4.1 - Scalars & Vectors Flashcards
What is a scalar?
A quantity which only has magnitude (size).
What is a vector?
A quantity which has both direction and magnitude (said in a Vector voice).
What are the 2 methods to combine vectors and when can they be used?
Calculation - if vectors are perpendicular - trig.
Scale drawing - if the vectors are not perpendicular - draw and measure using a scale.
What is a resolving vector?
2 vector components can be shown as one.
What are the trig equation for the horizontal and vertical components?
Horizontal - Fx = Fcosθ
Vertical - Fy = Fsinθ
Which direction does the normal reaction force act in and what is it in terms of the weight of a mass on an inclined plane?
- Perpendicular to the surface.
- Wcosθ component of weight = R
What are coplanar forces?
Forces which act in the same plane.
What are coplanar forces represented by?
Closed vector triangles. (Free body diagram then tail to tail)
How to prove forces are in equilibrium?
When object is at rest or constant velocity - draw free body diagram and then tail to tail triangle. If all components touch and created a closed triangle, the forces are in equilibrium.
