Force, energy and momentum key terms

scalar quantity

A physical quantity that has only magnitude and no direction, such as mass or temperature.

vector quantity

A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as force or velocity.

Vector Resolution

The process of breaking a vector into its perpendicular components, typically horizontal and vertical.

Perpendicular Components

The two components of a vector that are at right angles to each other, allowing for the analysis of vector quantities in two dimensions.

resultant vector

The vector that results from the vector addition of two or more vectors, representing the overall effect of the combined vectors.

vector components

The individual parts of a vector that can be resolved into perpendicular directions, typically horizontal and vertical components.

Vector Diagram

A graphical representation used to illustrate the magnitude and direction of vector quantities, aiding in the analysis of equilibrium and motion problems.

Equilibrium

A state in which the net force acting on an object is zero, resulting in no change in motion, often analyzed using vector diagrams.

moment

The turning effect of a force about a point, calculated as the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force.

pivot

The fixed point around which a lever or moment acts, where the moment is calculated.

moment

The turning effect of a force about a point, calculated as the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action of the force.

equilibrium

A state where the sum of the forces and the sum of the moments acting on an object are both zero, resulting in no net force or rotation.

Centre of mass

The point at which the mass of a body or system is concentrated and about which the body can balance.

Stability

The ability of an object to maintain its position or return to it after being disturbed, often related to the position of its centre of mass.

couple

A pair of equal and opposite forces acting on an object, causing it to rotate about an axis.

turning effect

The rotational influence produced by a couple, which results in angular acceleration of the object.

uniform acceleration

Acceleration that remains constant over time, resulting in a linear increase in velocity.

equation of motion

Mathematical expressions that relate displacement, initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, and time for an object in motion.

displacement-time graph

A graph that shows how an object's displacement changes over time, indicating the object's position relative to a reference point.

velocity-time graph

A graph that illustrates how an object's velocity changes over time, providing information about acceleration and the overall motion of the object.

acceleration due to gravity

The acceleration experienced by an object due to the gravitational force, typically denoted as 'g', with a standard value of approximately 9.81 m/s² near the Earth's surface.

free fall

The motion of an object under the influence of gravitational force only, with no other forces acting on it, resulting in uniform acceleration equal to 'g'.

gravitational acceleration

The acceleration of an object due to the force of gravity, typically denoted as 'g', with a standard value of approximately 9.81 m/s² near the Earth's surface.

free fall

The motion of an object under the influence of gravitational force only, without any air resistance or other forces acting on it.

horizontal component

The part of the initial velocity acting in the horizontal direction, calculated using the cosine of the launch angle.

vertical component

The part of the initial velocity acting in the vertical direction, calculated using the sine of the launch angle.

Projectile motion

The motion of an object that is thrown into the air and is subject to the acceleration due to gravity, typically modeled with constant vertical acceleration.

Constant vertical acceleration

The uniform acceleration experienced by an object in free fall, typically equal to approximately 9.81 m/s² downward near the Earth's surface.

Range of a projectile

The horizontal distance a projectile travels before landing, calculated using the formula R = (v^2 * sin(2θ)) / g, where v is the initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Time of flight

The total time a projectile is in the air, determined by the formula T = (2v * sin(θ)) / g, where v is the initial velocity, θ is the launch angle, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.