Overview
This lecture reviews the June 2022 Physics Regents Exam, covering every multiple choice and short-answer question with explanations of key physics concepts and formulas commonly tested.
Exam Structure & Tools
- The Regents includes 50 multiple choice and several short answer questions.
- Permitted tools: scientific/graphing calculator, ruler, protractor, and the 2006 Physics Reference Table.
Key Concepts & Problem Types
Scalars vs. Vectors
- Scalar: quantity with magnitude only (e.g., energy, time, distance, mass).
- Vector: quantity with magnitude and direction (e.g., force, acceleration, velocity).
Kinematics & Dynamics
- For uniform acceleration: use ( d = \frac{v_f^2 - v_i^2}{2a} ) to solve for distance.
- Horizontal projectile velocity remains constant if no horizontal forces act.
- Newton’s Second Law: ( F_{net} = m a ).
- Newton’s Third Law: forces between two interacting objects are equal and opposite.
- Inertia depends on mass and does not change if force changes._
Energy & Power
- Energy transformations: electric to mechanical in motors.
- Work done: ( W = Fd ) (force parallel to distance).
- Power: ( P = \frac{Fd}{t} ).
- Gravitational potential energy: ( PE = mgh ).
- Elastic potential energy in springs: ( PE = \frac{1}{2} k x^2 ).
Waves & Sound
- Sound waves are mechanical and longitudinal.
- Doppler Effect: frequency observed is higher as a source approaches, lower as it recedes.
- Wave speed: ( v = f \lambda ).
- Superposition: maximum displacement is the sum of overlapping wave amplitudes.
- Diffraction: wave bends around barriers; resonance occurs when matching frequencies amplify vibration.
Electricity & Circuits
- Ohm’s Law: ( V = IR ).
- Series circuits: voltage divides among resistors, directly proportional to resistance.
- Parallel circuits: total resistance lower than any individual resistor.
- Power in resistors: ( P = \frac{V^2}{R} ).
- Current: ( I = \frac{Q}{t} ), where Q is charge (Coulombs).
Fields & Forces
- Electric field direction defined by force on a positive test charge.
- Uniform electric fields and forces exist between parallel plates.
- Coulomb’s law: ( F = k \frac{q_1q_2}{r^2} ).
- Magnetic induction: moving a conductor in a magnetic field induces a potential difference.
Modern Physics
- Photons and electrons exhibit wave-particle duality.
- Energy-mass equivalence: ( E = mc^2 ).
- Photon energy: ( E = hf ) and conversion between eV and Joules.
Miscellaneous Concepts
- Frequency and period are inverse: ( f = \frac{1}{T} ).
- Displacement is the straight-line distance from start to finish.
- Resistivity and resistance depend on material, length, and area.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Scalar — Quantity with magnitude only, no direction.
- Vector — Quantity with both magnitude and direction.
- Doppler Effect — Apparent change in frequency due to relative motion.
- Resonance — Large amplitude oscillation when driving frequency matches natural frequency.
- Ohm’s Law — Relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.
- Uniform Electric Field — Electric field with constant magnitude and direction.
- Superposition — Addition of overlapping wave displacements.
- Elastic Potential Energy — Energy stored in a compressed or stretched spring.
- Inertia — Tendency of an object to resist a change in motion; depends on mass.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize all formulas highlighted in the lecture using the reference table.
- Complete any assigned practice questions or sample Regents exams.
- Prepare by ensuring familiarity with your calculator’s functions.
- For unfamiliar phenomena (e.g., Doppler Effect, wave-particle duality), read textbook sections or watch review videos.