Mechanics Flashcards
What must always be true when using the SUVAT equations of motion?
The acceleration must be uniform- if the acceleration is changing, the equations are not valid
What does the gradient of a Distance-time graph represent?
Speed
What does the gradient of a displacement- time graph represent?
Velocity
What does the gradient of a velocity-time graph represent?
Acceleration
Describe the shape of a velocity-time graph for an object travelling with uniform acceleration
If acceleration is constant, the gradient of the velocity-time graph will be constant and so it will from a straight line graph
Describe the shape of a velocity-time graph for an object travelling with non-uniform acceleration.
If acceleration is not constant, the gradient of the velocity-time graph will change and so it will form a curve
Compare the velocity-time graphs for a uniformly accelerating and a uniformly decelerating object.
- For an accelerating object, the gradient will be positive
- For a decelerating object, the gradient will be negative
What is a scalar quantity?
A scalar quantity is one that has a magnitude but not a fixed direction
What is a vector quantity?
A vector quantity is one that has a magnitude and a fixed direction
Give five examples of scalar quantities.
- Distance
- Speed
- Mass
- Energy
- Temperature
Give five examples of vector quantities.
- Displacement
- Velocity
- Acceleration
- Momentum
- Force
How is a vector quantity represented on a diagram?
- As an arrow
- The direction of the arrow represents the direction of the quantity
- The length of the arrow represents the magnitude of the quantity
What does resolving a vector involve?
Splitting the vector into two perpendicular components
Define the horizontal component of a vector at an angle to the horizontal in terms of V and theta.
horizontal component: X = V cos theta
Define the vertical component of a vector at an angle to the horizontal in terms of V and theta.
Vertical component: y = V sin Theta
Describe the relationship between the perpendicular components of a vector.
The perpendicular components are independent of each other.
How should the components of a projectile be handled when carrying out calculations? (2)
- The horizontal and vertical components are independent of each other and so should be treated separately
- SUVAT should be used separately for each component
If a projectile is moving freely under gravity, what can be said about the vertical acceleration?
The vertical acceleration will be the acceleration due to gravity and so will have a magnitude of 9.81 ms {-1}