5 - Forces Flashcards
What are the two types of quantity?
Vector and Scalar
What is a vector quantity?
A quantity that has both magnitude (size) and direction
What are some examples of vector quantities?
Force, velocity, displacement, acceleration
What is a scalar quantity?
A quantity with magnitude (size) but no direction
What are examples of scalar quantities?
Speed, distance, mass, temparature
How can vectors be represented?
Using arrows of varying length (to represent magnitude) and direction
What type of quantity is speed?
Scalar
What type of quantity is velocity?
Vector
What is a force?
A push or a pull that acts on an object due to interaction with another object
What are the two categories of forces?
Contact and non-contact
What are contact forces?
When the objects have to be touching for a force to act
What are some examples of contact forces?
Friction, air resistance, tension in rope etc
What are non-contact forces?
When objects do not need to be touching for the force to act
What are some examples of non-contact forces?
Magnetic force, gravitational force
What type of quantity is force?
Vector
When two objects interact, where are the forces acting?
On both objects
What is an interaction pair?
A pair of forces that are equal and opposite, and act on two interacting objects
What is weight?
The force acting on an object due to gravity
What does the weight of an object depend on?
The gravitational field strength at the point where the object is
What is the unit used for weight?
newtons, N
What is the unit used for gravitational field strength?
N/kg
What is an object’s centre of mass?
The single point on which the weight of an object acts
What is weight directly proportional to?
Mass
What is weight measured using?
A calibrated spring-balance, also known as a newtonmeter
