Great Ideas in Physics
Physics 105
Fall 2002
Test 1 will cover Chapters 1-5 in Hobson. The best way to study
is to review the "Summary of Ideas and Terms" for each of the 5
chapters. Test yourself and your friends on this by answering
the "Review Questions" at the end of each chapter. Work through
the "Concept Checks" in the chapters (answers are at the end of
each chapter). You don't need to know any formulas; however, I
find the shorthand F=ma and F=G m1 m2 / d^2 easier to remember
than that gravity gets weaker with distance and stronger with each
mass. You won't be asked to do any math beyond ratios, percentages,
and estimates using powers of ten. Good luck!
Chapter 1
Science, physics, astronomy, astrology, planet, uniform
circular motion, Pythagoreans, Pythagorean theory of the universe,
retrograde motion, multiple transparent spheres theory,
Aristarchus's theory, Ptolemy's theory, Copernicus's theory,
Tycho Brahe's observations, Kepler's theory, pseudoscience,
observation, measurement, experiment, theory, model, law,
principle, solar system, hypothesis, scientific method,
Copernican revolution, galaxy, Milky Way.
Chapter 2
Atomic theory of matter, diffusion, chemical decomposition,
chemical element, periodic table, atomic number, atom,
chemical compound, molecule, meter, kilo-, centi-, milli-,
mega-, powers of 10, microscopic, macroscopic, solid, liquid,
gas, gas pressure, vacuum, microscopic interpretation of
warmth, thermal motion, Newtonian physics, materialism,
Greek atom, planetary atom, proton, neutron, electron,
nucleus, quantum theory of the atom, chemistry, conservation
of matter, air, chemical reaction, burning, respiration,
photosynthesis.
Chapter 3
Natural motion, Aristotelian elements, difficulties with
Aristotelian physics, air resistance, friction, scientific
method, inertia, law of inertia, space, average speed,
instantaneous speed, velocity, acceleration, Galileo's law
of falling, free fall, acceleration of gravity, proportionality,
proportional to the square.
Chapter 4
Force, force of gravity, inertia, mass, kilogram, inversely
proportional, Newton, net force, Newton's laws of motion,
weight, metric ton, force diagram, force pair, law of
force pairs, drive force, resistive force, friction, air
resistance, rolling resistance, rocket drive.
Chapter 5
Satellite, Newton's law of gravity, weightlessness,
gravitational collapse, nuclear fusion, white dwarf,
supernova explosion, neutron star, black hole, Newtonian
world view, Newtonian physics and democracy, atomism,
dualism, primary and secondary qualities, objectivity,
the mechanical universe, limits of Newtonian physics.
Last Modified 1 October 2002
griff@physics.wm.edu