Physics exam 2 Flashcards
Learn definitions (14 cards)
What is the difference between scalar and vector quantities?
Scalars have magnitude only (e.g., speed), vectors have both magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity).
How do distance and displacement differ?
Distance is the total path travelled; displacement is the straight-line change in position.
What is the difference between instantaneous and average speed?
Instantaneous speed is at a specific moment; average speed is total distance divided by total time.
How do you convert between km/h and m/s?
Divide km/h by 3.6 to get m/s; multiply m/s by 3.6 to get km/h.
What do distance-time and velocity-time graphs show?
Distance-time shows speed; velocity-time shows acceleration.
How are positive and negative velocities used to describe motion?
Positive means moving forward; negative means moving backward (relative to a reference point).
What is acceleration, and what are its units?
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity; measured in m/s².
How does a velocity-time graph relate to acceleration?
The slope (gradient) of the graph gives the acceleration.
What is Newton’s First Law of Motion?
An object stays at rest or moves at constant velocity unless acted on by a net force.
How do net forces affect velocity?
Net forces cause acceleration or deceleration (change in velocity).
What’s the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is the amount of matter (kg); weight is the force due to gravity (N).
What does Newton’s Second Law state?
Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma).
How do you analyse motion graphs?
Identify gradients, shapes, and changes to determine speed and acceleration.
How do you draw and interpret free body diagrams?
Identify all forces acting on an object and represent them with arrows.
