Ultimate Physics Trivia Challenge – 120 Questions for All Levels!

In this electrifying episode of Trivia Time with Mr. Baldman, we dive headfirst into the world of physics! With 120 questions spread across 6 levels—from elementary basics to PhD-level brainbusters—this is your ultimate physics study guide. Perfect for teachers, students, or anyone looking to test their knowledge and learn something new!

Whether you're curious about the laws of motion, quantum mechanics, or the mysteries of the universe, this episode has something for everyone. Each level ramps up the difficulty, so challenge yourself or play along with friends, family, or your classroom.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• Level 1: Elementary Physics (Basics like gravity and energy).
• Level 2: Middle School Physics (Introduction to concepts like refraction and circuits).
• Level 3: High School Physics (More advanced topics like momentum and centripetal force).
• Level 4: Undergraduate Physics (Diving into concepts like kinetic energy and electromagnetism).
• Level 5: Graduate Physics (Exploring quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, and superconductivity).
• Level 6: PhD-Level Physics (Mind-bending questions on string theory, the holographic principle, and more).

Shoutout of the Week:
A big thank-you to Mr. Hall, a teacher in Southern Illinois. He listens to the show on his way to school. Want your class, group, or even you featured in a future episode? Send me a message using the 'Text Me' link in the show notes.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• A comprehensive guide to physics for all levels.
• Fun and challenging questions for individuals or groups.
• Perfect for classrooms, trivia nights, road trips, or anyone with a thirst for knowledge.

Engage with Me:

• Follow me on TikTok @mr_baldman_trivia for more trivia fun and behind-the-scenes content.
• Want to request a specific topic or get a shoutout? Use the 'Text Me' link in the show notes—I’d love to hear from you!

Transcript

Hey, hey! Welcome back to Trivia Time with Mr. Baldman! Today’s episode is all about physics trivia, and this one hits close to home for me. So, Let me tell you a little story about what got me hooked on this topic.

Back in the day, I was in high school, learning about waves in physics class. At the same time, I was teaching myself how to play guitar. One day, I had this lightbulb moment where I realized: Wait, the guitar actually works because of physics? The strings vibrate, the sound waves bounce around inside the body of the guitar, and the sound comes out louder and richer because of something called resonance. It absolutely blew my mind. That mix of music and science changed how I saw the world—it wasn’t just notes and chords anymore, it was physics in action.

So today, I’m hoping to bring that same energy and curiosity to this Ultimate Physics Trivia Challenge! We’ll tackle 120 questions across six levels, starting with the basics and ending with some jaw-dropping concepts that’ll make you rethink everything you know about the universe.

Big shoutout to Mr. Hall’s class in Southern Illinois—you guys are amazing! Mr. Hall listens to the podcast every morning on his way to school, and that seriously makes my day. If you want a shoutout for your class, your team, or even just yourself, hit the 'Text Me' link in the show notes—I’d love to hear your story.

Alright, get your mind in its mode(or your guitar), and let’s dive into six epic levels of physics trivia. Level 1 starts now—let’s go!"

Level 1: Elementary Physics (Questions 1–20)

