Physics - Describing Motion Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is a scalar quantity?
A quantity that only has a magnitude (size) but no direction.
What is a vector quantity?
A quantity that has a magnitude (size) and direction.
Give three examples of scalar quantities.
Any three of the following:
- Speed
- Distance
- Mass
- Energy
- Power
- Temperature
Give three examples of vector quantities.
Any three of the following:
- Velocity
- Acceleration
- Force
- Displacement
- Weight
- Momentum
How can a vector quantity be represented?
Using vector arrows.
How do vector arrows represent vectors?
- The length of the arrow represents the magnitude (size).
- The arrow points in the associated direction.
What is the difference between speed and velocity?
Speed is scalar whereas velocity is a vector.
What is the difference between distance and displacement?
Distance is scalar whereas displacement is a vector.
What is the equation linking speed, distance and time?
Speed = Distance / Time
On a distance / time graph, what does the gradient represent?
The speed.
On a displacement / time graph, what does the gradient represent?
The velocity.
What is the equation for acceleration? Give the appropriate units.
Acceleration = (Change in velocity) / (Change in time)
Acceleration = m / s^2 , Velocity = m/s , Time = s
On a velocity / time graph, what does the gradient represent?
The acceleration.
What is acceleration?
The rate of change of velocity.
What does the area under a velocity / time graph represent?
The displacement.
What does the area under a speed / time graph represent?
The distance.
State the typical value for the speed of sound.
330 m/s
What is a typical value for human walking speed?
1.5 m/s
What is a typical value for human running speed?
3 m/s
What is the typical value for human cycling speed?
6 m/s
What is the approximate value of the acceleration of an object in free fall on earth?
10 m/s^2
