Forces As Vectors Flashcards
What is a scalar quantity?
A scalar quantity is a quantity that has only magnitude and no direction.
What is a vector quantity?
A vector quantity is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction.
True or False: Force is a scalar quantity.
False
Give an example of a scalar quantity.
Temperature
Give an example of a vector quantity.
Velocity
What symbol is commonly used to represent vector quantities?
An arrow or boldface type.
What is the formula for calculating the resultant force when two forces are acting in the same direction?
Resultant force = F1 + F2
What is the formula for calculating the resultant force when two forces are acting in opposite directions?
Resultant force = |F1 - F2|
True or False: The magnitude of a vector can be negative.
False
What is the graphical method for adding vectors called?
The head-to-tail method.
Fill in the blank: A force acting at an angle can be resolved into _______ components.
horizontal and vertical
What is the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI)?
Newton (N)
If a vector has a magnitude of 5 units and points east, what is its direction?
East
What is the result of adding a vector of 3 units to a vector of 4 units both pointing in the same direction?
7 units in the same direction.
True or False: Vectors can be subtracted using the same methods as addition.
True
What is the term used for the length of a vector?
Magnitude
What does the direction of a vector indicate?
The way in which the quantity acts.
What is the resultant vector of two perpendicular forces of 3 N and 4 N?
5 N (using Pythagorean theorem).
Fill in the blank: The _______ of a vector is the angle it makes with a reference direction.
direction
What is the process of breaking a vector into its components called?
Vector resolution.
What is a common use of vector quantities in physics?
To describe motion and forces.
True or False: A vector can be represented by a straight line with an arrow.
True
What is the significance of the direction of a force vector?
It determines the direction of the effect of the force.
What does it mean for two vectors to be collinear?
They lie along the same line.
