20 Practice Physics Quiz Questions and Answers

Physics is the science that explores the fundamental principles governing the universe, including matter, energy, motion, and forces. It forms the basis for understanding everyday phenomena and advanced technologies.

Key Branches of Physics
Mechanics: Studies motion and forces. Core topics include Newton’s laws, kinematics (e.g., velocity, acceleration), and dynamics (e.g., gravity, friction).
Thermodynamics: Deals with heat, energy transfer, and temperature. Key concepts include laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, and entropy.
Electromagnetism: Examines electric and magnetic fields, charges, and waves. Essentials cover Coulomb’s law, electromagnetic induction, and Maxwell’s equations.
Waves and Optics: Focuses on wave behavior, light, and sound. Topics include wave properties (e.g., frequency, wavelength), reflection, refraction, and interference.
Modern Physics: Explores relativity and quantum mechanics. Includes Einstein’s theory of relativity, photoelectric effect, and atomic structure.

Table of contents

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Part 2: 20 practice physics quiz questions & answers

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1. What is the approximate acceleration due to gravity on Earth’s surface?
A. 5 m/s²
B. 9.8 m/s²
C. 15 m/s²
D. 20 m/s²
Answer: B
Explanation: Acceleration due to gravity is a constant value near Earth’s surface, approximately 9.8 m/s², as determined by experiments and gravitational theory.

2. A car travels 60 meters in 10 seconds. What is its average speed?
A. 6 m/s
B. 10 m/s
C. 60 m/s
D. 600 m/s
Answer: A
Explanation: Average speed is calculated as total distance divided by total time, so 60 meters / 10 seconds = 6 m/s.

3. According to Newton’s first law, an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by:
A. A balanced force
B. An unbalanced force
C. Gravity
D. Friction
Answer: B
Explanation: Newton’s first law states that an object will maintain its state of motion unless an unbalanced external force acts on it, demonstrating inertia.

4. Two objects exert forces on each other. What does Newton’s third law state?
A. The forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction
B. The forces are always attractive
C. One force is greater than the other
D. The forces act on the same object
Answer: A
Explanation: Newton’s third law indicates that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, meaning the forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

5. A box slides down a ramp. What force opposes its motion?
A. Gravity
B. Normal force
C. Friction
D. Tension
Answer: C
Explanation: Friction is the force that opposes the relative motion of surfaces in contact, slowing down the box as it slides.

6. What is the kinetic energy of a 2 kg object moving at 3 m/s?
A. 4.5 J
B. 9 J
C. 18 J
D. 36 J
Answer: B
Explanation: Kinetic energy is given by the formula (1/2)mv², so (1/2) × 2 kg × (3 m/s)² = 9 J.

7. In an isolated system, what is conserved during an elastic collision?
A. Kinetic energy only
B. Momentum only
C. Both kinetic energy and momentum
D. Neither kinetic energy nor momentum
Answer: C
Explanation: In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved, as no energy is lost to other forms.

8. A satellite in circular orbit experiences a centripetal force provided by:
A. Thrust from engines
B. Gravity
C. Air resistance
D. Friction
Answer: B
Explanation: Gravity provides the centripetal force necessary for the satellite to maintain its circular path around Earth.

9. What is the unit of power?
A. Joule
B. Watt
C. Newton
D. Pascal
Answer: B
Explanation: Power is defined as the rate of work done or energy transferred, measured in watts (1 watt = 1 joule per second).

10. A wave has a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 2 meters. What is its speed?
A. 25 m/s
B. 50 m/s
C. 100 m/s
D. 200 m/s
Answer: C
Explanation: Wave speed is calculated as frequency × wavelength, so 50 Hz × 2 m = 100 m/s.

11. What is the first law of thermodynamics?
A. Energy can be created or destroyed
B. Entropy always increases
C. The total energy of an isolated system is conserved
D. Heat flows from cold to hot objects
Answer: C
Explanation: The first law states that the change in internal energy of a system is equal to the heat added minus the work done by the system, conserving energy.

12. In a simple harmonic motion, what is the relationship between period and frequency?
A. They are equal
B. Period is the inverse of frequency
C. Frequency is twice the period
D. They are unrelated
Answer: B
Explanation: Frequency is the number of cycles per second, and period is the time for one cycle, so frequency = 1 / period.

13. When a sound source moves toward an observer, what happens to the observed frequency?
A. It decreases
B. It increases
C. It remains the same
D. It becomes zero
Answer: B
Explanation: The Doppler effect causes the observed frequency to increase when the source moves toward the observer due to compressed waves.

14. What type of mirror is used in car headlights to produce parallel rays?
A. Plane mirror
B. Concave mirror
C. Convex mirror
D. Spherical mirror
Answer: B
Explanation: A concave mirror converges light rays to a focal point, which can be adjusted to produce parallel beams in headlights.

15. When light passes from air into water, what happens to its speed?
A. It increases
B. It decreases
C. It remains the same
D. It becomes zero
Answer: B
Explanation: Light slows down when entering a denser medium like water from air, causing refraction due to the change in speed.

16. What is Ohm’s law?
A. V = IR
B. P = VI
C. E = mc²
D. F = ma
Answer: A
Explanation: Ohm’s law states that the current (I) through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage (V) and inversely proportional to resistance (R), so V = IR.

17. In a series circuit, how does the total resistance compare to individual resistances?
A. It is less than the smallest resistance
B. It is equal to the largest resistance
C. It is the sum of all resistances
D. It is the average of all resistances
Answer: C
Explanation: In a series circuit, resistances add up, so the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.

18. A charged particle enters a magnetic field perpendicularly. What is the path it follows?
A. Straight line
B. Parabola
C. Circle
D. Ellipse
Answer: C
Explanation: A charged particle moving perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field experiences a force that causes it to move in a circular path.

19. What did Einstein’s theory of relativity introduce regarding mass and energy?
A. E = mc²
B. F = ma
C. Law of gravity
D. Wave-particle duality
Answer: A
Explanation: Einstein’s equation E = mc² shows that mass and energy are interchangeable, a key concept in special relativity.

20. What type of decay emits alpha particles?
A. Beta decay
B. Gamma decay
C. Alpha decay
D. Fission
Answer: C
Explanation: Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus, from the nucleus of an atom.

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