Force and Motion — Scalar and Vector Quantities

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms introduced in Section 7.1 on scalar and vector quantities.

Scalar Quantity

A physical quantity that is fully described by magnitude only. Examples: length, mass, time, temperature.

Vector Quantity

A physical quantity that requires both magnitude and direction for complete description. Examples: displacement, velocity, acceleration, force.

Magnitude

The size or numerical value of a physical quantity, independent of its direction.

Length

A scalar quantity representing the distance between two points; measured in metres (m).

Force

A vector quantity capable of accelerating a mass; measured in newtons (N).

Momentum

Products of mass and velocity of an object

Unit: Ns

Vector quantity

P=mv

Collision ( similarities)

Elastic collision/non - elastic collision

Total momentum conserved

Total energy conserved

Total mass conserved

Collision ( difference)

Elastic collision

-after the collision two objects will separate move at different velocity

Non-elastic collision

-After the collision two objects move together at the same speed