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SAT Natural Sciences - Physics

Here you will learn some English words related to physics, such as "sonar", "prism", "diffuse", etc. that you will need to ace your SATs.

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SAT Vocabulary for Natural Sciences
amplitude
amplitude
[noun]

(physics) the maximum distance a vibrating material, sound wave, etc. such as a pendulum travels from its first position

Ex: In quantum mechanics , the amplitude of a wave function describes the probability of finding a particle in a certain position or state .
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acoustic
acoustic
[Adjective]

relating to the science of studying sounds or the way people hear things

Ex: Advances in acoustic technology have improved the accuracy of sonar systems .
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sonar
sonar
[noun]

a technology that uses sound waves to detect objects underwater or measure distances underwater

Ex: Military submarines use advanced sonar systems for detecting enemy vessels and underwater mines.
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prism
prism
[noun]

a solid geometric shape, typically with a triangular base and rectangular sides, that refracts light into its component colors or alters the path of light

Ex: Artists and photographers use prisms to create artistic effects by refracting light and producing unique patterns and colors in their work .
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infrared
infrared
[noun]

electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light, used for applications such as thermal imaging and remote sensing

Ex: Engineers and scientists use infrared spectroscopy to analyze chemical compositions and molecular structures based on their unique infrared signatures.
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ultraviolet

a type of electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light, often associated with sunlight and used in various applications

Ex: Astronomers study stars and galaxies using telescopes that detect ultraviolet radiation.
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fluorescence

the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation

Ex: Forensic scientists use fluorescence to detect traces of blood or other evidence at crime scenes under UV light .
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spectrometer

a scientific instrument used to measure and analyze the properties of light over a specific range of wavelengths

Ex: Medical researchers employ spectrometers in spectroscopy techniques to diagnose diseases and monitor biochemical processes in cells .
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photon
photon
[noun]

a fundamental particle of light that carries electromagnetic energy and exhibits both particle-like and wave-like properties

Ex: Fiber optic communication relies on the transmission of data through pulses of light , with each pulse representing a stream of photons.
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to refract

(of physics) to change the direction of light, sound, or energy when it passes through something

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diffraction

the bending, spreading, and interference of waves as they encounter obstacles or pass through narrow openings, often observed in the behavior of light, sound, or other waves

Ex: Diffraction effects are commonly observed in photography , influencing the sharpness of images captured through lenses .
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transmittance

the fraction or percentage of light or electromagnetic radiation that passes through a substance or medium

Ex: Scientists use spectrophotometers to quantify the transmittance of liquids and gases at different wavelengths of light for analytical purposes .
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molar absorptivity

a measure of how strongly a substance absorbs light at a particular wavelength

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absorption spectrum

a range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by a substance, typically represented as a graph showing absorption intensity versus wavelength

Ex: Medical diagnostics employ the absorption spectra of tissues to detect abnormalities and diseases based on light absorption patterns.
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thermodynamics

the branch of physical science that deals with the relationships between heat, work, and energy, particularly the principles governing the conversion of various forms of energy

Ex: The study of thermodynamics is essential in chemical engineering to understand and optimize chemical processes involving energy changes .
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thermostat

an instrument that automatically controls the temperature of a room, machine, etc.

Ex: Installing a digital thermostat can help reduce heating and cooling costs by providing more accurate temperature control .
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calorimeter

a device used to measure the heat released or absorbed during a chemical reaction or physical change, typically by measuring temperature changes in a surrounding medium

Ex: Biologists use calorimeters to measure the metabolic rate of organisms by monitoring heat production during various activities .
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thermometer

a tool designed to measure the temperature of the surrounding air or environment

Ex: An infrared thermometer allowed the technician to record surface temperature without contact .
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microchip
microchip
[noun]

a small piece of material that is a semiconductor, used to make an integrated circuit

Ex: The new microchip design promises faster processing speeds .
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wavelength

the distance between a point on a wave of energy and a similar point on the next wave

Ex: The wavelength of sound waves affects the pitch of the sound , with shorter wavelengths producing higher pitches .
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relativity

a theory that explains the relationship between motion, space, and time

Ex: Mercury 's orbit confirmed general relativity's accuracy .
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antimatter

(physics) matter consisting of elementary particles that are the antiparticles of those of regular matter

Ex: Antimatter propulsion is a theoretical concept that could potentially enable spacecraft to travel at near-light speeds in the future.
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congelation

the process of solidification or freezing, typically of a liquid or a substance turning into a solid state due to a decrease in temperature

Ex: During winter , congelation can cause pipes to freeze and burst due to the expansion of water as it solidifies .
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to solidify

to transform from a liquid or flexible state into a stable, firm, or compact form

Ex: The chocolate starts to solidify as it cools down .
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to liquefy

to change from a solid state and become fluid or liquid

Ex: The ice cubes liquefy in the warmth of your hand .
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subatomic
subatomic
[Adjective]

relating to particles or forces that exist within atoms, including particles smaller than atoms themselves or the interactions between these particles

Ex: The strong and weak nuclear forces are subatomic forces that govern interactions within atomic nuclei .
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neutrino
neutrino
[noun]

a very small, electrically neutral particle that rarely interacts with matter

Ex: Scientists study neutrinos to learn more about the universe 's fundamental properties .
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nanoscale
nanoscale
[Adjective]

extremely small, typically between 1 and 100 billionths of a meter, where materials show unique properties

Ex: Nanoscale sensors are sensitive enough to detect single molecules.
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metrology
metrology
[noun]

the scientific study of measurement, including the development of measurement standards and techniques

Ex: Metrology ensures the accuracy of weights and measures in grocery stores .
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biophysicist

a scientist who applies principles and methods of physics to study biological systems and phenomena, aiming to understand life processes at the molecular and cellular levels

Ex: In biotechnology , biophysicists develop innovative techniques for gene editing and manipulating biological systems .
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diffuse
diffuse
[Adjective]

describing light that spreads evenly from a broad source or surface, creating soft illumination without harsh shadows

Ex: In foggy weather , streetlights often produce a diffuse light that spreads evenly through the mist .
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spent fuel

used nuclear fuel that is no longer efficient for producing energy in a reactor

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pressure gradient

the rate at which pressure changes over a certain distance in a particular direction

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wave number

the spatial frequency of a wave, representing the number of wavelengths per unit distance

Ex: Quantum mechanics employs wave numbers to describe the momentum of particles in wave-like phenomena .
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boson
boson
[noun]

a tiny particle with whole-number spin, such as photons or the Higgs boson, often associated with carrying fundamental forces or giving mass to other particles

Ex: Unlike fermions , bosons have integer values of spin and do not follow the Pauli Exclusion Principle .
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collider
collider
[noun]

a type of particle accelerator where two opposing beams of particles are directed to collide with each other at high speeds, allowing scientists to study fundamental particles and forces

Ex: Researchers at the collider work on experiments to test theories about the nature of dark matter and dark energy .
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dipole
dipole
[noun]

a simple type of antenna made of two metal rods, connected in the middle, that is half the wavelength of the signal it transmits or receives

Ex: Dipole antennas are popular in amateur radio due to their simplicity and efficiency.
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lepton
lepton
[noun]

a fundamental particle with half-integer spin, including electrons and their heavier counterparts, as well as neutrinos

Ex: Experimental studies , such as those in high-energy physics , aim to probe the properties and interactions of leptons.
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