Cracking the SAT Physics Subject Test

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

  1. D Because v is close to c, the particle is relativistic, so it would be


incorrect to use the formula KE = mv^2. Instead, we must use the formula KE

= (λ − 1)mc^2. Since v = c, the relativistic factor is

So, the kinetic energy of this particle is


  1. A Redshift occurs when light sources move away from the observer. If all the
    galaxies in the universe are moving away from us, that’s evidence that the
    universe is expanding. The Uncertainty Principle is a quantum mechanical
    phenomenon having to do with subatomic particles, not galaxies. The
    evidence that black holes exist is their gravitational effects on visible objects
    near them, not redshift. Dark matter has to do with anomalous rotation curves
    in galaxies, not redshift (though redshift—specifically, increasing redshift—
    is evidence for dark energy). Superconductivity has to do with conducting
    electricity, not galaxies.

  2. B Making simultaneous measurements of position and momentum is limited by
    the Uncertainty Principle, a quantum mechanical law.

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