Scalars & Vectors in IB Physics

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to scalar and vector quantities in IB Physics, aiding in the understanding and application of vector analysis.

Scalar Quantity

A quantity that only has magnitude (size), without direction.

Vector Quantity

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Displacement

A vector that describes how far an object is from its starting point and in what direction.

Distance

A scalar that describes the total path traveled by an object, without regard to direction.

Resultant Vector

The vector that results from combining two or more vectors, representing their combined effect.

Triangle Method

A method for combining vectors by linking them head-to-tail to form a triangle.

Parallelogram Method

A method for combining vectors by drawing a parallelogram and taking the diagonal as the resultant vector.

Component Vectors

The parts into which a vector can be resolved, often described as horizontal and vertical components.

Free-body Diagram

A diagram that shows all the forces acting on an object, represented as vectors originating from the object's center of mass.

Pythagoras' Theorem

A fundamental principle used to calculate the magnitude of the resultant vector from its components, applicable in right triangles.

Equilibrium

A state where the sum of forces acting on an object is zero, leading to no movement or constant velocity.

Inclined Plane

A flat surface tilted at an angle, where gravity's force can be resolved into parallel and perpendicular components.

Vertical Component of Force

The aspect of a force acting directly up or down, perpendicular to a referenced surface.

Horizontal Component of Force

The aspect of a force acting left or right, parallel to a referenced surface.

Scale Drawings

Graphs that draw vectors to scale for the purpose of determining the magnitude and direction of a resultant vector.

Trigonometry

A branch of mathematics used to relate angles and side lengths in triangles, commonly applied in vector resolution.