Mechanics 2, 6.2,8.1-8.4 Forces Flashcards
What is the centre of mass of an object?
The point at which the weight can be assumed to act
What does the weight of an object depend on?
It’s mass and the gravitational field strength
What is weight?
The force due to gravity that acts through an objects centre of mass
What is friction?
The force that acts between two surfaces in contact to oppose motion
What is drag?
The resistive force that acts on an object moving through a fluid
What is tension?
The force within a stretched object
What is upthrust?
The upward buoyant force that acts in an object in a fluid
What is the normal contact force?
A force that acts perpendicular to a surface when an object rests on it
What is meant by the viscosity of a fluid?
How easily it flows along a surface
What is terminal velocity?
The maximum speed reached by a falling object when drag and weight are equal
What is meant by the resultant force?
The vector sum of all forces acting on an object
What is Newtons 1st Law?
An object will remain stationary or move at a constant velocity unless acted upon by a resultant force
What is meant by the inertia of an object?
It’s resistance to changes in its motion
What determines how much inertia an object had?
It’s mass
What is the thinking distance for a vehicle?
The distance travelled whilst the driver is reacting
