Physics paper 2 Flashcards
Define a scalar quantity
Has a magnitude and a unit. Eg mass
Define a vector quantity
Has a magnitude, direction and a unit. Eg weight
Give the difference between distance and displacement
Displacement is the vector equivalent of distance. It’s how far away you are from your start position in a straight line.; Distance: total distance covered
Define a force
A push or a pull. Measured in Newtons.
Define a contact force
Forces that occur when two objects touch e.g. friction.
Define a non-contact force
Forces that occur without two objects touching e.g. magnetism.
Define resultant force
The sum of all forces acting on an object.
Explain what balanced forces cause
Resultant forces of zero.; Stationary objects stay still.; Moving objects continue at a constant speed without changing direction.; No acceleration.
Explain what unbalanced forces cause
Resultant force is not equal to zero.; Stationary objects start to accelerate in direction of resultant force.; Moving objects accelerate.
Define centre of mass
Point at which mass in an object is concentrated.
Give Newton’s first law
Objects remain in uniform motion unless acted on by another force.
Give Newton’s second law
Acceleration of an object depends on the object’s mass and the force applied to it.
Give Newton’s third law
Two interacting objects exert equal and opposite forces on each other.
Describe how the stability of an object can be increased
Widen base.; Lower the centre of mass.
Give the equation used to calculate speed
Speed = distance / time
