describes your perception of the energy of a sound.
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Intensity
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The amount of energy a sound wave carries per second through a unit area.
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Decibel (dB)
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The measure of loudness.
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Pitch
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A description of how high or low the sound seems to a person.
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Ultrasound
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Sound waves with frequencies above normal human range of hearing.
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Infrasound
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Sounds with frequencies below the human range of hearing.
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Larynx
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Your voice box.
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Doppler Effect
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The change in frequency of a wave as its source moves in relation to an observer.
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Music
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A set of notes that combine in patters that are pleasing.
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Fundamental Tone
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The lowest natural frequency of an object.
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Overtone
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The object's natural frequencies.
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Acoustics
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The study of how sounds interact with each other and the environment.
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Reverberation
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When the echos of a sound are heard after the sound source stops producing sound waves.
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Ear Canal
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It collects sound waves and directs them into a narrow region.
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Eardrum
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A small, tightly stretched, drum-like membrane.
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Cochlea
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A fluid-filled cavity shaped like a snail shell.
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Echolocation
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The use f reflected sound waves to determine distances or to locate objects.
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Sonar
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A system that uses reflected sound waves to detect and locate objects underwater. (Sound Navigation and Ranging)
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Sonogram
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A device that uses reflected ultrasound waves to create a picture.
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Electromagnetic Wave
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Transverse Waves that transfer electrical and magnetic energy.
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Electromagnetic Radiation
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The energy transferred through space by electromagnetic waves.
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Polarized Light
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Light that vibrates in only one direction.
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Photoelectric Effect
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The ejection of electrons from a substance when light is shined on it.
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Photon
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A tiny particle or packet of light energy.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum
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The complete range of electromagnetic waves placed in order of increasing frequency.
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Radio Waves
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Electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies.
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Microwaves
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Radio waves with the shortest wavelengths and the highest frequency.
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Radar
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A system that uses reflected radio waves to detect objects and measure their distances and speed.
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Infrared Rays
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Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than radio waves, but longer than visible light.
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Thermogram
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An image that shows regions of different temperatures in different colors.
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Visible Light
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That portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected as various colors by the human eye, ranging in wavelength from about 380 nm to about 750 nm.
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Ultraviolet Rays
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Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-Rays.
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X- Rays
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Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet rays but longer than gamma rays.
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Gamma Rays
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Electromagnetic waves with the shortest wavelengths and the highest frequencies.
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Illuminated
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lit up
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Tungsten-Halogen Bulb
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Incandescent light bulb containing a tungsten filament and a halogen gas.
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Fluorescent Light
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Light bulb that glows when an electric current causes ultraviolet rays to strike a coating inside a tube.
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Vapor Light
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Light jul containing neon or argon gas along with a small amount of solid sodium or mercury.
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Neon Light
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Glass tube containing neon gas that produces light.
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Amplitude Modulation
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A method of transmitting signals by changing the amplitude of a wave.
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Transparent Material
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transmits most of the light that strikes it
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Translucent Material
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allows some light to pass through it, but scatters the light in many directions
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Opaque Material
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a material that reflects or absorbs all of the light that strikes it
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Primary Color
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Red, green, and blue, which can combine to produce white light and mixed in pairs produce the secondary colors: yellow, cyan, and magenta
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Secondary Color
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color obtained by mixing equal parts of two primary colors
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Complementary Color
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A color directly opposite another on a color wheel and providing the greatest chromatic contrast to it.
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Pigment
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A colored chemical compound that absorbs light, producing color
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Ray
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A straight line used to represent a light wave.
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Regular Reflection
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Reflection that occurs when parallel rays of light hit a smooth surface and all reflect at the same angle
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Diffuse Reflection
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Reflection that occurs when parallel rays of light hit a rough surface and all reflect at different angles
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Plane Mirror
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A flat mirror that produces an upright, virtual image the same size as the object.
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Image
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A copy of an object formed by reflected or refracted light.
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Virtual Image
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An Upright image formed where rays of light appear to meet.
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Concave Mirror
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A mirror that curves inward
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Optical Axis
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An imaginary line that divides a mirror in half.
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Focal Point
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a point of convergence of light (or other radiation) or a point from which it diverges
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Real Image
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An upside-down image formed where rays of light meet.
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Convex Mirror
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A mirror that curves outward
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Index of Refraction
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A measure of the amount a ray of light bends when it passes from one medium to another.
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Mirage
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An image of a distant object caused by refraction of light as it travels through air of varying temperature.
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Lens
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A curved piece of a transparent material used to refract light
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Convex Lens
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A lens that is thicker in the center than at the edges
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Concave Lens
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A lens that is thinner in the center than at the edges
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Cornea
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Transparent surface of the eye
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Pupil
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the adjustable opening in the center of the eye through which light enters.
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Iris
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The ring of muscle that controls=s the size of the pupil and gives the eye its color.
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Retina
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The layer of cells that lines the inside of the eyeball
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Rods
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Cells in the eye that detect dim light.
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Cones
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Cells in the retina that respond to and detect color
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Optic Nerve
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Short, Thick nerve that carries signals from the eye to the brain.
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Nearsighted
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when the eye is too long and the lens focusses the light in front of the retina
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Farsighted
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term applied to a person who has trouble focusing on nearby objects because the eyeball is so short that images form behind the retina
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Telescope
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An optical instrument that forms enlarged images of distant objects
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Refracting Telescope
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A telescope that uses 2 convex lenses to form images.
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Objective
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A lens that gathers light and forms a real image.
