Physics Definitions

Define Gravitational potential: work done in bringing/moving unit mass M1

From infinity to the point A1

(Use of 1 kg in the definition – max 1/2) [2]

Explain Decay Constant: probability of decay M1

Of a nucleus per unite time [1]

Millikan Experiment: charge is quantized/enabled electron charge to be measured B1 [1]

Explain <c^2>: mean (value of the) square M1

Of the speeds (velocities) of the atoms/particles/molecules A1 [2]

Explain R.M.S (root-mean-square): The (value of the) direct current M1

That dissipates (heat) energy at the same rate (in a resistor) A1 [2]

Define Ideal gas: obeys the law pV/T = constant or any two named gas laws M1

At all values of p, V and T A1 [2]

Define specific latent heat of fusion: (thermal) energy/heat required to convert unit mass/1 kg of solid to
liquid M1

With no change in temperature/at melting point A1 [2]

Define simple harmonic motion: acceleration proportional to displacement (from a fixed point)

M1

Or a = - ω2x with a, ω and x explained and directed towards a fixed points A1 [2]

Define electric field strength: force per unit positive charge (ratio idea essential) B1 [1]

State Newton’s third law of motion: When two bodies interact, force on one body is equal but opposite
in direction to force on the other body. B1 [1]

Define Gravitational Field: (region of space) where a mass experiences a force B1 [1]

Explain a photon: packet/discrete quantity/quantum (of energy) of E.M. radiation B1 [1]

Explain Work function: energy of photon M1

To cause emission of electron from surface either with zero k.e or photon energy is minimum.

A1 [2]
Three characteristics of an op-amp: e.g. infinite (voltage) gain infinite input impedance zero output
impedance infinite bandwidth infinite slew rate (any three, 1 each) B3 [3]

Define Radian: angle (subtended) at centre of circle B1

By an arc equal in length to the radius (of the circle) B1 [2]

Explain Angular speed: angle swept out per unit time / rate of change of angle M1 [1]

Explain Damping: (continuous) loss of energy / reduction in amplitude (from the oscillating system)
B1

Caused by force acting in opposite direction to the motion / friction / viscous forces B1 [2]

Define Electrical potential: work done moving unit positive charge M1

From infinity to the point A1 [2]

State Faradays law of electromagnetic induction: (induced) e.m.f. is proportional to / equal to rate of
change of M1

(Magnetic) flux (linkage) A1 [2]

Describe Frequency Modulation: frequency of carrier wave varies M1

In synchrony with displacement of information signal A1 [2]

Define Cross talk: picking up of signal in one cable M1

From a second (nearby) cable A1 [2]

Define noise: random (unwanted) signal / power B1

That masks / added to / interferes with / distorts transmitted signal B1 [2]

Define tesla: field producing force of 1.0 N m-1 on wire OR B = F/ILsin2 M1

Carrying current of 1.0 A normal to field OR symbols explained A1 [2]

Explain Binding energy of a nuclei: energy required to (completely) separate the nucleons (in a nucleus)
B1 [1]

Define Acoustic Impedance: product of density (of medium) and speed of sound (in medium)
B1 [1]

Describe a magnetic field: region (of space) / area where B1

A force is experienced by M1

Current-carrying conductor / moving charge / permanent magnet A1 [3]

Newton’s law of gravitation: F is proportional Mm / R2 (words or explained symbols) M1

Either M and m are point masses or R >> diameter of masses (do not allow ‘size’) A1 [2]

Define Capacitance: ratio of charge (on body) and its potential B1 [1]

Describe geostationary orbit: equatorial orbit B1

Period 24 hours / same angular speed B1

From west to east / same direction of rotation B1 [3]

Define Resonance: large / maximum amplitude of vibration B1

When impressed frequency equals natural frequency of vibration B1 [2]

Describe internal energy of a gas: sum of kinetic and potential energies of molecules / particles / atoms
M1

Random (distribution) A1 [2]

Define oscillations: to-and-fro / backward and forward motion (between two limits) B1 [1]

Free oscillation: no energy loss or gain / no external force acting / constant energy / constant amplitude
B1 [1]

Explain Virtual Earth: op-amp has very large / infinite gain M1

Non-inverting input is at earth (potential) / earthed / at 0 V M1

If amplifier is not to saturate, inverting input must be (almost) at earth potential / 0 (V) same potential
as inverting input A1 [3]

Explain FM: frequency of carrier wave varies (in synchrony) with signal M1 (in synchrony) with
displacement of signal A1 [2]

Explain Negative feedback: fraction of the output (signal) is added to the input (signal) M1

Out of phase by 180° / π rad / to inverting input A1 [2]

Describe nuclear fission: splitting of a heavy nucleus (not atom/nuclide) M1

Into two (lighter) nuclei of approximately same mass A1 [2]

Analogue signal: signal has same variation (with time) as the data B1 [1]

Digital signal: Consists of (a series of) ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ B1

Either analogue is continuously variable (between limits) or digital has no intermediate values
B1 [2]
Explain Broglie wavelength: wavelength of wave associated with a particle M1

That is moving A1 [2]

Define absolute zero: temperature at which atoms have minimum/zero energy B1 [1]

Explain Smoothing: reduction in the variation of the output voltage/current B1 [1]

Specific latent heat :( numerically equal to) quantity of (thermal) energy required to change the state of
unit mass of a substance M1

Without any change of temperature A1 [2]

Define Isotopes: nuclei having same number of protons/proton (atomic) number B1

Different numbers of neutrons/neutron number B1 [2]

State Lenz’s law: induced e.m.f./current produces effects acts in such a direction / tends M1

To oppose the change causing it A1 [2]

State Coulombs Law: force proportional to product of (two) charges and inversely proportional to square
of separation M1

Reference to point charges A1 [2]

The End