Vectors In Two Dimensions Flashcards
Definition of scalars
A quantity that has only magnitude
Definition of vectors
A quantity that has magnitude and direction
Definition of resultant vector
A single vector that will have the same effect as the original vectors acting together
Definition of collinear vectors
Vectors that lie on the same or parallel lines
Definition of Equilibrium
The net or sum of all the forces acting on an object is zero
Definition of weight
Measure of force with which the Earth pulls you downward
Definition of normal force
Force exerted by surface on an object it’s in contact with. It acts perpendicular to the surface.
Definition of tension
A pulling force experienced in a rope or cable
Definition of frictional force
The force that opposes the motion of an object and acts parallel to the surface.
Definition of static friction
Force that opposes tendency of motion of a stationary object relative to the surface
Friction that a stationary object must overcome in order to be set in motion
Definition of kinetic friction
Force that opposes motion of object relative to the surface
What is a physical quantity?
A property of an object that we can measure
How do we identify a physical quantity?
It has a numerical value and a unit
Examples of scalars
- mass
- time
- distance
- speed
Examples of vectors
- weight
- force
- acceleration
- velocity
Steps of the head-to-tail method used to determine the resultant
- Choose scale and draw rough diagram
- Draw mini-cartesion plane to place protractor on
- Measure angle and place a dot
- Draw vector, according to scale, in line with dot
- Draw mini-cartesion plane at head of 1st vector
- Place protractor down and measure the angle
- Draw resultant from tail of 1st to head of last vector
When does an object experience equilibrium?
When the object is either stationary or moving at constant velocity
How do you put an object in equilibrium?
A force (equilibrant) equal to resultant must be applied in opposite direction to the resultant
Meaning of a closed diagram
When forces are in equilibrium, they can be rearranged head-to-tail into a closed vector diagram
Formula for weight
Mass × gravity
What unit is mass measured in?
Kilograms (kg)
How much is the gravitational force?
9.8 ms‐²
Formula of normal force
N = W = mg
Which direction does gravity act in?
Straight down
