5.1 Forces and their interactions Flashcards
What is a scalar quantity? (1)
A quantity that has a magnitude but is not dependant on direction.
What is a vector quantity? (1)
A quantity that has a magnitude and an associated direction.
How can a vector quantity be represented? (1)
An arrow:
- length of arrow shows magnitude
- direction is where the arrow points.
What is a force? (1)
A push or pull acting on an object due to an interaction with another object.
What are the types of forces? (2)
- Contact: objects are touching.
- Non-contact: objects are separated.
What are examples of contact forces? (3)
- Friction
- Air resistance
- Tension
What are examples of non-contact forces? (3)
- Gravitational force
- Magnetic force
- Electrostatic force
What are some examples of vector quantities? (3)
- Velocity
- Force
- Displacement
What are some examples of scalar quantities? (6)
- Speed
- Time
- Distance
- Temperature
- Mass
- Energy
What is weight? (1)
The force acting on an object due to gravity.
What causes the gravitational force close to earth? (1)
The gravitational field around the earth.
What is the equation for weight? (1)
Weight (N) = mass (Kg) x gravitational field strength (N/kg)
What is weight dependant on? (1)
The gravitational strength at the point where the object is.
What is an object’s centre of mass? (1)
The single point where an object’s weight is considered to be acting.
What is the relationship between the mass and weight of an object? (1)
Directly proportionate.
What can be used to measure weight? (1)
Newtonmeter (calibrated spring-balance).
What is a resultant force? (1)
- A single force
- that replaces a number of forces that were originally acting on an object,
- whilst still having the same effect they had together.
How can one force resolve into two components? (1)
When two components act at a right angle (perpendicular) to each other - the two forces equate to the single force.
What is displacement? (1)
The direct (straight) distance from the start to finish point.
