Pre-U CAIE Physics Vocabulary Memorisation Guide | Pre-U CAIE 物理词汇术语速记指南

📚 Pre-U CAIE Physics Vocabulary Memorisation Guide | Pre-U CAIE 物理词汇术语速记指南

Mastering physics terminology is half the battle in Pre-U CAIE exams. This guide organises key terms by topic, pairs English definitions with Chinese explanations, and highlights memorable roots, analogies, and tips to accelerate your recall under pressure.

在 Pre-U CAIE 物理考试中，熟练掌握术语是成功的一半。本指南按主题整理核心词汇，英文释义与中文解析逐条对照，并突出词根、类比与记忆技巧，帮助你在考场上快速提取知识。

1. Fundamental Quantities and Units | 基本物理量与单位

Scalar — A physical quantity that has magnitude only, such as mass, time, temperature, and energy. No directional information is needed.

标量 — 仅具有大小的物理量，如质量、时间、温度、能量，无需方向信息。

Vector — A quantity possessing both magnitude and direction; examples include displacement, velocity, force, and momentum. Vectors obey special addition rules (tip-to-tail or component method).

矢量 — 同时具有大小和方向的量，例如位移、速度、力、动量。矢量加法遵循三角形法则或分量法。

SI base units — The seven internationally defined units: metre (m) for length, kilogram (kg) for mass, second (s) for time, ampere (A) for electric current, kelvin (K) for thermodynamic temperature, mole (mol) for amount of substance, and candela (cd) for luminous intensity. Derived units, such as newton (kg·m·s⁻²), are built from these bases.

SI 基本单位 — 国际规定的七个单位：长度米(m)、质量千克(kg)、时间秒(s)、电流安培(A)、热力学温度开尔文(K)、物质的量摩尔(mol)、发光强度坎德拉(cd)。导出单位（如牛顿 kg·m·s⁻²）均由基本单位组合而成。

Prefixes and orders of magnitude — Common prefixes: kilo (k = 10³), mega (M = 10⁶), giga (G = 10⁹), tera (T = 10¹²); milli (m = 10⁻³), micro (µ = 10⁻⁶), nano (n = 10⁻⁹), pico (p = 10⁻¹²). Converting units by moving the decimal helps estimate magnitudes quickly.

词头与数量级 — 常用词头：千 k=10³、兆 M=10⁶、吉 G=10⁹、太 T=10¹²；毫 m=10⁻³、微 µ=10⁻⁶、纳 n=10⁻⁹、皮 p=10⁻¹²。通过移动小数点进行单位换算可快速估算数量级。

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2. Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions | 一维与二维运动学

Displacement — The vector straight-line distance from start to finish; it changes when direction changes. Contrast with distance, a scalar that sums the entire path length travelled.

位移 — 从起点到终点的矢量直线距离，方向改变时位移随之改变。区别于路程：路程是标量，等于实际经过路径的总长度。

Velocity and speed — Velocity is the rate of change of displacement (vector); speed is the rate of change of distance (scalar). Instantaneous speed is the magnitude of instantaneous velocity, but average speed is total distance divided by time, not the average of velocities.

速度与速率 — 速度是位移的时间变化率（矢量）；速率是路程的时间变化率（标量）。瞬时速率等于瞬时速度的大小，但平均速率是总路程除以时间，而不是速度的平均值。

Acceleration — The rate of change of velocity, a vector. Uniform acceleration equations (SUVAT) apply when acceleration is constant:

v = u + at, s = ut + ½ at², v² = u² + 2as

加速度 — 速度的变化率，矢量。当加速度恒定时可使用匀加速运动公式（SUVAT）：v = u + at，s = ut + ½ at²，v² = u² + 2as。

Projectile motion — Motion under uniform gravity, resolved into horizontal (constant velocity) and vertical (constant acceleration g = 9.81 m·s⁻² downwards) components. Key terms: time of flight, range, maximum height. Independence of perpendicular motions is crucial.

抛体运动 — 在均匀重力场下的运动，分解为水平方向（匀速）和竖直方向（匀加速 g=9.81 m·s⁻² 向下）。关键术语：飞行时间、射程、最大高度。垂直方向运动的独立性至关重要。

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3. Dynamics and Newton’s Laws | 动力学与牛顿定律

Inertia and mass — Inertia is the resistance of any object to a change in its state of motion. Mass is a quantitative measure of inertia; the greater the mass, the harder it is to accelerate.

