OCR GCSE Physics B key terms

An object or group of objects chosen for study.

An error that shifts measurements consistently away from the true value by a similar amount or proportion.

The straight line that touches a curve at one chosen point and has the same gradient as the curve there.

The practical use of scientific knowledge to meet a need or solve a problem.

A measure linked to the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.

A measure of how readily a material conducts thermal energy; a lower value means poorer conduction.

Energy stored by an object because of the motion and interactions of its particles.

A state in which there is no net energy transfer between a body and its surroundings because they are at the same temperature.

Material or a structure that reduces the rate of thermal energy transfer.

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by an object because of its temperature.

A temperature-dependent resistor; the type normally studied at GCSE has a resistance that decreases as its temperature rises.

The distance a vehicle travels during the driver's reaction time, before the brakes begin to act.

The measured delay between an event occurring at one position and being detected at another position.

Damage to cells that may kill them or alter how they function and divide.

A device containing two coils wound around an iron core that changes an alternating potential difference by electromagnetic induction.

The passing of a wave and its energy through a material or across a boundary.

A wave in which the disturbance is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels.

A rotating machine driven by a moving fluid such as steam, air or water.

The number of turns on the secondary coil divided by the number of turns on the primary coil.

Sound with a frequency above the range of human hearing, used to produce echoes for imaging and detection.

Motion along a circular path at constant speed, although the direction of motion and therefore the velocity continually change.

A magnetic field with the same strength and direction throughout a region.

The upward force exerted by a fluid on an object in it.

Energy transferred in the way required for the intended purpose of a device or process.

The extent to which an investigation measures what it is intended to measure and supports the claimed conclusion.

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Speed in a specified direction.