Sat Subject Test: Physics PDF
Preview Sat Subject Test: Physics
® PHYSICS MOST UP·TO-DATE REVIEW AND PRACTICE TESTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE 10TH EDITION Herman Gewirtz and Jonathan S. Wolf, M.A., M. Ed. • One diagnostic test and three practice tests reflect the most recent SAT subject tests • All questions answered and explained • Reviews of all major test topics • The methodology used to solve physics problems • Includes a basic math review ® SAT Is a registered trademark ol tile College Entrance Examination Board, which was not Involved In the production of, and does not endorse, this book BARRON'S • SUBJECT TEST PHYSICS 10TH EDITION Hennan Gewirtz Formerly, Bronx High School of Science, Bronx, NY and Jonathan S. WoH, M.A., Ed.M. Scarsdale High School, Scarsdale, NY ®SAT Is a registarsd trademark of the Collage Entrance Examination Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this book. About the authors: Herman Gewirtz, the original author of this book, was chairman of the physics and chemistry depart ments at the Bronx High School of Science for many years. Jonathan ,'J. Wolf has been retching high school physics for more than 28 years and currently teaches at Scarsdale High School in Scarsdale, New York. He holds a masters degree in physics from the University of Rochester and a masters degree in secondary school science education from Teachers College, Columbia University. He has published over forty professional papers in the fields of astrono1ny, physics, and physics education and served for more than ten years as Assistant Editor for The Science Teachers Bulletin pt1blished by the Science Teachers Association of New York: State (STANYS). In addition to being the co-author of Barron's ~AT Subject Test in Physics, he is also the author of Barron's College Review: Physics and Barron's AP Physics B. ©Copyright 2010, 2007 by Barron's Educational Series, Inc. Previous editions© copyright by Barron's Educational Series, Inc., 2004, 1999, 1994 under the title How to Prepare for the SAT II: Physics and 1989, 1984, 1980, 1975, 1973 under the title How to Prepare tor the Coflege Board Achievement Tests: Physics. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner. Alf inquiries should be addressed to: Barron's Educational Series, Inc. 250 Wireless Boulevard Hauppauge, New York 11788 www.barronseduc.com ISBN-13: 978-0-7641-4353-3 ISBN-10: 0-7641-4353-0 ISSN: 2155-6040 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA g 8 7 6 \)~ 10% POST-CONSUMER WASTE forostlonOs. Contents Preface vii 4 Two-Dimensional Motion 59 Introduction 1 Relative Motion 59 Horizontally Launched Projectiles 60 Preliminary Projectiles Launched at an Angle 62 The Examination Contents 1 UnifOnn Circular Motion 63 'l'ips on Ho\v to Solve Physics Problems 3 Practice Exercises 65 'fips on How to Take the Tests 4 5 Forces and Newton's Laws Diagnostic Test 7 of Motion 69 Diagnostic Test 11 Introduction 69 Answer Key 22 Forces 69 Answers Explained 22 NB.vton's Laws of Motion 70 Self-As~esstnent Guide 29 Static 0Applications of Newton's Laws 71 1 Dynantic Applications of Newton's Laws 72 Measurements and Central Forces 73 Relationships for Friction 74 Laboratory Skills 31 Practice Exercises 76 Making Measurements in Physics 31 6 Work, Energy, Power 81 Significant Figures and Standard Notation for Laboratory Skills 32 Work and Energy 81 Establishing Relationships for Elasticity and-Hooke's I.aw 84 Experimental _Analysis 33 Practice Exercises 85 2 Ve cf ors 37 7 lmpacfs and Linear Momentum 89 Coordinate Systems and Franies of Reference 37 What Is a Vector? 38 Internal and External forces 89 Addition of Vectors 39 l1npact Forces and Mo1nentun1 Changes 90 Subcraction ofVectors 41 La\v of Conservation of linear Momenuun 91 Addition Methods Using the Components Elastic and Inelastic Collisions 91 of\1ectors 41 Practice Exercises 92 Practice Exercises 42 8 Gravitation 97 3 One-Dimensional Motion 47 Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion 97 Introduction 47 Newton's Ltw of Universal Gravitation 98 Average and Instantaneous Motion 47 Ne\\'ton's Interpretation of Kepler's Laws 100 Uniformly Accelerated Motion 48 Gravitational Energy and Orbits 101 Accelerated Motion Due to Graviry 52 Practice Exercises 102 Graphical Analysis of Motion 52 Practice Exercises 54 iii iv Contents 9 Heat and Temperature 107 15 Electricity 187 'fhe