1. Question: What force pulls objects toward the Earth?
Answer: Gravity.

2. Question: What do we call the energy an object has because it is moving?
Answer: Kinetic energy.

3. Question: What is the unit of measurement for force?
Answer: Newton.

4. Question: What tool do scientists use to measure temperature?
Answer: Thermometer.

5. Question: What is the name of the path an object takes when it is thrown or launched?
Answer: Trajectory.

6. Question: What is the term for a push or pull on an object?
Answer: Force.

7. Question: What do we call the type of energy stored in a stretched rubber band?
Answer: Elastic potential energy.

8. Question: What is the name of the force that slows objects down when they slide against each other?
Answer: Friction.

9. Question: What is the term for the energy stored in food and fuel?
Answer: Chemical energy.

10. Question: What is the term for the distance covered by an object in a specific amount of time?
Answer: Speed.

11. Question: What do we call the measure of the amount of matter in an object?
Answer: Mass.

12. Question: What is the name of the force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?
Answer: Gravity.

13. Question: What simple machine consists of a flat, slanted surface?
Answer: Inclined plane.

14. Question: What is the term for the bending of light as it passes through water or glass?
Answer: Refraction.

15. Question: What do you call the energy associated with heat?
Answer: Thermal energy.

16. Question: What is the name of the scientist who proposed the laws of motion?
Answer: Isaac Newton.

17. Question: What is the term for the ability to do work or cause change?
Answer: Energy.

18. Question: What type of energy does the Sun provide to Earth?
Answer: Solar energy.

19. Question: What do we call the buildup of electric charge on the surface of an object?
Answer: Static electricity.

20. Question: What is the name of the force that opposes motion through the air?
Answer: Air resistance.

"Alright, that wraps up our elementary physics round—nice work! But don’t get too comfortable, because we’re turning up the heat with the middle school level. Get ready to dig a little deeper into the world of physics and see if you’re ready to level up. Let’s jump back in!"

Level 2: Middle School Physics (Questions 21–40)

21. Question: What is the name of the particle in an atom with a positive charge?
Answer: Proton.

22. Question: What is the term for the resistance of an object to a change in its motion?
Answer: Inertia.

23. Question: What is the unit of measurement for electrical resistance?
Answer: Ohm.

24. Question: What is the name of the material that allows electricity to flow through it easily?
Answer: Conductor.

25. Question: What is the force that acts against the motion of objects moving through water?
Answer: Drag.

26. Question: What is the speed of light in a vacuum?
Answer: Approximately 300,000 kilometers per second (or 186,000 miles per second).

27. Question: What type of lens bends light inward to a single point?
Answer: Convex lens.

28. Question: What is the term for the change in direction of a wave when it bounces off a surface?
Answer: Reflection.

29. Question: What is the name of the variable in an experiment that you change to see its effect?
Answer: Independent variable.

30. Question: What is the name of the force that acts between charged particles?
Answer: Electromagnetic force.

31. Question: What is the term for the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials?
Answer: Conduction.

32. Question: What do we call a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy?
Answer: Electric motor.

33. Question: What is the type of circuit where components are connected along a single path?
Answer: Series circuit.

34. Question: What is the term for the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred?
Answer: Power.

35. Question: What is the equation for calculating work done on an object?
Answer: Work = Force × Distance.

36. Question: What is the device called that stores electrical energy in an electric field?
Answer: Capacitor.

37. Question: What is the term for the number of waves that pass a point in one second?
Answer: Frequency.

38. Question: What is the name of the scientist who developed the theory of relativity?
Answer: Albert Einstein.

39. Question: What type of wave moves perpendicular to the direction of the wave's energy?
Answer: Transverse wave.

40. Question: What is the name of the phenomenon that causes the frequency of a wave to change as the source moves relative to the observer?
Answer: Doppler effect.

Middle school physics—check! You’re doing great so far, but now it’s time to step it up a notch with high school physics. These questions are tougher, but I know you’re ready for the challenge. Take a deep breath, focus up, and let’s keep this momentum going!

–

Level 3: High School Physics (Questions 41–60)

41. Question: What is the term for the force per unit area applied to a surface?
Answer: Pressure.

42. Question: What do we call the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius?
Answer: Specific heat capacity.

43. Question: What is the SI unit of power?
Answer: Watt.

44. Question: What is the term for a substance that does not allow the flow of electricity?
Answer: Insulator.

45. Question: What is the name of the property of a material that allows it to return to its original shape after being stretched?
Answer: Elasticity.

46. Question: What type of wave requires a medium to travel through?
Answer: Mechanical wave.

47. Question: What is the term for the total energy of motion and position of an object?
Answer: Mechanical energy.

48. Question: What do you call the angle of incidence when light hits a surface and reflects off at the same angle?
Answer: Law of reflection.

49. Question: What is the name of the phenomenon where light bends as it passes from one medium to another?
Answer: Refraction.

50. Question: What do we call the rate of change of velocity?
Answer: Acceleration.

51. Question: What is the equation for calculating momentum?
Answer: Momentum = Mass × Velocity.

52. Question: What type of force keeps an object moving in a circular path?
Answer: Centripetal force.

53. Question: What is the phenomenon where an object at rest stays at rest unless acted on by an external force?
Answer: Newton’s first law of motion (Law of inertia).

54. Question: What is the name of the point where all the mass of an object appears to be concentrated?
Answer: Center of mass.

55. Question: What is the term for a material’s ability to conduct heat or electricity?
Answer: Conductivity.

56. Question: What is the equation for calculating electrical power?
Answer: Power = Voltage × Current.

57. Question: What is the term for a material that temporarily becomes magnetic when placed in a magnetic field?
Answer: Induced magnetism.

