vectors and systems in equilibrium

What is the definition for scalar?

Any physical quantity that has magnitude only.

What is the definition of vector?

Any physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction

What are some examples of scalar

Distance, speed, wavelength, temperature, energy

What are some examples of vector quantities?

Displacement, velocity, weight, acceleration, force, electrical current

When writing a vector quantity, what must you also add to it?

It must have a direction associated to it. For example North, south, east, West or an angle.

How do you calculate the average speed?

Total distance divided by total time

How do you convert kilometres per hour to metres per second?

Times by 1000 over 3600

How do you calculate velocity?

Displacement over time

How do you calculate the resultant force? How do you calculate a result of force in a vector?

Same direction equals add, opposite direction equals minus

Use the Pythagoras theorem to find the hypotenuse, use tan -1 (opposite by adjacent)

How do you draw a vector

When drawing a vector, you should always give a reference point and it should always be tip to tail

How do you resolve vectors?

Split it into a horizontal and vertical component.

Vertical:Fsintheta

Horizontal:Fcostheta

If the vector is a slope, how do you find the parallel and perpendicular component?

The parallel will be the same as the vertical component, but with weight instead of force. The perpendicular component will be the same as the horizontal.

What is the definition for equilibrium?

An object with no resultant force acting on it. It is either at rest or moving at a constant velocity. This will make the vector form a close triangle/loop.

What are the two equations for a force and weight?

F = ma

W=mg

How do you know when a vector is not an equilibrium/has no resultant force

use Pythagoras to find the hypotenuse and if that doesn’t match up with the one in the exam that means that it is not a close loop, therefore not equilibrium

How do you find the minimum and maximum resultant force with two forces given?

Minimum would be subtract, maximum would be added. Anything too little or too big means that it is not an option

How do you find the minimum and maximum resultant force with three forces given?

Minimum you use Pythagoras and if it forms a close loop, then it will be 0 N. Maximum you just add all of them together. Anything too little or too big means that it is not an option

Weight will always be directed and tension is always directed

Weight is downwards, tension is upwards

How do you calculate tension if it does not given in the vector?

If the factor is in a close loop that means there would at least be two tensions. Therefore, it would be 2T sin or cos theta=weight

How do you find the distance after a time period

Hor: Initial velocity cos theta x time period

Ver: initial velocity sin theta x time period