J(inetic Theory 107 The Nature of Electric Charges 187 'fe1npcraturc and Heat 107 1"he Detection and Measure1ncnt of Temperature Measurements 108 Electric Charges 188 Expansion and Contraction 109 Coulomb's Law 189 Practice Exercises 112 Electric Fields 190 Electric Potential and Potential Difference 192 10 Measurement of Heat 115 Potential Difference; Electric Currents-Direct Current (DC) 193 Heat Content 115 Ohn1's Law and Electric Circuits-DC- 195 Change of Phase 116 Electrical Energy and Power 198 Practice Exercises 119 Practice Exercises 200 11 Heat and Work 123 16 Magnetism 207 Heat and Mechanical Energy 123 Son1e Basic Terms 207 Thern1odynamics 124 Facts and "fheory of Magnets 207 Methods of I-I eat Transfer 125 Electromagnetic Induction 214 Pracricc Exercises 126 Mutual Induction and Transformers 215 12 Practice Exercises 217 Wave Motion and Sound 131 17 Elements of Electronics 223 Wave Motion 131 Sound 134 Capacitors and Capacitance 223 llesonancc and Interference 135 Cathode Ray Tube' 225 Vibrating Air Columns 138 Practice Exercises 226 Vibrating Strings 140 f)oppler Effect 141 18 Quantum Theory and Practice Exercises 143 Nuclear Physics 229 13 Geometrical Optics: Photoelectric Effect 229 Reflection and Refraction 149 Atomic Models 231 Atoms and lladioactivity 234 Reflection 149 Nuclear Changes 235 Refraction 153 Some Nuclear Reactions 235 L;n~e' 156 Particles and Particle Accelerators 237 Color and Light 160 Fission and Fusion 239 Practice Exercises 163 Practice Exercises 240 14 Physical Optics: 19 Special Relativity 245 Interference and Diffraction 173 The Postulates of Einstein's Special Theory Interference of Light 173 of Relativity 245 Diffraction 177 Length Contraction 246 Polarization 181 Simultaneity and 'fime Dilation 246 Practice Exercises 183 Relativistic Mass and Energy 247 Practice Exercises 248 Contents v Practice Tests 251 Appendix I. Values of the Trigonometric Practice Test 1 255 Functions 323 Answer Key 265 IL Sum1nary of Formulas 325 Answers Explained 266 III. Review of Mathernatics 328 Self-Assessrnent Guide 274 IV Physics Reference Tables 332 Practice Test 2 277 V Dtnsities of Some Substances 335 An.w.,er Key 287 Vl. International Atomic Masses 336 Ansv.'ers Explained 288 Glossary 339 Self-Assessment Guide 297 Index 353 Practice Test 3 301 Ansv.'er Key 311 Ans\vers Explained 312 Self-Assessment Guide 321 Preface !:f11is lOtl1 edition of Barron's SAT Subject Test Physics contains corrections to the ~ 9tl1 edition and so1ne new n1aterial. Unlike other review books, which just present practice test questions, this book provides you with full content review, tips For i1nproving problen1-solving skills, test-taking strategies, special sidebars that highlight important concepts, and self-assess1nent rubrics to improve your test score. "fhe hook begins with an introduction to the SAT subject test in physics. Ren1en1ber that any review book can give you only an approximation of the full content of an SAT subject exam. Si11ce the material contained on an actual exam is owneLl by copyright, all tests included in this book (as well as percentages of content distribution) arc necessarily simulated to reflecc the level and types of questions you may encounter on the actual exam. Following the brief introduction to the structure of the exam and enhancing problem-solving skills, che book presents a diagnostic exam chat can be used to see how well you do the first time taking a practice exam. After takiri.g the diagnostic, you can cross-reference each question with tl1e appropriate review chapters to rei11force what you have learned during the year. Full answers ai1d explanations are l)fovided for each qt1estio11. The re1nainder of the book contains an extensive review of content material covered in a typical high school phySics class. Review questions arc at the end of eacf1 chapter. I encourage you to work on tl1em as well. Full answers and explanations are provided. Three additional practice exams are provided that also contain full answers, explanations, a11d self-assessment tables. Please remember that on the <;ict11al SAl' exa1n, you may not use a calculator, nor will you be provided with a formula sheet. '!'he tables provitled in the appendixes are to help you become familiar with the necessary equations. A glossary a11tl useful 1nath review are also in the appendixes. This is a comprehensive review book that can help give you the tools needed to succeed. It is both an honor and a pleasure to assist in the preparation of tl1is latest edition. My editor at Barron's, I.inda Tur11er, has been very l1clpful with her insight and assistance. My colleagues Robert Draper, Pat Jablonowski, and Joseph Vaugl1an have always been generous witl1 rl1eir continued advice, expertise, and encourage1ne11t on content and pedagogy. 