58. Question: What is the principle that states energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed?
Answer: Law of conservation of energy.

59. Question: What is the unit of frequency in the SI system?
Answer: Hertz (Hz).

60. Question: What is the term for the time it takes for one complete cycle of a wave to pass a point?
Answer: Period.

–

"Boom! High school physics is in the bag. How’d you do? If you’re sticking with me, it’s time to level up to the undergraduate level. Things are about to get a little more technical, so take a deep breath, and let’s keep that momentum going!"

Level 4: Undergraduate Physics (Questions 61–80)

61. Question: What is the equation for Newton’s second law of motion?
Answer: Force = Mass × Acceleration (F = ma).

62. Question: What is the term for the amount of work done per unit charge in moving a charge between two points?
Answer: Voltage (or electric potential difference).

63. Question: What is the name of the constant that appears in Coulomb’s law?
Answer: Coulomb's constant (k).

64. Question: What is the equation for gravitational potential energy?
Answer: Gravitational Potential Energy = Mass × Gravity × Height (U = mgh).

65. Question: What is the phenomenon where a charged object induces a charge in a nearby neutral object?
Answer: Electrostatic induction.

66. Question: What is the term for the tendency of a fluid to resist flow?
Answer: Viscosity.

67. Question: What is the equation for kinetic energy?
Answer: Kinetic Energy = 1/2 × Mass × Velocity² (KE = 1/2 mv²).

68. Question: What is the name of the process where energy is transferred by electromagnetic waves?
Answer: Radiation.

69. Question: What is the equation for Ohm’s law?
Answer: Voltage = Current × Resistance (V = IR).

70. Question: What is the term for the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position?
Answer: Amplitude.

71. Question: What is the name of the phenomenon where light spreads out after passing through a small slit?
Answer: Diffraction.

72. Question: What is the term for the product of a force and its perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation?
Answer: Torque.

73. Question: What is the principle that states the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object?
Answer: Archimedes’ principle.

74. Question: What is the term for the constant of proportionality in Hooke’s law?
Answer: Spring constant (k).

75. Question: What is the speed of sound in air at room temperature?
Answer: Approximately 343 meters per second (1,125 feet per second).

76. Question: What is the name of the device used to measure electric current?
Answer: Ammeter.

77. Question: What is the term for the force that opposes the motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field?
Answer: Lorentz force.

78. Question: What is the term for the energy required to remove an electron from an atom?
Answer: Ionization energy.

79. Question: What is the equation that describes the wave-particle duality of light?
Answer: E = hf (Energy = Planck's constant × Frequency).

80. Question: What is the phenomenon where an electric current generates a magnetic field?
Answer: Electromagnetism.

–

Alright, you made it through the undergrad level—well done! Now it’s time to enter the big leagues: graduate-level physics. These next questions will really test your knowledge, so buckle up and let’s get into it!"

Level 5: Graduate Physics (Questions 81–100)

81. Question: What is the Schrödinger equation used to describe?
Answer: The behavior of quantum systems and the wave function of particles.

82. Question: What is the term for the hypothetical particle responsible for giving other particles mass?
Answer: Higgs boson.

83. Question: What is the principle stating that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state?
Answer: Pauli exclusion principle.

84. Question: What is the equation for relativistic energy proposed by Einstein?
Answer: E=mc2E = mc^2E=mc2 (Energy = Mass × Speed of Light²).

85. Question: What is the term for the resistance of a material to changes in magnetic flux?
Answer: Magnetic reluctance.

86. Question: What is the term for a state of matter with zero viscosity that flows without energy loss?
Answer: Superfluidity.

87. Question: What is the principle that states energy is quantized in discrete packets?
Answer: Planck’s quantum theory.

88. Question: What is the term for the scattering of light by particles much smaller than the wavelength of the light?
Answer: Rayleigh scattering.

89. Question: What is the term for the point where a material becomes magnetically saturated and cannot increase its magnetization further?
Answer: Magnetic saturation.

90. Question: What is the name of the theory that describes the behavior of subatomic particles and forces?
Answer: Quantum field theory.

91. Question: What is the phenomenon where certain materials can conduct electricity without resistance at low temperatures?
Answer: Superconductivity.

