P5 - Forces and their interactions Flashcards
What is a scalar quantity?
● A quantity that only has a magnitude
● A quantity that isn’t dependant on direction
What is a vector quantity?
A quantity that has both a magnitude and an associated direction.
How can a vector quantity be drawn and what does it show?
● As an arrow ● The length of the arrow represents the magnitude ● The arrow points in the associated direction
What is a force?
A push or pull acting on an object due to an interaction with another object.
What are the two categories that all
forces can be split into?
- Contact forces (objects touching)
2. Non-contact forces (objects separated)
Give three examples of contact forces.
- Friction
- Air resistance
- Tension
Give three examples of non-contact
forces.
- Gravitational forces
- Electrostatic forces
- Magnetic forces
Is force a vector or a scalar quantity?
● Vector
● It has both a magnitude and an
associated direction
Give three examples of vector quantities.
- Velocity
- Displacement
- Force
Give three examples of scalar quantities.
● Temperature ● Time ● Mass ● Speed ● Distance ● Energy
What is weight?
The force that acts on an object due to gravity and the object’s mass.
What quantities does weight depend on?
Weight = mass x gravitational field strength
● The object’s mass
● The gravitational field strength at the
given position in the field
What is the unit used for weight?
The Newton (N).
What is the unit used for gravitational
field strength?
N/kg
What is meant by an object’s centre of
mass?
The single point where an object’s
weight can be considered to act through.
What piece of equipment can be used to
measure an object’s weight?
A calibrated spring balance or newton meter.
What is the name given to the single
force that is equivalent to all the other
forces acting on a given object?
The resultant force.
