Physical Science Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of a physical change?

Answer: Cutting paper

Cutting paper only changes the shape and size of the material without producing a new substance, making it a physical change.

A student pushes a box across the floor. The force that opposes this motion is called:

Answer: Friction

Friction is the force that opposes the motion of objects sliding against each other, resisting the push on the box.

Which state of matter has a definite volume but no definite shape?

Answer: Liquid

Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of whatever container they are placed in, giving them no definite shape.

An object has a mass of 50 grams and a volume of 10 cm³. What is its density?

Answer: 5 g/cm³

Density equals mass divided by volume: 50 g ÷ 10 cm³ = 5 g/cm³.

Which of the following is the best conductor of electricity?

Answer: Copper

Copper is a metal with free-moving electrons that allow electrical current to flow easily through it, making it an excellent conductor.

When a guitar string vibrates, it produces sound. This sound travels to your ears as:

Answer: Mechanical waves

Sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium (such as air) to travel through, unlike electromagnetic waves which can travel through a vacuum.

According to Newton's First Law of Motion, an object at rest will:

Answer: Stay at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force

Newton's First Law (inertia) states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion unless an unbalanced (net) force acts on it.