Physical Science, Physics Definitions, Matric IEB

Physical Science, Physics Definitions, Matric IEB Vector - a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction Scalar - a physical quantity that has only magnitude Resultant vector - the single vector which has the same effect as the original vectors acting together Distance - the length of path travelled Displacement - change in position Speed - the rate of change of distance Velocity - the rate of change of displacement Acceleration - the rate of change of velocity Weight - the gravitational force the Earth exerts on any object on or near its surface Normal Force - the perpendicular force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it Frictional force - the force that opposes the motion of the object and acts parallel to the surface with which the object is in contact with Newton's first law - an object continues in a state of rest or uniform velocity unless it is acted upon by a net or resultant force Inertia - the property of an object that causes it to resist change in its state of rest or uniform motion Newton's second law - when a net force is applied to an object of a mass, it accelerates in the direction of the net force. the acceleration is directly proportional to the net force and inversely proportional to the mass Newton's third law - when object A exerts a force on object B, object B simultaneously exerts an oppositely directed force of equal magnitude on object A Momentum - the product of the mass and velocity of an object Newton's second law in terms of momentum - the net force acting on an object is equal to the rate of change of momentum Continues...