THE A-B-C GLOSSARY OF PHYSICS

(e.g., The rate at which the velocity of a body changes with time. Answer: Acceleration.)

Freshman level

“A” answers

1. A basic unit of matter that consists of a dense central nucleus surrounded by electrons.

2. A unit of electric current. Often abbreviated to “amp.”

3. A chemical mixture of a metal with one or more other metals.

“B” answers

4. A theory about an explosion that gave rise to the universe. (2 words)

5. A combination of two or more electrical cells that produces electricity.

6. An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

Ph.D. level

“C” answers

7. The apparent outward force that draws a rotating body away from the center of rotation.

8. The tendency of similar particles or surfaces to cling to one another.

Answers: 1. Atom. 2. Ampere. 3. Alloy. 4. Big Bang. 5. Battery. 6. Barometer. 7. Centrifugal force. 8. Cohesion.

— North America Syndicate