Speed, acceleration, Scalars, and Vectors Flashcards
Define speed
The distance travelled every second
Define average speed
the speed across the whole journey
What’s the procedure for the average speed trolley experiment?
- Measure the length of the ramp using a metre stick
- Release the trolley from the top of the ramp. Start the time then stop when the trolley reaches the bottom
- Use v=d/t to calculate the average speed
Define instantaneous speed
The speed at a particular moment in time/ at one point in the journey
What’s the difference between average and instantaneous speed?
Average speed is the total distance divided by the total time taken. The instantaneous speed is the speed at one particular moment of the journey
What’s the method for the instantaneous speed of a trolley down a slope?
- Measure the width of the single mask on the trolley. Record this
- Set the computer up to measure the time
- Release the trolley down the ramp so it passes through the light gate. Record the time taken for the mask to pass through the light gate
- Use v=d/t to calculate the instantaneous speed
Define acceleration
The change in speed per second
What’s the method for the acceleration trolley experiment?
- Measure the width of the double mask using a ruler and input it into the computer
- Release the trolley so the double mask passes through the light gate
- The computer records the instantaneous speed of the first mask (u), second mask (v), and the time between mask 1 leaving the light gate and mask 2 entering the light gate
- The computer uses a=(v-u)/t to calculate acceleration
A scalar quantity is:
defined by its size only
A vector quantity is:
defined by its size and direction
Is displacement a scalar or vector?
Vector
Is velocity a scalar or vector?
Vector
Is distance a scalar or vector?
Scalar
Is speed a scalar or vector?
Scalar
Is acceleration a scalar or vector?
Vector