92. Question: What is the term for the theoretical framework that unifies general relativity and quantum mechanics?
Answer: String theory.

93. Question: What is the term for the bending of spacetime caused by the presence of mass?
Answer: Gravitational lensing.

94. Question: What is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle?
Answer: It states that it is impossible to simultaneously know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute precision.

95. Question: What is the term for particles that mediate the fundamental forces of nature?
Answer: Gauge bosons.

96. Question: What is the Chandrasekhar limit?
Answer: The maximum mass of a stable white dwarf star, approximately 1.4 times the mass of the Sun.

97. Question: What is the term for a sudden release of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun?
Answer: Solar flare. 

98. Question: What is the term for the hypothetical region around a black hole where nothing can escape?
Answer: Event horizon.

99. Question: What is the principle that describes the dual nature of particles acting as both waves and particles?
Answer: Wave-particle duality.

100. Question: What is the term for the theory that explains the expansion of the universe from an initial singularity?
Answer: The Big Bang theory.

Wow, you’ve made it all the way through the graduate level—impressive work! But now it’s time for the ultimate challenge: PhD-level physics. These questions are for the brave, the bold, and the truly physics-obsessed. Let’s see how deep your knowledge goes!"

Level 6: PhD-Level Physics (Questions 101–120)

101. Question: What is the term for the mathematical function describing the quantum state of a system?
Answer: Wave function.

102. Question: What is the Riemann curvature tensor used for in physics?
Answer: It describes the curvature of spacetime in general relativity.

103. Question: What is the Lagrangian function in classical mechanics?
Answer: It is the difference between kinetic energy and potential energy of a system (L=T−VL = T - VL=T−V).

104. Question: What is the term for the hypothetical fifth force that might unify all fundamental forces?
Answer: Quintessence.

105. Question: What is the term for the measure of randomness or disorder in a system?
Answer: Entropy.

106. Question: What is the Casimir effect?
Answer: A physical force arising from quantum field fluctuations in a vacuum between two close, uncharged plates.

107. Question: What is the difference between fermions and bosons?
Answer: Fermions obey the Pauli exclusion principle and make up matter, while bosons mediate forces and do not obey the exclusion principle.

108. Question: What is the Noether theorem?
Answer: It states that every differentiable symmetry of a physical system corresponds to a conserved quantity.

109. Question: What is the term for the theoretical particles that make up dark matter?
Answer: WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles) or axions.

110. Question: What is Hawking radiation?
Answer: Radiation emitted by black holes due to quantum effects near the event horizon.

111. Question: What is the term for the expansion of the universe at an accelerating rate?
Answer: Cosmic acceleration.

112. Question: What is the mathematical description of a non-Euclidean geometry used in general relativity?
Answer: Riemannian geometry.

113. Question: What is the difference between a closed universe and an open universe?
Answer: A closed universe will eventually stop expanding and collapse, while an open universe will expand forever.

114. Question: What is the Feynman path integral used for in quantum mechanics?
Answer: It calculates the probability amplitude by summing over all possible paths a particle can take.

115. Question: What is the term for the energy associated with the vacuum of space?
Answer: Vacuum energy or zero-point energy.

116. Question: What is the principle that relates the entropy of a black hole to the area of its event horizon?
Answer: Bekenstein-Hawking entropy.

117. Question: What is the concept of supersymmetry in particle physics?
Answer: It proposes a symmetry between fermions and bosons, predicting a superpartner for each particle.

118. Question: What is the Wheeler-DeWitt equation?
Answer: It describes the quantum state of the entire universe in quantum gravity theories.

119. Question: What is the holographic principle?
Answer: It suggests that all information contained within a volume of space can be represented as encoded information on the boundary of that space.

120. Question: What is the term for the hypothetical multiverse structure predicted by string theory?
Answer: The string landscape.

Final Outro

"And that’s it—you’ve completed the physics gauntlet! From elementary basics to mind-bending PhD-level questions, you’ve proven your passion for science. Whether you nailed it or learned something new, you’ve done incredible work.

Don’t forget—if you want a shoutout for your class, team, or even just yourself, send me a message using the 'Text Me' link in the show notes. And as always, follow me on TikTok @mr_baldman_trivia for more fun, facts, and trivia adventures.

Stay curious, stay awesome, and I’ll catch you next time on Trivia Time with Mr. Baldman. Baldman out!"