Summary Grade 12 IEB Physical Sciences - All Definitions (Physics)

Physical quantity A measurable property of something.




Vector A physical quantity that has both a
magnitude and direction.




Scalar A physical quantity that only has a
direction.




Resultant vector The single vector that has the same
effect as the original vectors acting
together.




Position A point relative to a reference point.
(Vector)




Distance The length of path travelled.
(Scalar)

, Displacement A change in position.
(Vector)




Speed The rate of change of distance.
(Scalar)




Velocity The rate of change of position.
(Vector)




Acceleration The rate of change of velocity.
(Vector)




Weight (Fg) The gravitational force the earth exerts
on any object on or near its surface.




Normal force (FN) The perpendicular force exerted by a
surface on an object in contact with it.