Scalars and Vectors

What is a scalar?

Scalar quantites only have magnitude (quantity) e.g. distance and speed

What is a force?

A force can be a push or a pull on an object caused by an interaction with another object and force is a vector quantity

What is a vector?

A vector has magnitude and direction e.g. velocity and force

What is a contact force?

A contact force occurs when two objects are physically touching each other e.g. friction, air resistance. Tension and normal contact force

What is a non-contact force?

A non-contact force acts at a distance (without the two objects physically touching) e.g. gravitational force, electrostatic force, and magnetic force

Why is force a vector quantity?

A force has magnitude and direction

What is the unit of force?

Newtons (N)

What does the length of a vector arrow represent?

The length of the arrow shows magnitude

What does the direction of the arrow represent?

The direction of the vector quantity

What is inelastic deformation?

It is when an object does not return to its original shape and length when the forces are removed

What is the definition of the limit of proportionality?

The point beyond which the extension of a spring is no longer directly proportional to the force applied

What is the difference between linear and non-linear relationships between force and extension?

A linear relationship is represented by a straight line graph, and the force and extension are directly proportional, and a non-linear relationship is represented by a graph that is not a straight line and the force and extension are no longer directly proportional.

What is elastic deformation?

Where the object returns to its original shape and length when the forces are removed

What are three ways an object can be deformed?

It can be stretched, compressed or bent

Why may a spring stop obeying Hooke’s law?

Once the limit of proportionality is exceeded, extension is no longer directly proportional to the applied force

What is a resultant force?

A resultant force is a force that has the same effect as all the forces acting on an object together.

What are unbalanced forces?

Forces that have a non-zero resultant force

What are balanced forces?

Forces whose resultant force is zero

What is equilibrium?

A state in which the resultant force on an object is zero, so the object has no acceleration