Forces

Question 1

What is the difference between a vector and a scalar quantity?

Answer 1

Vector quantities have a magnitude and a direction, whereas scalar quantities only have magnitude and no direction

Question 2

Two magnets placed close together repelled one another. The magnets didn’t touch. Explain how they still interacted.

Answer 2

The magnetic fields of both magnets interacted with each other to cause the non-contact repulsion force between the magnets

Question 3

A fly pushes as hard as it can against a window. Explain why the fly feels an equal and opposite force

Answer 3

The normal contact force of the window pushes against the fly.
The normal contact force of the window and the force the fly exerts are an interaction pair, so they are equal and opposite.

Question 4

Describe the pair of forces that act in the interaction between the Earth and the Moon

Answer 4

The gravitational force of the Earth is felt by the Moon and the gravitational force of the Moon is felt by the Earth. The forces of attraction are equal and opposite.