Edexcel GCSE Physics key terms

The length of the path travelled by an object, represented by $x$ in this equation and measured in metres.

A change in an object's shape caused by a force, such as stretching, compression or bending.

Something that diverts a driver's attention from driving and can delay their response to a hazard.

A lens that spreads rays travelling parallel to its principal axis so that they appear to come from a principal focus.

The electricity supplied to homes through the UK electricity network.

A change in the observed frequency and wavelength of waves caused by motion of the wave source relative to an observer.

A device worn by someone working with radiation to record the dose they receive.

A body that orbits the Sun and is classed separately from the eight planets; Pluto is an example.

A generator that produces a current flowing in one direction in the external circuit.

The thin membrane at the end of the ear canal that vibrates when sound waves reach it.

The ground, treated as being at approximately 0 V, together with conductors electrically connected to it.

Connecting an object to Earth through a conductor so electrons can move and excess charge does not build up.

The balance between radiation absorbed by the Earth system and thermal radiation emitted into space.

A safety wire connected to Earth and maintained at approximately 0 V; it does not normally carry current.

A reflected sound wave that returns to the place where the sound was produced.

The fraction of the total energy supplied to a device that is transferred usefully.

The input force applied to a lever.

The property of returning to the original shape and length after the deforming forces are removed.

A collision in which total kinetic energy as well as total momentum is conserved. Real collisions are usually only approximately elastic.

A change of shape that is reversed when the forces are removed.

A change in shape that disappears when the force is removed, so the object returns to its original shape.

An object that can return to its original shape and size after the deforming forces are removed, provided it has not been deformed too far.

Energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed elastically.

The energy stored when an object is elastically stretched, compressed or bent.

A device designed to transfer energy electrically from a supply to one or more energy stores.

A material in which charged particles, usually electrons in a solid, are free to move.

A material in which electric charge cannot move freely, so charge transferred to its surface tends to remain there.