Physics flashcards

197 HSC Physics cards across 4 modules (43 definitions, 72 key facts, 17 fill-the-gap, 65 formulas). Each session gives you 20 cards, due cards first. Swipe right for easy, left for hard, down for again. Keyboard: Space to flip, 1 to 4 to rate.

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Definition
Orbital motion and satellites explained: HSC Physics Module 5
Define Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)
Altitude about 35 800 km (radius $4.22 \times 10^7$ m). Period exactly one sidereal day (about 23 h 56 min). The satellite sits over a fixed equatorial point. Used for television, weather imaging, and continuous communications.
Definition
Charged particles in electric fields explained: HSC Physics Module 6
Define Parallel acceleration
The particle enters along the field direction (or starts at rest). Motion is one-dimensional, constant acceleration. Use $v^2 = u^2 + 2as$ with $s = d$ , or use energy: $qV = \frac{1}{2} m v_f^2 - \frac{1}{2} m v_i^2$ .
Definition
The electromagnetic spectrum and Maxwell's equations: HSC Physics Module 7
Define Gauss's law for electricity
Electric field lines start on positive charges and end on negative charges; the total flux through a closed surface is proportional to the enclosed charge.
Definition
Bohr model and the Balmer-Rydberg formula: HSC Physics Module 8
Define Multi-electron atoms
The energy levels in helium, lithium and beyond are not predicted accurately. The model has no way to handle electron-electron repulsion.
Fill the gap
Kepler's laws of planetary motion explained: HSC Physics Module 5
Every planet orbits the Sun in an ___, with the Sun at one focus.
Every planet orbits the Sun in an ellipse, with the Sun at one focus.
Definition
Force on current-carrying conductors: HSC Physics Module 6
Define Opposite direction currents
The forces reverse. The wires repel.
Definition
Evidence for special relativity: muons, GPS and particle physics, HSC Physics Module 7
Define Non-relativistic prediction
In one proper lifetime, a muon at $0.99c$ travels about $650$ m, so almost no muons should reach the ground.
Definition
De Broglie matter waves: HSC Physics Module 8
Define Electron microscope
Resolves features much smaller than light microscopes can, because the de Broglie wavelength of high-voltage electrons is much shorter than visible light.
Fill the gap
Newton's law of universal gravitation explained: HSC Physics Module 5
Around a spherical body the field is ___: the field vectors point toward the centre of the mass from every direction, and they get shorter (weaker) with distance, since $g \propto 1/r^2$ .
Around a spherical body the field is radial: the field vectors point toward the centre of the mass from every direction, and they get shorter (weaker) with distance, since $g \propto 1/r^2$ .
Definition
DC and AC motors: HSC Physics Module 6
Define Running
$\varepsilon_{\text{back}}$ is close to $V$ , current is small, and the motor draws just enough to overcome friction and the mechanical load.