200 Physics Trivia Questions with Answers
200 public questions with answers, drawn from the well. How many can you answer?
Physics trivia spans the laws, discoveries, units, and phenomena that explain matter, motion, energy, fields, waves, light, and the structure of the universe. Questions can move from foundational definitions to modern physics, testing knowledge of electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum theory, relativity, nuclear processes, and laboratory science.
You may be asked to identify the weber as the SI unit of magnetic flux, name Planck’s constant, or recognize the Meissner effect, in which a superconductor expels external magnetic fields. Other questions cover sublimation, diffraction, time dilation, Lenz’s law, and nuclear fusion. With 200 questions, this hub works for classroom review, science competitions, pub quizzes, and advanced game nights.
What is the name of the quantum constant denoted by the symbol h?
Answer
Planck constant
What is the process by which light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus?
Answer
nuclear fusion
What is the temperature of absolute zero in degrees Celsius?
Answer
-273.15°C
What is the term for the change in velocity over time?
Answer
Acceleration
What is the name of the law that states the total magnetic flux through a closed surface is zero?
Answer
Gauss's law for magnetism
What is the process by which a nucleus emits alpha, beta, or gamma radiation?
Answer
Radioactive decay
What type of wave requires a medium to travel through?
Answer
Mechanical wave
What type of energy is stored in a stretched rubber band?
Answer
Elastic potential energy
What is the term for the rate at which work is done?
Answer
power
What is the name for the principle that states the total energy of an isolated system remains constant?
Answer
conservation of energy
Who first explained the photoelectric effect using quantum theory?
Answer
Albert Einstein
What is the temperature at which water freezes on the Celsius scale?
Answer
0 degrees
What force keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?
Answer
gravity
What is the Planck constant divided by 2π called?
Answer
reduced Planck constant
What is the speed of light in a vacuum exactly?
Answer
299,792,458 m/s
What is the process by which a nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei?
Answer
nuclear fission
What does 'c' represent in Einstein's mass-energy equivalence equation?
Answer
speed of light
What is the name for a material that has zero electrical resistance?
Answer
superconductor
What is the name of the theory that unifies electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force?
Answer
electroweak theory
What is the approximate value of the Planck constant in joule-seconds?
Answer
6.626 × 10⁻³⁴
What is the name of the thermodynamic cycle used in gasoline engines?
Answer
Otto cycle
What is the name of the effect where a metal emits electrons when illuminated with light?
Answer
photoelectric effect
What is the name of the principle that states that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state?
Answer
Pauli exclusion principle
What is the name of the force that holds atomic nuclei together?
Answer
strong nuclear force
What is the name of the phenomenon where light waves add or cancel?
Answer
interference
What is the name of the law that states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction?
Answer
Newton's third law
What is the name of the process by which a solid turns directly into a gas?
Answer
sublimation
What is the name of the law that gives the wavelength of maximum blackbody radiation?
Answer
Wien's displacement law
Physics trivia — quick answers
What are good physics trivia questions?
Good physics trivia questions mix units, laws, scientists, equations, and observable phenomena. Examples include identifying the SI unit of magnetic flux, naming the effect behind superconducting magnetic expulsion, and distinguishing diffraction, time dilation, Lenz’s law, sublimation, and nuclear fusion.
How hard is physics trivia?
Physics trivia can range from introductory to advanced. Questions about familiar units and everyday motion are approachable, while quantum constants, superconductivity, relativity, electromagnetism, and nuclear physics demand stronger science knowledge. A large set can suit mixed-ability quiz groups.
What is the SI unit of magnetic flux?
The SI unit of magnetic flux is the weber, symbol Wb. It is named after German physicist Wilhelm Eduard Weber. One weber is equivalent to one volt-second, linking magnetic flux to the induced electromotive force described by Faraday’s law.
What is Planck's constant?
Planck’s constant is a fundamental quantum constant represented by the symbol h. It relates a photon’s energy to its frequency through the equation E = hf. The constant is named after Max Planck and is central to quantum mechanics and the definition of SI units.
What is the Meissner effect?
The Meissner effect is the expulsion of external magnetic fields from the interior of a material as it enters the superconducting state. It distinguishes superconductivity from merely having zero electrical resistance and allows phenomena such as magnetic levitation under suitable conditions.
What is nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion is the process in which light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. The reaction can release energy because the resulting nucleus has a slightly lower mass than the original nuclei, with the mass difference converted into energy according to relativity.