Vectors Flashcards
What is a vector quantity
A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction
What are examples of vector quantities
Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, weight
What is a scalar quantity
A physical quantity that has magnitude only
What are examples of scalar quantities
Time, mass, distance, speed, charge
What is a resultant vector
The single vector which has the same effect as the original vectors acting together
How do we indicate a vector quantity
With a straight line and an arrow point
How do we represent vectors on the Cartesian plane
Rx is a vector in the horizontal direction and Ry is a vector in the vertical direction
What are collinear vectors
Two or more vectors operating in one and the same dimension
What should we do when adding collinear vectors algebraically
- Vector equation
- State which direction in positive
- Sub in vectors
- Add vectors
- Substitute sign for direction
How do we find the magnitude and direction of perpendicular vectors
We use the tail to tail or head to tail method then use pythag and trigonometry to solve
How do we add vectors that are not collinear or perpendicular
- Find x and y components of each force
- Add collinear forces
- Once you have two perpendicular forces. Use head to tail or tail to tail method to solve
What is equilibrium
When the resultant of two or more forces exerted on a point are zero
What is the équilibrant
The single force which keeps the other forces in equilibrium. The équilibrant has the same magnitude as the resultant but operates in the opposite direction.
What is the triangle rule of three forces in equilibrium
When the forces exerted at a point are in equilibrium, their magnitude and direction can be represented sequentially by the sides of a triangle
What is the component of a vector
Two or more vectors which together have the same effect as the original vector. Components can be in any direction
What is a force
A pull or a thrust in a certain direction acting on an object.
What are forces classified into
Contact and Non-contact forces
What are contact forces
Forces exerted by objects on each other when they touch
What are non-contact forces
Forces which objects are exerting on each other without contact
What are examples of contact forces
Exerted forces (thrust or pull)
Tension
Normal force
Air friction
Resilience
What are examples of non-contact forces
Weight
Magnetic forces
Electrostatic forces
What is an applied force
A force exerted on an object by a person or another object
What is weight
The gravitational force the Earth exerts on any object on or near its surface.