A scalar is a quantity that has magnitude but no direction, for example mass .

A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction, for example weight .

What is the difference between distance and displacement ?

Distance is the total length of the path travelled, with magnitude but no direction (scalar) Displacement is the length and direction of a straight line from the start point to the finish point (vector)

What is the difference between speed and velocity ?

Speed is the distance travelled per unit time, with magnitude but no direction (scalar) Velocity is the displacement per unit time, with magnitude and direction (vector)

The length of a vector arrow represents its .......... , while the arrowhead indicates its .......... .

The length of a vector arrow represents its magnitude , while the arrowhead indicates its direction .

True or False? An object moving at constant speed always has a constant velocity.

False. An object can have a constant speed but a changing velocity if it changes direction, since velocity also depends on direction.

How is the magnitude of the resultant of two vectors at right angles calculated?

Using Pythagoras' theorem , since the two vectors form a right-angled triangle with the resultant as the hypotenuse.

What method is used to combine two vectors that are not at right angles?

Scale drawing , using either the triangle method or the parallelogram method.

Define the components of a vector.

The components of a vector are the two vectors it can be resolved into which, combined, have the same effect as the original resultant vector.

Define equilibrium for a system of forces.

Forces are in equilibrium when an object is either at rest or moving at constant velocity; the forces are represented by a closed vector triangle.

Name four common forces that act on objects in equilibrium questions.

Weight Normal reaction force Tension Friction

True or False? When an object is in equilibrium, its forces form an open vector triangle.

False. When an object is in equilibrium , its forces are represented by a closed vector triangle, since the vectors joined together form a closed path.

A LevelPhysicsAQAFlashcardsMechanics & MaterialsScalars & Vectors

Scalars & Vectors (AQA A Level Physics): Flashcards

Exam code: 7408

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FrontScalars & Vectors
Define scalar.
FrontScalars & Vectors
What is the difference between distance and displacement?
BackScalars & Vectors
Distance is the total length of the path travelled, with magnitude but no direction (scalar)
Displacement is the length and direction of a straight line from the start point to the finish point (vector)

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Cards in this collection (16)

Define scalar.
A scalar is a quantity that has magnitude but no direction, for example mass.
Define vector.
A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction, for example weight.
What is the difference between distance and displacement?
- Distance is the total length of the path travelled, with magnitude but no direction (scalar)
- Displacement is the length and direction of a straight line from the start point to the finish point (vector)
What is the difference between speed and velocity?
- Speed is the distance travelled per unit time, with magnitude but no direction (scalar)
- Velocity is the displacement per unit time, with magnitude and direction (vector)
The length of a vector arrow represents its .........., while the arrowhead indicates its ...........
The length of a vector arrow represents its magnitude, while the arrowhead indicates its direction.
True or False?
An object moving at constant speed always has a constant velocity.
False.
An object can have a constant speed but a changing velocity if it changes direction, since velocity also depends on direction.
How is the magnitude of the resultant of two vectors at right angles calculated?
Using Pythagoras' theorem, since the two vectors form a right-angled triangle with the resultant as the hypotenuse.
What method is used to combine two vectors that are not at right angles?
Scale drawing, using either the triangle method or the parallelogram method.
Define the components of a vector.
The components of a vector are the two vectors it can be resolved into which, combined, have the same effect as the original resultant vector.
For a force F at angle θ to the horizontal, what are its horizontal and vertical components?
- Horizontal component: $F_{x} = F \cos θ$
- Vertical component: $F_{y} = F \sin θ$
For an object on an inclined plane at angle θ, what are the components of its weight W parallel and perpendicular to the slope?
- Parallel to the slope: $W \sin θ$
- Perpendicular to the slope: $W \cos θ$
On a frictionless inclined plane, the normal force R is equal to ..........
On a frictionless inclined plane, the normal force R is equal to $W \cos θ$ .
Define equilibrium for a system of forces.
Forces are in equilibrium when an object is either at rest or moving at constant velocity; the forces are represented by a closed vector triangle.
Name four common forces that act on objects in equilibrium questions.
- Weight
- Normal reaction force
- Tension
- Friction
True or False?
When an object is in equilibrium, its forces form an open vector triangle.
False.
When an object is in equilibrium, its forces are represented by a closed vector triangle, since the vectors joined together form a closed path.
On a frictionless inclined plane, which component of the weight causes the object to move down the slope?
The component of weight parallel to the slope, $W \sin θ$ , causes the object to move down the slope.

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