Physics AQA Topic 5 (Forces and their interactions)

4.5.1

What is a scalar quantity

A quantity that only has a magnitude and no direction

What is a vector quantity

A quantity with both magnitude and direction

How can a vector quantity be shown and what does it represent

It can be shown as an arrow - the length represents the magnitude and the arrow points in the associated direction

What is a force

A push or a 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 and non contact forces

Give 3 examples of contact forces

Friction, air resistance, and tension

Give 3 examples of non contact forces

Gravitational, electrostatic and magnetic forces

Is force a vector or scalar quantity

Vector as it has both a magnitude and direction

Give 3 examples of vector quantities

Velocity, displacement and force

Give 3 examples of scalar quantities

Temperature, time and mass

What is weight

The force that acts on an object due to gravity and the object's mass

What is the equation for weight

Weight = mass x gravitational field strength

What is the unit used for weight

Newton (N)

What is the unit used for gravitational field strength

N/kg

What is meant by an object's centre of mass

A single point where an object's weight can be considered to act through

What piece of equipment can be used to measure an object's weight

A calibrated spring balance or newton meter

What is the name given to the single force that is equivalent to all the other forces acting on a given object

The resultant force