Vectors & Scalars

Question 1

Vector

Answer 1

A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Question 2

Scalar

Answer 2

A physical quantity that only has magnitude.

Question 3

Resultant Vector

Answer 3

The single vector which has the same effect as all the original vectors acting together.

Question 4

Distance

Answer 4

The length of path travelled.

Question 5

Displacement

Answer 5

Change in position

Question 6

Speed

Answer 6

Rate of change of distance

Question 7

Velocity

Answer 7

Rate of change of displacement

Question 8

Acceleration

Answer 8

Rate of change of velocity

Question 9

Position

Answer 9

Define position relative to a reference point and understand that position can be positive or negative.

Question 10

Inertia

Answer 10

The property of an object that causes it to resist a change in its state of rest or uniform motion.

Question 11

Weight

Answer 11

The gravitational force the earth exerts on any object on or near its surface.

Question 12

Normal force

Answer 12

The perpendicular force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it.

Question 13

Frictional force

Answer 13

The force that opposes the motion of an object.

Question 14

Tension in a string/cable

Answer 14

The tension in a string/cable is the same throughout the entire string/cable.

Question 15

Newton’s First Law

Answer 15

An object continues in a state of rest or uniform velocity unless it is acted upon by a net or resultant force.

Question 16

Newton’s Second Law

Answer 16

When a net force, Fnet, is applied to an object of mass, m, it accelerates in the direction of the net force. The acceleration, a, is directly proportional to the net force and inversely proportional to the mass.

Question 17

Newton’s Third Law

Answer 17

When object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts an oppositely directed force of equal magnitude on object A.