Define Flashcards
Vectors
A vector is a physical quantity having a specific magnitude as well as direction.
Scalars
A scalar is a physical quantity that has only a magnitude but no direction.
Distance
Distance is the path length between 2 points without regard for direction. Distance is quantity scalar and has only magnitude.
Displacement
Displacement is the straight line length between 2 points in a specific direction. Displacement is a vector quantity and has magnitude and direction.
Speed
Speed is the rate of change of distance. Speed is therefore a scalar quantity and has only magnitude.
Velocity
Velocity is the rate of change of displacement. Velocity is therefore a vector quantity and has magnitude and direction.
Acceleration
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. Acceleration is therefore a vector quantity and has magnitude and direction.
System of forces
A system of forces refers to a collection of individual forces acting on an object or system.
Equilibrium
Equilibrium is the state of an object in which all the individual forces exerted upon an object are balance.
Equilibrant of forces
A single force that keeps a system of forces in equilibrium. The equilibrium is equal to the size of the resultant of forces but in 180 opposite direction.
Resultant
A single force that can replace 2 or more forces acting on an object and still have the same effect.
Couple
A pair of forces of equal magnitude, turning in the same direction about a fulcrum, but are situated on opposite sides of the fulcrum.
Energy
Energy is the ability of an object or body to do work.
Kinetic energy
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses as a result of its mass and movement.
Potential energy
Potential energy is the energy an object possesses as a result of its mass and position above a certain zero potential.