Physics Semester I Review Guide

2013-2014

UCS

This document is to guide you in preparing and studying for the Physics Midterm. The midterm exam will consist of 70 multiple choice questions aligned with Chapters 1-7 from Holt Physics and the State of Michigan High School Science Course Expectations (HSSCE codes are shown).

You will be given a formula sheet containing all the possible formulas you could want.

You will be allowed the use of a calculator during the test.

The midterm will count for 20% of your semester grade.

Be sure to bring a pencil on the day of the exam.

Chapter One – The Language of Physics

Be sure to be comfortable with conversions, SI units, variables, and graph relationships.

There are NO specific questions or HSSCE from Chap One, but good to review.

Chapter Two – Motion in One-Dimension

  • Calculate the average speed of an object using the change of position and elapsed time. P2.1A
  • Represent the velocities for linear motion using motion diagrams. P2.1B
  • Describe and analyze the motion of a graph that a position-time graph represents. P2.1D
  • Describe and analyze the motion of a graph that a velocity-time graph represents. P2.2C
  • Identify various motions in a plane as one dimensional, two dimensional, or circular. P2.1E
  • Be able to solve problems involving average speed and constant acceleration in 1-D. P2.1g
  • Distinguish between the variables of distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration. P2.2A
  • Use the area under a velocity-time graph to calculate the distance traveled and the slope to calculate the acceleration. P2.2e
  • Calculate average acceleration for linear motion using change in speed and elapsed time. P2.2B

Chapter Three – Two-Dimensional Motion and Vectors

  • Identify various motions in a plane as one dimensional, two dimensional, or circular. P2.1E
  • Apply the independence of the vertical and horizontal velocities to solve projectile motion problems. P2.2g
  • Describe and compare the motion of an object using different reference frames. P2.3a
  • Solve problems in two-dimensional motion restricted to an initial horizontal velocity with no initial vertical velocity. P3.4e

Chapter Four – Forces and Laws of Motion

  • Identify the force(s) acting between objects in contact or at a distance. P3.1A
  • Identify the basic forces in everyday interactions P3.1d
  • Identify the magnitude and direction of everyday forces. P3.2A
  • Calculate the net force acting on an object. P3.2C
  • Calculate all the forces on an object on an inclined plane and describe the object’s motion based on the forces using free-body diagrams. P3.2d
  • Identify the action and reaction force from examples P3.3A
  • Predict the change in motion of an object acted on by several forces. P3.4A
  • Identify forces acting on objects moving with a constant velocity. P3.4B
  • Solve problems involving force, mass, and acceleration in linear motion. P3.4C

Chapter Five – Work and Energy

  • Describe the relationship between changes in position, velocity, and acceleration during “pendulum” motion. P2.2f
  • Compare work done in different situations P3.2B
  • Explain why work has a more precise scientific meaning in physics. P4.1c
  • Calculate the amount of work done on an object that is moved from one position to another. P4.1d
  • Using the formula for work, derive a formula for change in potential energy lifted to a distance h. P4.1e
  • Identify the form of energy in a given situation. P4.3A
  • Describe the transformation between PE and KE in simple mechanical systems. P4.3B
  • Explain why all mechanical systems require an external energy source to maintain motion. P4.3C
  • Rank the amount of KE from highest to lowest in everyday examples. P4.3d
  • Calculate the changes in KE and PE in simple mechanical systems using formulas. P4.3e
  • Use the conservation of energy to calculate the impact speed of an object falling from a height or the maximum height an object that has been projected upwards. P4.3f

Chapter Six – Momentum and Collisions

  • Predict how the change in velocity of a small mass compares to change in velocity of a large mass when the objects interact. P3.3b
  • Explain the recoil of a projectile launcher in terms of forces and masses. P3.3c
  • Analyze why seat belts may be more important in autos than in buses. P3.3d
  • Calculate the changes in velocity of a thrown or hit object during and after the time it is acted on by the force. P3.4f
  • Explain how the time of impact can affect the net force. P3.4g
  • Apply conservation of momentum to solve simple collision problems. P3.5a

Chapter Seven – Rotational Motion and Gravity

  • Distinguish between rotation and revolution. P2.1F
  • Identify various motions in a plane as one dimensional, two dimensional, or circular. P2.1E
  • Understand that uniform circular motion involves acceleration without a change in speed. P2.2D
  • Identify the force(s) acting on objects moving with uniform circular motion P3.4D
  • Explain earth-moon interactions in terms of forces. P3.6A
  • Predict how the gravitational forces between objects changes when the distance between them changes. P3.6B
  • Explain how your weight on Earth could be different from you weight on another planet. P3.6C
  • Calculate force, masses or distance, given any three of these quantities by applying the Law of Universal Gravitation. P3.6d
  • Correctly identify changes in force vectors on an object in an elliptical orbit. P3.6e

Read through this guide writingyourthoughts or questions in the margins to assist in studying.

Some of the questions on the exam are very easy while some may take some time and thought.

Review at least the chapter summaries from Holt.

Reviewat as needed.

The midterm will be 20% of your semester grade.