Exercises: Physics: Definitions and Applications
Work through each section in order. These questions focus on concepts and understanding — there are no calculations in this set.
Warm-Up: What Do You Already Know?
These questions review your existing knowledge of science.
Which of the following best describes what science does?
Science collects facts and stores them for future use.
Science seeks patterns and principles that explain how the natural world works.
Science builds machines and technology.
Science proves that everything in nature is predictable.
In middle school science you studied different branches of science. Which of these is a branch of natural science?
Computer science
Political science
Biology
Economics
Which of the following is an example of technology that uses scientific principles?
A written poem
A painting
A microwave oven
A math formula
Fluency Practice
Apply the core ideas from this section.
What is the central goal of physics?
To memorize as many equations as possible
To discover the fewest universal principles that explain the widest range of natural phenomena
To design and build new technology
To describe only the phenomena that cannot be explained by chemistry or biology
A falling apple and an orbiting moon both follow Newton's law of gravitation. What does this example best illustrate about physics?
Physics applies only to objects that move in straight lines.
Physics is mostly about memorizing specific examples.
A single physics principle can explain very different phenomena.
Physics and astronomy are completely separate subjects.
A car engine converts heat energy into mechanical motion. This phenomenon belongs to which subfield of physics?
Mechanics
Modern Physics
Waves & Optics
Thermodynamics
Which subfield of physics best explains how a rainbow forms?
Electricity & Magnetism
Mechanics
Waves & Optics
Thermodynamics
Which subfield of physics is most directly responsible for explaining how electric motors work?
Modern Physics
Electricity & Magnetism
Thermodynamics
Waves & Optics
Physics is described as the most fundamental natural science. What does this mean for chemistry and biology?
Chemistry and biology are less important than physics.
The laws of physics underlie and explain phenomena studied by chemistry and biology.
Chemists and biologists must always consult physicists before doing their work.
Physics can fully replace chemistry and biology.
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