OCR GCSE Physics B key terms

A galaxy moving farther away from the observer.

The speed at which an object is moving away from an observer.

An increase in the observed wavelengths of light from an object, shifting its spectral lines towards the red end of the spectrum.

A wave returned when it meets a boundary or surface rather than continuing through it.

The return of a wave from a boundary into the material it came from.

A change in a wave’s direction when its speed changes as it crosses a boundary.

An energy resource that is replenished naturally at least as quickly as it is used on a human timescale.

Repeating an investigation using the same method and equipment to see whether similar results are obtained.

A physical analogy or visual representation used to make selected features of a system easier to picture.

Obtaining similar results when an investigation is carried out again by another person or using different equipment or methods.

A measure of how strongly a component opposes current; it is calculated as potential difference divided by current and measured in ohms (Ω).

A component that opposes the flow of electric charge in a circuit.

The smallest change in a quantity that a measuring instrument can detect or display.

The overall force after all the forces and their directions have been taken into account.

The direction of potential difference across a diode in which its resistance is very high and practically no current flows.

A shallow transparent tank used to produce and observe water waves, often with a light projecting the wave pattern onto a screen.

The chance that an accident or harm will occur.

The process of identifying hazards, considering the associated risks and selecting measures to reduce them.

A factor associated with an increased probability of an unwanted outcome, without necessarily producing that outcome in every case.

The number of measurements or distinct items included in an investigation, stated clearly for the context.

A flow diagram in which arrow widths represent the quantities of energy transferred along different pathways.

A quantity that has magnitude but no direction, such as distance or speed.

The redirection of light in many directions when it interacts with a surface or particles in a material.

The exchange of scientific findings and viewpoints in ways that an audience can understand and use.

An account of how or why a particular event or phenomenon occurs, often produced by applying a scientific theory to that situation.

A simplified representation used to describe and explain observations about something that cannot be examined directly.

A question that could, in principle, be investigated using observations or measurements.