Define a scalar quantity.

A scalar is a quantity that has magnitude but no direction (e.g. mass).

Define a vector quantity.

A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction (e.g. weight).

Give three examples each of scalar and vector quantities.

Scalars : distance, speed, mass (also time, energy, volume, density, pressure, charge, temperature) Vectors : displacement, velocity, acceleration (also force, momentum)

Describe the triangle method for adding two vectors.

Link the vectors head-to-tail . The resultant vector connects the tail of the first vector to the head of the second .

Describe the parallelogram method for adding two vectors.

Link the vectors tail-to-tail and complete the parallelogram . The resultant is the diagonal of the parallelogram.

Three coplanar forces acting on an object in equilibrium form a .......... vector triangle.

Three coplanar forces acting on an object in equilibrium form a closed vector triangle.

True or False? An object moving at constant speed must also have constant velocity.

False. If the object changes direction , its velocity changes even though its speed stays constant, because velocity is a vector .

A LevelPhysicsCambridge (CIE)Flashcards1. Physical Quantities & UnitsScalars & Vectors

Scalars & Vectors (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Physics): Flashcards

Exam code: 9702

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FrontScalars & Vectors
Define a scalar quantity.
FrontScalars & Vectors
Give three examples each of scalar and vector quantities.
BackScalars & Vectors
Scalars: distance, speed, mass (also time, energy, volume, density, pressure, charge, temperature)
Vectors: displacement, velocity, acceleration (also force, momentum)

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Cards in this collection (8)

Define a scalar quantity.
A scalar is a quantity that has magnitude but no direction (e.g. mass).
Define a vector quantity.
A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction (e.g. weight).
Give three examples each of scalar and vector quantities.
- Scalars: distance, speed, mass (also time, energy, volume, density, pressure, charge, temperature)
- Vectors: displacement, velocity, acceleration (also force, momentum)
Describe the triangle method for adding two vectors.
Link the vectors head-to-tail. The resultant vector connects the tail of the first vector to the head of the second.
Describe the parallelogram method for adding two vectors.
Link the vectors tail-to-tail and complete the parallelogram. The resultant is the diagonal of the parallelogram.
A vector F acts at angle θ to the horizontal. What are its horizontal and vertical components?
- Horizontal: $F_{x} = F \cos θ$
- Vertical: $F_{y} = F \sin θ$
Three coplanar forces acting on an object in equilibrium form a .......... vector triangle.
Three coplanar forces acting on an object in equilibrium form a closed vector triangle.
True or False?
An object moving at constant speed must also have constant velocity.
False.
If the object changes direction, its velocity changes even though its speed stays constant, because velocity is a vector.

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