Combined Science Physics Flashcards
6 cards from real GCSE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Combined Science Physics flashcards as text
What is the specific heat capacity equation?
Answer: E = m × c × θ (change in temperature)
The equation is E = m × c × Δθ, where E is energy transferred (J), m is mass (kg), c is specific heat capacity (J/kg°C), and Δθ is the temperature change (°C). This tells you how much energy is needed to heat a substance.
In a transformer, what determines the ratio of input to output voltage?
Answer: The ratio of turns on the primary and secondary coils
The transformer equation states: Vp/Vs = Np/Ns. The voltage ratio equals the turns ratio. A step-up transformer has more turns on the secondary coil, increasing the voltage; a step-down transformer has fewer turns on the secondary.
What type of nuclear radiation is stopped by a thin sheet of paper?
Answer: Alpha particles
Alpha particles are the least penetrating type of nuclear radiation. They are large (2 protons + 2 neutrons) and highly charged (+2), so they interact strongly with matter and are stopped by just a few centimetres of air or a sheet of paper.
What is the relationship between the wavelength and frequency of a wave?
Answer: As wavelength increases, frequency decreases
Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional (for waves travelling at the same speed). The wave equation is v = f × λ. If the wave speed is constant, increasing the wavelength means the frequency must decrease, and vice versa.
What is the resultant force on an object moving at constant velocity?
Answer: Zero
According to Newton's First Law, an object moving at constant velocity has a resultant (net) force of zero. This means all forces are balanced — for example, the driving force equals the frictional forces acting on the object.
Which energy store is associated with a moving object?
Answer: Kinetic energy store
A moving object has energy in its kinetic energy store. Kinetic energy depends on the object's mass and speed: KE = ½mv². Doubling the speed quadruples the kinetic energy, which is why stopping distances increase greatly at higher speeds.