3.4.1.1 - Scalars and Vectors

Question 1

What is a scalar quantity?

Answer 1

A physical quantity which has magnitude only, no direction.

Question 2

What is a vector quantity?

Answer 2

Physical quantity which has magnitude and direction.

Question 3

Examples of scalar quantities?

Answer 3

Length, temperature, mass

Question 4

Examples of vector quantities?

Answer 4

Displacement, force, acceleration, velocity.

Question 5

What do you do with vectors that are in the same direction?

Answer 5

Add them.

Question 6

What do you do with vectors in opposite directions?

Answer 6

Subtract them.

Question 7

What do you do if vectors are in different directions?

Answer 7

Draw a vector triangle.

Question 8

What can you use vector triangles to do?

Answer 8

Add two similar vectors.

Question 9

What do you have to use to find the resultant of two vectors acting in perpendicular to one another?

Answer 9

Use pythagoras’ theorem.

Question 10

What does it mean if the forces are in equilibrium?

Answer 10

• No net forces act on the body.

- No net turning effect (moments)