Kinematics Flashcards
Define a vector
a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction
Define a scalar quantity
a physical quantity that has magnitude only
Define resultant vector
the single vector which has the same effect as the original vectors acting together
Define distance
the length of path travelled
Define displacement
a change in position
Define speed
the rate of change of distance
Define velocity
the rate of change of position or the rate of change of displacement
Define acceleration
the rate of change of velocity
Define weight Fg
the gravitational force the Earth exerts on any object on or near its surface
Define normal force, FN
the perpendicular force exerted by a
surface on an object in contact with it
Define frictional force, Ff
the force that opposes the motion of
an object
State Newton’s first law
An object continues in a state of rest or uniform velocity unless it is acted upon by a net or resultant force
Define inertia
the property of an object that causes it to resist a change in its state of rest or uniform motion
State Newton’s second law
When a net force, Fnet, is applied to an object of mass, m, it accelerates in the direction of the net force. The acceleration, a, is directly proportional to the net force and inversely proportional to the mass
State Newton’s third law
When object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts an oppositely directed force of equal magnitude on object A
