Physics: Vectors, Scalars, and Forces

The overall force acting on an object when all forces are considered.

Add the forces together to find the overall force.

Subtract the forces to find the overall force (direction matters).

Forces acting on an object that are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in zero net force.

The force due to gravity acting on an object's mass.

The amount of matter in an object.

Change in velocity over time. Resultant force causes acceleration.

Speed in a specific direction

A value representing how easily a spring stretches. It's the force needed to stretch the spring by 1 unit of length (e.g., 1 meter).

The relationship between force, spring constant, and extension: Force = spring constant x extension (F = k x e).

The change in length of an object when a force is applied (stretching or compressing).

Spring constant (k) = Force (F) / extension (e).

A push or a pull that can change an object's speed, direction, or shape.

The point on a force-extension graph where the relationship between force and extension is no longer linear (Hooke's Law stops applying).

A diagram used to represent forces by drawing vectors. A scale is used to represent the amount of each force graphically.

A measure of how stiff a spring is. It's the force needed to stretch the spring by one unit of length. A higher spring constant means a stiffer spring.

The point on a force-extension graph where the relationship between force and extension stops being directly proportional. Beyond this point, the spring will not return to its original length after the force is removed.

When two quantities increase or decrease at the same rate, meaning their ratio remains constant. On a graph, this shows as a straight line passing through the origin.

A graph that shows the relationship between the force applied to a spring and the amount it stretches or compresses. The shape of the graph can reveal important properties of the spring.

The increase in length of a spring when a force is applied to it. It's the difference between the spring's stretched length and its original length.

To measure the extension of a spring, you need to measure its initial length (no force applied) and its final length (with force applied). The extension is then calculated as the final length minus the initial length.

Using a pointer provides a more precise way to measure the length of the spring. This helps to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of the experiment.

Wearing eye protection is crucial to prevent injuries from the spring. The spring can potentially snap and launch a small metal piece towards your eyes.

The point where the weight of an object can be considered to act at a single point. For symmetrical objects, it's the centre.

Speed is how fast something is moving, without direction. Velocity is speed in a specific direction.

The velocity of an object compared to another object.

The total distance traveled divided by the total time taken.

A graph that shows how far an object has travelled over time.

Represents the velocity (speed) of the object. A steeper gradient means a faster speed.

Acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the time taken. Formula: Acceleration = (Final Velocity - Initial Velocity) / Time

A turning effect caused by a force acting on an object at a distance from a pivot point.

Moment (M) is calculated by multiplying the force (F) by the perpendicular distance (d) from the pivot point.

A moment can be increased by either increasing the force applied or increasing the perpendicular distance from the pivot.

When an object is balanced, the clockwise moments are equal to the anticlockwise moments.

A simple machine that makes work easier by using a rigid bar that pivots at a fixed point (the fulcrum).

To increase the turning effect without increasing the force, move the force further from the pivot point (increase the perpendicular distance).

Moment (Nm) is calculated by multiplying the applied force (N) by the distance (m) from the pivot.

You can increase a moment without changing the load's position by simply increasing the force applied.

An object at rest has a velocity-time graph that is a horizontal line along the x-axis, indicating zero velocity.

An object moving at a constant velocity has a velocity-time graph that is a straight, horizontal line above the x-axis, indicating consistent speed in one direction.

The area under a velocity-time graph represents the distance traveled. For constant velocity, this is a rectangle; for acceleration, it's a triangle.

An object accelerating at a constant rate has a velocity-time graph that is a straight, diagonal line, the slope of which represents the acceleration.

An object slowing down at a constant rate has a velocity-time graph that is a straight, diagonal line sloping downwards, indicating decreasing velocity.

The gradient (slope) of a velocity-time graph represents the acceleration of the object. A steeper gradient indicates a greater acceleration (faster change in velocity over time).

The constant maximum speed reached by a falling object when the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity, resulting in a zero net force and no further acceleration.

A combined distance-time and velocity-time graph displays both the distance traveled and the velocity of an object over time, providing a comprehensive view of its motion.