惯性与质量 — 惯性是物体抵抗其运动状态改变的性质。质量是惯性的量度；质量越大，越难加速。

Newton’s laws — 1st law: An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted on by a resultant force. 2nd law:

F = ma

, force equals rate of change of momentum. 3rd law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, acting on different bodies.

牛顿定律 — 第一定律：若不受合外力，物体将保持静止或匀速直线运动。第二定律：F = ma，力等于动量的变化率。第三定律：每个作用力都有一个大小相等、方向相反的反作用力，作用在不同物体上。

Weight, tension, normal reaction, friction — Weight is the gravitational pull (W = mg). Tension is the force transmitted through a string or cable. Normal reaction is the contact force perpendicular to a surface. Friction opposes relative motion; limiting friction before sliding is f = μR, where μ is the coefficient of friction and R the normal reaction.

重力、张力、法向反作用力、摩擦力 — 重力是地球引力 W = mg。张力是通过绳索传递的力。法向反作用力是表面垂直向上的接触力。摩擦力阻碍相对运动；滑动前的最大静摩擦力为 f = μR，μ 为摩擦系数，R 为法向反作用力。

Momentum and impulse — Momentum p = mv is a vector. Impulse J = FΔt = Δp. The area under a force-time graph gives impulse. Conservation of momentum: in a closed system, total momentum before equals total momentum after, provided no external resultant force.

动量与冲量 — 动量 p = mv 是矢量。冲量 J = FΔt = Δp。力-时间图下的面积代表冲量。动量守恒：在无外力作用的封闭系统中，碰撞前后总动量不变。

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4. Work, Energy and Power | 功、能和功率

Work done — Work is energy transferred when a force moves its point of application. W = F s cosθ, where θ is the angle between force and displacement. Work is a scalar, measured in joules (J).

功 — 力使作用点发生位移时传递的能量。W = F s cosθ，其中 θ 为力与位移的夹角。功是标量，单位为焦耳(J)。

Kinetic energy and potential energy — Kinetic energy Eₖ = ½ mv². Gravitational potential energy Eₚ = mgh (near Earth’s surface). Elastic potential energy stored in a spring: Eₑ = ½ kx², where k is the spring constant and x is extension.

动能与势能 — 动能 Eₖ = ½ mv²。重力势能 Eₚ = mgh（近地表）。弹簧储存的弹性势能 Eₑ = ½ kx²，k 为劲度系数，x 为形变量。

Power and efficiency — Power is the rate of doing work: P = W/t = Fv for constant force and velocity. Efficiency = (useful output energy / total input energy) × 100%. No machine is 100% efficient due to dissipative forces like friction and air resistance.

功率与效率 — 功率是做功的速率：P = W/t = Fv（恒力恒速时）。效率 = (有用输出能量 / 总输入能量) × 100%。由于摩擦和空气阻力等耗散力，没有机器能达到100%效率。

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5. Circular Motion and Gravitation | 圆周运动与引力

Angular quantities — Angular displacement θ in radians, angular velocity ω = Δθ/Δt. Relationship with linear speed: v = ωr. Period T = 2π/ω, frequency f = 1/T.

角量 — 角位移 θ 以弧度表示，角速度 ω = Δθ/Δt。与线速度的关系：v = ωr。周期 T = 2π/ω，频率 f = 1/T。

Centripetal acceleration and force — Always directed towards the centre of the circle.

a = v²/r = ω²r

Centripetal force F = mv²/r = mω²r provides the net inward force, not a separate force. The ‘centrifugal’ sensation is an inertial effect felt in a rotating frame.

向心加速度与向心力 — 始终指向圆心。a = v²/r = ω²r。向心力 F = mv²/r = mω²r 是提供圆周运动所需的净指向圆心的力，不是一种新力。“离心”感觉是旋转参考系中的惯性效果。

Newton’s law of gravitation —

F = G M m / r²

Gravitational field strength g = GM/r². For a satellite, circular orbit conditions give v = √(GM/r). Geostationary orbits have T = 24 h and are equatorial.

