Module 2 - Foundations of Physics (Scalars and Vectors)

Question 1

What is a scalar quantity

Answer 1

A quantity with a value for only magnitude

Question 2

What is a vector

Answer 2

A quantity with a value for both magnitude and direction

Question 3

What are the 6 vector values

Answer 3

Acceleration
Velocity
Force
Displacement
Momentum
Weight

Question 4

What is meant by a coplanar Vector

Answer 4

A vector that share the same 2d plane as another (Cartesian plane).

Question 5

How would you find the resultant vector of two perpendicular forces

Answer 5

1. Connect the two vectors tip-to-tail.
2. Connect from the tail of one vector to the tip for the other and to find the magnitude use pythagorean theorem.

Question 6

How would you find the vector of two forces that arent perpendicular to each other

Answer 6

1. Resolve both vectors into horizontal and vertical components and add them
2. Connect the vectors tip-to-tail
3. Connect from the tail of one vector to the tip for the other and to find the magnitude use pythagoras

If you have the angle between teh vectors you can use the cosine rule to find the magnitude of the resultant vector.

Question 7

How do you resolve a vector into 2 perpendicular vectors (only Applicable in the positive i and postive j quadrant)

Answer 7

For the Vertical Vector you use the equation Fy = Fsin x
For the Horizontal Vector you use the equation Fx = Fcos x