1 would like to thank a for1ner stude11t, Alex Ramek, who was helpful in designing the self-assess1nent guide. Finally, I would like to thank my wife, Karen, as well as my daughters, Marissa and Ilana, for all of their continued love, understanding, and support. Jonathan S. Wolf January 2010 vii Introduction - -······- - -··-····-······- • Co11tacti11g tl1e College Board • Contents of the Examination •Tips and Strategies for Solving Physics Problems •Tips and Strategics for Taking the Examination PRELIMINARY Before we discuss examinations, you should make sure tl1at yot1 have a copy of the College Board patnphlet: SAT Subject Tests Preparation Booklet. If you do11't have them, you should be able to obtain them from your high school advisor or guidance office. If not, write to College Board SAT Program PO. Box 6200 Princeto11, NJ 08541-6200 There is also a College Board Internet site at www.colfegeboard.com. In the pamphlet, start reading the material at the beginning, such as Planning to 'fake the 1esrs, How to Registe1:, How to l)repare for the Tests, and The Day Before the 'lests. Then turn to the section on tl1e l)hysics Subject Test, which (lescribes the test and includes sample questions and answers. Because the instructions for the test may have changed, be sure to read them carefully. This will save you time on the actual test. THE EXAMINATION CONTENTS L TIP The College Board does not pt1blish copies of former examinations each year. 'J'he physics examinatio11 is made tip annually by a group of experts who are guided by a The exain has la1owledge of wl1at is commonly taught tl1rougl1out tl1e country. You will, therefore, 75 multiple-choice questions. be well prepared for rl1e test if you know and understand what is taugl1t in a good secondary scl1ool course in physics and if you get some practice in the types of ques L tions used. Ir is the aim of this book to l1elp you in both areas. TIP 'I'he questions on the physics test are based on the large subject-matter areas of Review all content inechanics; optics and. waves; electricity and n1agnetism; heat, kinetic theory, and material to refresh thermodynamics; and mo<lcrn physics. Some of the questions ask for mere recall of your 1nemory. knowledge. Other questio11s are designed to see if you really 11ndersta11d concepts and principles, if you can reason quantitatively, and if you can apply scientific con cepts and principles to familiar and unf3.miliar situations. Some questions involve more than 011e physical relationship. All questions arc in the multiple-choice format, requiring you to choose the best answer from among tl1e five cl1oices given. The prac- 1 2 Introduction tice tests at the end of this book reflect the subject~matter contents and the question types you will encounter on the actual test. The material covered on a given exam can va1y, so only an approximate guide to content distributio11 can be provided. The topics generally covered arc 1nostly included in a typical high school curriculum. If a particular topic is not covered in your class, you can use the material provided in this book to help you. A typical exam might include the fOllowing topics: Mechanics-approximately 40°/o of test • Kinematics: can include co11ccpts such as velocity, acceleration, 011e~dimensional motion, graphical analysis, a11d projectile motion • Dynamics: can include vectors, forces, Newton's laws, static equilibrium, circular motion, gravitation, Kepler's laws, and simple harmonic 1notion • Energy and Momentum: can include work, power, potential and k:inetic c11ergy, impulse, momentum, and conservation laws Electricity and Magnetism-approximately 20°/o of test • Electrostatics: can include electric charges, forces, Coulomb's law, electric fields, electric pote11tial and potential difference, and capacitors • Electric Circuits: can ii1clude current, resistance, Ohm's law, DC circuirs, batteries, series and parallel circuits, aI1d \vork and energy transfers in sin1ple ClrCUltS • Magnetism: can include 