万有引力定律 — F = G M m / r²。引力场强度 g = GM/r²。对于卫星，圆形轨道条件可推导出 v = √(GM/r)。地球同步轨道周期 T = 24 h，位于赤道平面上空。

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6. Waves and Oscillations | 波与振动

Wave basics — Amplitude A (maximum displacement), wavelength λ, frequency f, period T, wave speed v = f λ. Transverse waves: oscillations perpendicular to energy transfer (e.g., light, water ripples). Longitudinal waves: oscillations parallel to transfer (e.g., sound).

波的基础参数 — 振幅 A（最大位移）、波长 λ、频率 f、周期 T、波速 v = f λ。横波：振动方向垂直于能量传播方向（如光波、水波）。纵波：振动方向平行于传播方向（如声波）。

Phase and coherence — Phase difference describes how much one wave is ‘ahead’ or ‘behind’ another, measured in radians or degrees. Coherent sources have a constant phase difference and identical frequency, essential for stable interference patterns.

相位与相干性 — 相位差描述一个波比另一个波“超前”或“滞后”的程度，以弧度或度计量。相干波源具有恒定的相位差和相同的频率，是产生稳定干涉图样的必要条件。

Superposition and standing waves — Principle of superposition: net displacement is the vector sum of individual displacements. Standing (stationary) waves form when two identical progressive waves travel in opposite directions. Nodes are points of zero amplitude; antinodes have maximum amplitude. In pipes and strings, harmonic series depend on boundary conditions.

叠加与驻波 — 叠加原理：合位移等于各分位移的矢量和。当两列相同的行波反向传播时形成驻波。波节是振幅为零的点；波腹是振幅最大处。在管弦中，泛音列取决于边界条件。

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7. Electric Fields and Circuits | 电场与电路

Electric charge and Coulomb’s law — Charge Q, unit coulomb (C). Like charges repel; unlike attract.

F = k Qq / r²

in vacuum, where k = 1/(4πε₀). Electric field strength E = F/q (N·C⁻¹), a vector.

电荷与库仑定律 — 电荷 Q，单位库仑(C)。同号相斥，异号相吸。真空中 F = k Qq / r²，k = 1/(4πε₀)。电场强度 E = F/q (N·C⁻¹) 是矢量。

Current, potential difference, resistance — Current I = ΔQ/Δt, unit ampere (A). Potential difference V = W/Q (J·C⁻¹ or V). Resistance R = V/I, unit ohm (Ω). Ohm’s law: V = IR for a constant temperature metallic conductor. Resistivity ρ: R = ρL/A.

电流、电势差、电阻 — 电流 I = ΔQ/Δt，单位安培(A)。电势差 V = W/Q (V)。电阻 R = V/I，单位欧姆(Ω)。欧姆定律：恒温下金属导体 V = IR。电阻率 ρ：R = ρL/A。

EMF and internal resistance — Electromotive force (emf) ε is the energy supplied per unit charge by a source. Terminal p.d. V = ε – Ir, where r is internal resistance. Kirchhoff’s laws: junction rule (sum of currents into a node equals sum out) and loop rule (sum of emfs equals sum of p.d.s around a closed loop).

电动势与内阻 — 电动势 ε 是电源每单位电荷提供的能量。端电压 V = ε – Ir，r 为内阻。基尔霍夫定律：节点电流定律（流入节点的电流之和等于流出之和）和回路电压定律（闭合回路中电动势代数和等于电势降代数和）。

Capacitance — Capacitance C = Q/V, unit farad (F). Energy stored E = ½ CV² = ½ QV. Time constant for RC circuit τ = RC; after 5τ the capacitor is practically fully charged or discharged.

电容 — 电容 C = Q/V，单位法拉(F)。储存能量 E = ½ CV² = ½ QV。RC 电路时间常数 τ = RC；经过 5τ 后电容器几乎充满或放完。

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8. Thermal Physics | 热物理学

Temperature and heat — Temperature (T) is a measure of average kinetic energy of particles; it determines direction of thermal energy transfer. Heat is the thermal energy transferred due to a temperature difference. Absolute zero (0 K = –273.15°C) is the lowest theoretical temperature.

温度与热量 — 温度是粒子平均动能的量度，决定热传递方向。热量是因温度差而传递的热能。绝对零度 (0 K = –273.15°C) 是理论上的最低温度。

Internal energy and Brownian motion — Internal energy is the sum of random kinetic and potential energies of particles. Brownian motion (random jittering of smoke particles) provides evidence for molecular kinetic theory. An ideal gas obeys pV = nRT and pV = NkT, with k being the Boltzmann constant, and has no intermolecular forces.

