force and motion Flashcards
What is a scalar quantity?
A measurement that only needs a single number to describe it
List four examples of scalar quantities
Mass, time, distance, speed
What is a vector quantity?
A measurement that needs both size and direction
List three examples of vector quantities
Displacement, velocity, acceleration
What’s the difference between speed and velocity?
Speed is just how fast, velocity includes direction of movement
What happens to displacement if you return to starting point?
It equals zero, regardless of distance traveled
What symbol represents displacement?
s
What are the basic units for measuring displacement?
Meters (m)
What units are used to measure velocity?
Meters per second (m/s)
What units are used to measure acceleration?
Meters per second squared (m/s²)
What does ‘u’ represent in SUVAT equations?
Initial velocity
What does ‘v’ represent in SUVAT equations?
Final velocity
What does ‘a’ represent in SUVAT equations?
Acceleration
What does ‘t’ represent in SUVAT equations?
Time
What equation finds final velocity with constant acceleration?
v = u + at
How do you calculate displacement using initial velocity and time?
s = ut + (1/2)at²
What equation relates velocity and displacement?
v² = u² + 2as
How can vector directions be expressed?
Using positive/negative, compass directions, or degrees
What’s the main difference between distance and displacement?
Distance is total path length, displacement is straight line from start to end
What does the first R in ReVERSAL stand for
Read the problem
What does the first e in ReVERSAL stand for
Examine variables
What does the V in ReVERSAL stand for
Verify appropriate equation
What does the second E in ReVERSAL stand for
Extract known values
What does the second R in ReVERSAL stand for
Rearrange equation if needed
