P10 - Force and Motion Flashcards
What important equation is known as Newton’s 2nd Law?
*Resultant Force = mass x acceleration
F = m x a
(N) = (kg) x (m/s^2)
*could be asked to calculate the mass or acceleration when 2 forces are given; you then have to find the resultant force value and use that.
What is Inertia?
An object’s tendency to stay at rest or continue at a constant speed.
How do we describe positive acceleration (speeding up)? What does this look like in real life?
The resultant force is in the same direction as the velocity.
E.g car speeding up - the resultant force is the thrust, and the car is moving forwards also.
How do we describe negative acceleration (slowing down)? What does this look like in real life?
The resultant force is in the opposite direction to its velocity (decelerating).
E.g slowing down a car - the resultant force is the braking force of the car, but the car still moves forwards.
What is the weight of an object?
The force acting on an object due to its mass and gravity.
Units: Newtons (N)
What is the mass of an object?
The quantity of matter an object has.
Units: kilograms (kg)
What is the earth’s gravitational field strength?
9.8 N/kg
What equation links weight, mass and gravity together?
Weight = mass x gravitational field strength
W = m x g
(N) = (kg) x (N/kg)
What pieces of equipment measure weight, mass and gravity?
Weight - newton-meter
Mass - balance
Gravity - gravimeter - (don’t need to know this)
What is the terminal velocity of an object?
The constant velocity an object eventually reaches as it falls.
When is an object said to have reached terminal velocity?
When the frictional force of air resistance is equal and opposite to the object’s weight.
What is the resultant force acting on an object at terminal velocity?
The resultant force is 0
Why is the resultant force 0 at terminal velocity?
The forces of weight and air resistance are equal and opposite.
They are balanced, so there is no sum effect.
What two frictional forces oppose the driving force of a vehicle?
1) Ground Friction
2) Air resistance
What two factors impact the braking force needed to stop a vehicle?
1) The speed of the vehicle when the brakes are applied.
2) The mass of the vehicle.
What is the stopping distance of a vehicle?
The distance a vehicle can safely stop in.
What is the thinking distance?
The distance a car travels before the brakes are applied.