内能与布朗运动 — 内能是粒子无规动能与势能之和。布朗运动（烟雾颗粒的无规跳动）为分子动理论提供了证据。理想气体遵守 pV = nRT 和 pV = NkT（k 为玻尔兹曼常数），且无分子间作用力。

Specific heat capacity and latent heat — Specific heat capacity c: Q = mcΔθ (units J·kg⁻¹·K⁻¹). Specific latent heat l: Q = m l; latent heat of fusion (solid ↔ liquid) and vaporisation (liquid ↔ gas) involve no temperature change.

比热容与潜热 — 比热容 c：Q = mcΔθ (J·kg⁻¹·K⁻¹)。比潜热 l：Q = m l；熔化潜热（固液转变）和汽化潜热（液气转变）过程中温度不变。

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9. Modern Physics | 现代物理

Photons and photoelectric effect — Photon energy E = hf = hc/λ. Photoelectric emission occurs when light of frequency above the threshold frequency f₀ strikes a metal; maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons:

Kₘₐₓ = hf – Φ

where Φ is the work function. The effect demonstrates the particle nature of light.

光子与光电效应 — 光子能量 E = hf = hc/λ。当频率高于阈频率 f₀ 的光照射金属时发生光电发射；出射电子的最大动能：Kₘₐₓ = hf – Φ，Φ 为逸出功。该效应展示了光的粒子性。

De Broglie wavelength and atomic spectra — Moving particles exhibit wave-like behaviour: λ = h/p (de Broglie wavelength). In atoms, electrons occupy discrete energy levels; transitions emit or absorb photons. Emission spectra show bright lines; absorption spectra show dark lines on a continuous background, each unique to an element.

德布罗意波长与原子光谱 — 运动的粒子具有波动性：λ = h/p（德布罗意波长）。原子中电子处于分立的能级；跃迁时辐射或吸收光子。发射光谱呈现亮线；吸收光谱在连续背景上出现暗线，每种元素具有特征谱线。

Nuclear physics — Mass defect: the difference between the mass of a nucleus and the sum of its individual nucleons; binding energy E = (Δm)c². Activity A = λN, decay constant λ, half-life t₍½₎ = ln2/λ. Nuclear reactions conserve mass-energy, charge, and nucleon number.

核物理 — 质量亏损：原子核质量与其所有核子单独质量之和的差值；结合能 E = (Δm)c²。活度 A = λN，衰变常数 λ，半衰期 t₍½₎ = ln2/λ。核反应中质能、电荷和核子数守恒。

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10. Mnemonics and Memory Techniques | 速记技巧与口诀

Word roots — Many terms derive from Latin or Greek: centripetal (centrum = centre, petere = to seek) helps you remember it points towards the centre. Kinetic from kinesis (motion); isochoric (iso = same, chora = space) means constant volume. Looking up etymologies builds durable mental connections.

词根记忆 — 许多术语源自拉丁或希腊语：centripetal（向心的）中 centrum 为中心，petere 为寻求，提醒你它指向圆心。kinetic（动能）源自“运动”；isochoric（等容）中 iso 是相同，chora 是空间。查询词源可构建持久的记忆联结。

Acronyms and visual cues — For SUVAT variables, picture a car’s dashboard. For the electromagnetic spectrum, ‘Raging Martians Invaded Venus Using X-ray Guns’ gives Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma. For visible colour order, ‘Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain’ spells Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.

首字母口诀与视觉线索 — 对 SUVAT 变量，想象汽车仪表盘。电磁波谱可用“Raging Martians Invaded Venus Using X-ray Guns”对应无线电、微波、红外、可见光、紫外、X射线、伽马射线。可见光颜色顺序用“Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain”记住红橙黄绿蓝靛紫。

Formula pyramids and flash cards — Arrange equations like V=IR into a triangular memory tool. Active recall with flashcards — English on one side, Chinese and symbol definition on the other — spaced over days dramatically improves long-term retention. Write your own concise ‘formula story’ linking related equations in a logical flow.

公式三角与闪卡 — 将 V=IR 等公式放入三角图便于记忆。用闪卡进行主动回忆：一面写英文定义，另一面写中文和符号定义，隔天复习，能显著提高长期记忆。自己编写精炼的“公式故事”，按逻辑串联相关方程。

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