2.3 Scalars and Vectors Flashcards Preview

Physics A Level > 2.3 Scalars and Vectors > Flashcards

Flashcards in 2.3 Scalars and Vectors Deck (8)
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1
Q

What is a scalar quantity?

A

A physical quantity with magnitude but no direction

2
Q

What is a vector quantity?

A

A physical quantity with both magnitude and a specified direction

3
Q

Scalar quantities and their vector equivalents (4)

A

Time = Force
Mass = Acceleration
Speed = Velocity
•Distance = Displacement

4
Q

How are vector quantities represented?

A

A line (representing magnitude to scale) with a single arrowhead (representing the direction)

5
Q

How are vectors added and subtracted?

A

Take one direction to be positive and add or subtract as normal

6
Q

How can a resultant vector be broken up into its constituent parts? (2)

A

All vectors have a horizontal and vertical component
By knowing the magnitude and angle of a vector, trigonometry can be used to calculate the sides of a right angled triangle made of the two components

7
Q

What is true about the forces on a stationary object?

A

They are in equilibrium meaning both the horizontal and vertical components balance out

8
Q

How are vectors subtracted?

A

Reverse the direction of the subtracted vector and add
To subtract Y from X:
Reverse the direction of Y and add this vector to X