Forces 1 new version Flashcards
(150 cards)
What is the difference between scalar and vector quantities?
Scalar quantities have magnitude only, whereas vector quantities have both magnitude and an associated direction.
How might we represent a vector quantity?
With an arrow.
When representing vector quantities with an arrow, what does the length of the arrow represent?
The magnitude.
When representing vector quantities with an arrow, what does the direction of the arrow represent?
The direction of the vector quantity.
List some vector quantities
-velocity
-displacement
-force
-weight
-momentum
-acceleration
List some scalar quantities
-speed
-distance
-time
-length
-mass
-power
-temperature
What is a force?
A push or pull that acts on an object due to the interaction with another object.
What are the two types of forces between objects?
Contact and non-contact
What is the difference between a contact and non-contact force?
Contact - the objects interacting are physically touching.
Non-contact - the objects interacting are physically separated.
Examples of non-contact forces (hint: there are only three!)
-gravitational force
-magnetic force
-electrostatic force
Examples of contact forces
-friction
-air resistance
-normal contact force
-tension (pulling force through a rope)
(-water resistance)
(-lift)
Is force a vector or scalar quantity?
Vector.
Give examples to describe the interaction between pairs of objects which exert a force on each other.
The force of a ground on a box and the force of a box on the ground.
The force of an object on a surface and the force of the surface on the object.
Weight
The force acting on an object due to gravity.
What does the gravitational field around the Earth cause?
The force of gravity close to the Earth.
What two things does the weight of an object depend on?
-The gravitational field strength at the point where the object is
-The mass of the object
What is the formula for weight?
W = mg
What is the unit for weight?
Newtons, N
What is the unit for mass, m?
kg
What is the unit for gravitational field strength, (g)?
N/kg
or m/s²
Centre of mass
A single point through which the weight of an object may be considered to act.
Describe the relationship between the weight and mass of an object.
Directly proportional.
How can we measure the weight of an object?
Using a calibrated spring-balance (a newtonmeter).
If the distance between two objects were to increase, what would happen to the strength of a non-contact force between them?
It would decrease.