What is the only constant measurement for all observers in the universe, regardless of their motion?
The speed of light
What are the postulates of Einstein’s theory of relativity?
The laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion
The speed of light is self-determined, not affected by the motion of an emitter
What effect does length contraction describe?
Moving objects appear to contract along the direction of motion for observers outside the frame of reference
When can Newton’s definitions still be used?
When speeds are significantly less than the speed of light, meaning relativistic differences are negligible
What are Kepler’s laws of planetary motion?
The square of the orbital period is proportional to the cube of the orbital radius
All planetary orbits are ellipses
Planets orbit more slowly when they are farther from the Sun
According to Einstein, what is the bending and distortion of spacetime caused by?
Mass
What did Newton discover about gravity?
Gravitational force is directly proportional to mass and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between masses
What is an element?
A basic substance composed of only one type of atom, able to create many different substances when combined with other types of atoms
What was the first subatomic particle to be discovered, through JJ Thomson’s work with cathode rays?
Electron
Where is most of the mass in atoms located?
In the center, in the nucleus, consisting of protons and neutrons
What is nuclear radiation?
Spontaneous decay of a nucleus causing an emission of particles and/or rays
What type of radiation causes an ejection of a helium nucleus from the atom?
Alpha radiation
What type of radiation causes the emission of high-energy electromagnetic waves from the nucleus?
Gamma radiation
What type of radiation causes a neutron to split into a proton and an electron, ejecting the electron from the atom?
Beta radiation
What is a quantum?
The smallest unit of something that can exist without having none
What does quantum theory say about electron behavior?
Electrons can only exist in specific energy levels which determine their distance from the nucleus of the atom
What quantum-scale particle groups together to make up protons and neutrons?
Quarks
Which scientist used quanta of light to explain the photoelectric effect?
Albert Einstein
Photons belong to what family of particles?
Gauge bosons
What family of particles gives mass to other particles?
Higgs bosons
Electrons belong to what family of particles?
Leptons
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