ACT Science - Physics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a piece of equipment that measures the temperature of the air

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

extremely small size, typically on the scale of nanometers, which is a billionth of a meter

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

to change from a solid state and become fluid or liquid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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