OCR GCSE Physics B key terms

An energy resource with a finite supply that is not replenished on a human timescale.

A line drawn at right angles to a surface at the point where a wave meets it.

The force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it, acting perpendicular to the surface.

An energy store associated with the arrangement and interactions of particles within an atomic nucleus.

The splitting of a large, unstable nucleus into two smaller nuclei, with the release of energy and neutrons.

The joining of light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

The model in which an atom has a small, positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons.

The tiny central region of an atom that contains protons and neutrons and has an overall positive charge.

A conductor for which current is directly proportional to potential difference when physical conditions, especially temperature, remain constant.

The path of an object moving around another object under gravity.

The power of ten that indicates the approximate scale of a quantity.

A changing current that repeatedly reverses or varies in size and can produce radio waves.

Repeated variation of a quantity, such as an electric current, about a central value.

A result that lies noticeably away from the pattern formed by the other data.

The potential difference measured between two selected points in a sensing circuit.

A circuit with junctions that provide two or more complete paths for charge to flow.

A simplified scientific representation in which matter consists of extremely small particles, such as atoms or molecules, with empty space between them.

The evaluation of new scientific work by other scientists with relevant expertise before it is accepted for publication.

How readily radiation passes through a material rather than being absorbed by it.

How likely a person believes harm to be; this may differ from a statistical estimate.

The time taken for one complete wave cycle, measured in seconds (s).

A material that remains magnetised and produces its own magnetic field without an electric current.

The shortest distance from a pivot to the line along which a force acts, measured at right angles to that line.

A device that transfers energy from sunlight directly into an electrical pathway without a turbine.

A change in which no new substance is formed; changes of state are physical changes and can be reversed to recover the original material.

The fixed point about which an object can turn.

Permanent deformation: the object does not return completely to its original shape and size when the forces are removed.