Forces Flashcards
(85 cards)
Which measurements are scalar?
(have magnitude only) speed, distance, time, momentum, mass
Which measurements are vectors?
(have magnitude and an associated direction) velocity, acceleration, displacement, force
State Newton’s First Law
If the resultant force acting on an object is zero and: • the object is stationary, the object remains stationary • the object is moving, the object continues to move at the same speed and in the same direction. So the object continues to move at the same velocity.
State Newton’s Second Law
The acceleration of an object is proportional to the resultant force acting on the object, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object
State the equation explaining Newton’s Second Law
Force = mass x acceleration F = m x a
State Newton’s Third Law
Whenever two objects interact, the forces they exert on each other are equal and opposite.
Define inertia
The tendency of objects to continue in their state of rest or of uniform motion
State the equation explaining inertia
inertial mass = force ÷ acceleration
Define stopping distance
Thinking distance + braking distance
Define thinking distance
the distance the vehicle travels during the driver’s reaction time
State factors affecting thinking distance
distraction alcohol drugs caffeine speed tiredness
Define braking distance
the distance the car travels under the braking force
State factor affecting braking distance
Wet or icy road (road/weather conditions) brake (pads) condition tyre conditions speed weight (of the car and passengers)
State the equation explaining momentum
momentum = mass x velocity
p = m x v
Explain conservation of momentum
momentum before = momentum after Momentum will remain equal in a closed system
Define a closed system
a system where no external forces act
State the equation explaining change in momentum
force = change in momentum ÷ time
force = (final momentum - initial momentum) ÷ time
Explain how seat-belts use momentum for safety
- seat-belts stretch - they decrease the speed (deceleration) of the crash - they increase the time taken to stop - they decrease the rate of change in momentum - less force is exerted on the person
State examples of how momentum is used for safety
Air bags seat-belts crumple zones bending your legs when landing
State the equation for constant/uniform acceleration
final velocity - initial velocity = 2 x acceleration x distance v² - u² = 2as
Define terminal velocity
Maximum velocity - reached when the resistive force (air resistance) is equal to the forward force (gravitational force/ acceleration), so the resultant force is zero
what factors affect the speed at which people walk, run or cycle?
age, terrain, fitness and distance travelled
walking speed
1.5 m/s
running speed
3 m/s