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Eyepiece
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combination of lenses at the viewing end of optical instruments
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Reflecting Telescope
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A telescope that uses 2 concave lenses to gather light from distant objects.
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Microscope
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An optical instrument that forms enlarged images of tiny objects.
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Camera
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equipment for taking photographs (usually consisting of a lightproof box with a lens at one end and light-sensitive film at the other)
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Laser
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A device that produces a narrow beam of coherent light.
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Hologram
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3-dimensional photograph created with lasers.
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Optical Fiber
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A long, thin strand of glass or plastic that can carry light for long distances without allowing the light to escape.
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Total Internal Reflection
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The complete reflection of light by the inside of a medium.
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Magnet
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any material that attracts iron or materials containing iron
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Magnetic Pole
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the ends of a magnetic object, where the magnetic force is strongest
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Magnetic Force
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a force produced when magnetic poles interact
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Magnetic Field Lines
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invisible lines that map out the magnetic field around a magnet
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Atom
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the basic particle from which all elements are made
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Element
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any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter
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Nucleus
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the positively charged dense center of an atom
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Proton
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A subatomic particle that has a positive charge and that is found in the nucleus of an atom
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Neutron
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A subatomic particle that has no charge and that is found in the nucleus of an atom
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Electron
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a negatively charged subatomic particle that is found outside the nucleus of an atom
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Magnetic Domain
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a region in which the magnetic fields of all atoms are lined up in the same direction.
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Ferromagnetic Material
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A material that is strongly attracted to a magnet, and which can be made into a magnet.
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Temporary Magnet
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A magnet made from a material that easily loses its magnetism.
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Permanent Magnet
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a magnet made from a material that keeps its magnetism for a long time
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Compass
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a device with a magnetized needle that can spin freely
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Magnetic Declination
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the angle between geographic north and the north to which a compass needle points
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Van Allen belts
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2 doughnut shaped regions 1,000-25,000 kilometers above Earth that contain electrons and protons traveling at high speeds
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Solar Wind
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a stream of electrically charged particles flowing at high speeds from the sun
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Magnetosphere
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the region of earth's magnetic field shaped by the solar wind
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Aurora
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a glowing region produced by the interaction of charged particles from the sun and atoms in the atmosphere
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Electric Force
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the attraction or repulsion between electric charges
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Electric Field
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the region around a charged object where the object's electric force interacts with other charged objects
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Static Electricity
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the buildup of electric charges on an object
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Conservation of Charge
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the law that states that charges are neither created nor destroyed but only transferred from one material to another
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Friction
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the force that opposes the motion of one surface as it moves across another surface
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Conduction
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the transfer of thermal energy from one substance to another through direct contact
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Induction
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A method of charging an object by means of the electric field of another object
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Static Discharge
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the loss of static electricity as electric charges transfer from one object to another
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Electric Circuit
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a complete, unbroken path through which electric charges can flow
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Conductor
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a material that conducts heat well
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Insulator
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a material that doesn't conduct heat well
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Voltage
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the difference in electrical potential energy between two places in a circuit
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Voltage Source
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A device that creates an electrical potential energy difference in an electric circuit
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Resistance
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the measurement of how difficult it is for charges to flow through a material
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Chemical Energy
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a form of potential energy that is stored in chemical bonds between atoms
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Chemical Reaction
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the process by which one or more substances change to produce one or more different substances
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Electrochemical Cell
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device that changes chemical energy into electrical energy
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Electrolyte
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A liquid or paste that conducts electric current.
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Terminal
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A convenient attachment point used to connect a cell or battery to a circuit.
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Battery
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a combination of two or more electrochemical cells in a series
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Wet Cell
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an electrochemical cell in which the electrolyte is a liquid
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Dry Cell
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an electrochemical cell in which the electrolyte is a paste
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Ohm's Law
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The law that states that resistance is equal to voltage divided by current.
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Series Circuit
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A circuit that contains only one path for current flow.
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Ammeter
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a device used to measure current in a circuit
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Parallel Circuit
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circuit in which electric current can follow more than one path
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Voltmeter
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a device used to measure voltage, or electrical potential energy difference
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Power
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the rate at which work is done
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Short Circuit
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a connection that allows current to take an unintended path
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Grounded
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allowing charges to flow directly from the circuit into Earth in the event of a short circuit
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Third Prong
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the round prong of a plug that connects any metal pieces in an appliance to the safety grounding wire of a building
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Fuse
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A safety device with a thin metal strip that will melt if too much current passes through a circuit.
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Circuit Breaker
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A reusable safety switch that breaks the circuit when the current becomes too high.
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Electromagnetism
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The relationship between electricity and magnetism
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Solenoid
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A coil of wire with a current that acts as a bar magnet
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Electromagnet
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A magnet created by wrapping a coil of wire with a current around a ferromagnetic core
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Energy
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the ability to do work or cause change
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Electrical Energy
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the energy of moving electric charges
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Mechanical Energy
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kinetic or potential energy associated with the motion or position of an object
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Galvanometer
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A device that uses an electromagnet to detect small amounts of current
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Electric Motor
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A device that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy
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Electromagnetic Induction
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The process of generating an electric current from the motion of a conductor through a magnetic field
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Direct Current
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current consisting of charges that flow in only one direction in a circuit
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Alternating Current
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Current consisting of charges that move back and forth in a circuit
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Electric Generator
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a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
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Turbine
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A large circular device made up of many blades
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Transformer
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A device that increases or decreases voltage
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Step-up Transformer
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a transformer that increases voltage
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Step-down Transformer
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a transformer that decreases voltage