1nagnetic fields, permanent magnets, electromag11ets, fields caused by moving charges, forces on movi11g charges in n1agnetic fields, hand rules, Faraday's la\.V of i11duction, and Lenz's law Waves and Optics-approximately 20°/o of test • General Characteristics ofWaves: can include amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, \.Vave velocity, wave forms, superposition, Doppler effect, reflection, refraction, interference, and standing waves • Light: can ii1clude reflection, refraction, and Snell's law • Optics: can include ray tracing, and image formation in both mirrors and lenses • Physical Optics: can include interference and diffractio11 of light, colors, and polarization Heat and Thermodynamics-approximately 8% of test • Thermal Properties of Materials: can include specific heat, latent l1eats of fusion and vaporizatio11, cl1anges of state, calorimetry, and thermal expansion • Laws of Thermodynamics: can include tl1e first and second laws, entropy, efficie11cy of l1eat engines, and gases Modern Physics-approximately 8°/o of test • Quantum Theory of Light: can include pl1otons, rl1e photoelectric effect, and photon 1nomcntum Tips on How to Solve Physics Problems 3 • Atomic Physics: can include the Bohr model, Rutherford model, energy levels, and spectral lines • Nuclear and Particle Physics: can include radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, nuclear models, and fu11(lamental particles • Relativity Theory: ca11 include length contraction, ti1ne dilation, and mass energy equivalence Miscellaneous-approximately 4°/o of test • General Concepts: can include the history of physics and general ideas that may cover all other topics or multiple topics • Analytical Skills: can i11clude graphical analysis, proportional reaso11ing, din1cnsional analysis, measurements, and general math skills • Conten1porary Physics: can i11clude astronomy, superconductivity, and other nlodern ideas Additionally, rl1e types of questions on a givc11 exam can involve simple recall (approximately 25o/o of test), single concepts (approximately 50% of test), and multi ple concepts (approximately 25% of test). Remember, all of these percentages are only approximations. The exam designers can vary the percentages from exam to exam and from year to year. TIPS ON HOW TO SOLVE PHYSICS PROBLEMS- Have you ever tried to solve a physic:s problem only to quit in frustration becat1se you didn't know how to get started? Many students find themselves in this situation. In physics, success and achievement require more than just being able to memorize at1(l use formulas, and there is also 1nore to mastering physics tl1an just learning how to solve problems. First, you must understand what the Problem is asking you to do. "[hen, you must access fron1 your n1emory all the informario11 yot1 feel is related to the i(leas being discussed in the problem. Next, you must determine which informa tion is relevant to the problem. Finally, you 1nt1st de,cide on a solution patl1 tl1at will hopefully lead you to the correct answer. L A proble1n can be defined as a situation in which you \va11t to achieve a goal but TIP arc u11surc l1ow to go about it. There are many elen1ents in a problem presented to Check to see if you you. Some of this information is explicit and some may be implicit. Additio11ally, can ditninare the goal of the proble1n may be in1plicit. For example, to answer a "yes or no" prob son1e choices as obvi lem, you must first ascertain which quantity or qua11tities need to be determined ously incorrect. Aho betOre you can ai1swer in the affirmative or negative. Effective studying ;u1d review be sure to check units. ing means that you must develop ai1 i11stinct for certain familiar problen1-solving types and tech11iques. The first element of a problem consists of the givens. This is information that is explicitly provided in the problem statement. As you read a problem, the words that are associated witl1 concepts begin to access information from your memory. What kind of information is retrieved and the fOrm that recollection takes depend on what you already know about the subject, the type of proble1n, your experience, and your expertise. "Difficult" problems are difficult because so1netimes the information given is implicit or not well defined. If you arc usc(l to solving certain types of problen1s,
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