P4 - Explaining Motion

Question 1

How is stopping distance affected and which measures can improve road safety?

Answer 1

Thinking factors, tiredness / drugs / alcohol / distractions. Braking factors, weather / road conditions, vehicle conditions. Safety, seatbelts / crumple zones / helmets.

Question 2

What is inertial mass and Newton’s second law?

Answer 2

Inertial mass, velocity-changing difficulty, force : acceleration ratio. Newton, force (N) = mass (kg) × acceleration (m/s^2).

Question 3

What is Newton’s first law?

Answer 3

First law: object, same motion state, unless opposite force.

Question 4

What is a scalar / vector, and what is the free-fall acceleration value?

Answer 4

Vector, directional (displacement). Scalar, non-directional (speed). Free-fall, 9.81m/s^2

Question 5

How do forces interact, how is weight calculated and what is Newton’s third law?

Answer 5

Contact forces, objects touching (opposite, non-contact). Weight (N) = mass (kg) × gravitational field strength (N/kg). Newtons, “every action has its equal and opposite reaction”.