Physics Concepts: Scalars and Vectors

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to scalar and vector quantities, forces, and their properties.

What is a scalar quantity?

A quantity that only has a magnitude and is not direction dependent.

How can a vector quantity be represented?

As an arrow, with the length of the arrow representing the magnitude and pointing in the associated direction.

What is a force?

A push or pull acting on an object due to an interaction with another object.

What are the two categories that all forces can be split into?

Contact forces (objects touching) and Non-contact forces (objects separated).

Is force a vector or a scalar quantity?

Force is a vector quantity; it has both a magnitude and an associated direction.

Give three examples of scalar quantities.

Temperature, Time, Mass.

What is another example of a scalar quantity?

Speed.

What is another example of a scalar quantity?

Distance.

What is another example of a scalar quantity?

Energy.

What does weight depend on?

Weight depends on mass and gravitational field strength (Weight = mass x gravitational field strength).

What two factors determine weight?

The object’s mass and the gravitational field strength at the given position.

What is meant by an object’s centre of mass?

The single point where an object’s weight can be considered to act through.

What piece of equipment can be used to measure weight?

A calibrated spring-balance or newton-meter.

What is the name given to the single force equivalent to all other forces acting on an object?

The resultant force.

What is the difference between a scalar and vector quantity?

A scalar has only magnitude, while a vector has both magnitude and direction.

What is an example of a non-contact force?

Gravitational force.

What is an example of a contact force?

Friction.

How does gravitational field strength vary?

It varies with the mass of the objects and the distance between them.

What happens to weight when an object's mass increases?

The weight increases, as it is directly proportional to mass.

What is mass?

A measure of the amount of matter in an object, independent of its location.

What defines the direction of a vector?

The direction in which the arrow points.

In physics, why is it important to distinguish between scalar and vector quantities?

Because they behave differently in calculations and applications.

What units measure force?

Newtons (N).

What is the relationship between mass and weight?

Weight is the force experienced by a mass due to gravity.

How can vectors be combined?

By using vector addition, which considers both magnitude and direction.

What does it mean for forces to be in equilibrium?

The net force acting on the object is zero.

What is the effect of unbalanced forces on an object?

They cause the object to accelerate or change its motion.

What is an example of a physical quantity that can be both scalar and vector?

Velocity is a vector; speed is a scalar.

What role does the Earth's gravitational field play in calculating weight?

It determines how much gravitational force is acting on a mass.

What is vector resolution?

Breaking a vector into its component parts in perpendicular directions.

What can be said about the direction of weight on a mass?

Weight always acts downwards towards the center of the Earth.

In which situations can non-contact forces be observed?

In gravitational, magnetic, and electrostatic interactions.

Why do we need to measure forces in experiments?

To understand motion and interactions between objects.

How does the concept of centre of mass aid in analyzing motion?

It simplifies calculations by allowing analysis of motion around a single point.