Dynamics

Question 1

Define tension.

Answer 1

A force caused by two or more pulling forces acting on an object in opposite directions. The forces act to try and stretch the object.

Question 2

Define compression.

Answer 2

The decrease in length of an object when a compressive force is exerted on it.

Question 3

Define friction.

Answer 3

The resistive force on an object that is caused by two surfaces being in contact and that acts in the opposite direction to motion.

Question 4

Define the normal contact force.

Answer 4

The normal contact force is reaction force exerted by a surface on an object, which acts perpendicular to the surface.

Question 5

Define lift.

Answer 5

A force caused by the flow of fluid around an object, which acts perpendicular to the fluid flow. Most often, lift acts in the upwards direction.

Question 6

Define the Newton.

Answer 6

One newton is the force that causes 1kg to have an acceleration of 1ms^-2 in the direction of the force.

Question 7

Define weight.

Answer 7

Gravitational force acting on an object, proportional to its mass. On Earth: W=mg.