Scalars, Vectors, Forces and Weight

• What do scalar quantities have?

  Magnitude only
• Name a scalar quantity.

  Speed
• What do vector quantities have?

  Magnitude and direction
• Name a vector quantity.

  Force
• What does the direction of an arrow represent in vector quantities?

  Direction of the quantity
• What does the length of an arrow represent in vector quantities?

  Magnitude of the quantity
• What is a force?

  A push or pull on an object
• What are the two types of forces?

  Contact and non-contact forces
• What is weight?

  Force due to gravity on an object
• What causes weight near Earth?

  Gravitational field around Earth
• How is weight measured?

  With a calibrated spring-balance
• What is the formula for weight?

  W = mg
• What does the term 'centre of mass' refer to?

  Point where weight appears to act
• How are weight and mass related?

  Weight is directly proportional to mass
• Does an object's mass change based on location?

  No, mass is the same everywhere
• What does the strength of the gravitational field affect?

  Weight of the object
• What is the difference between contact and non-contact forces?

  Contact forces require touching; non-contact do not
• What are the characteristics of scalar and vector quantities?

  • Scalar quantities:
  • Only have magnitude
  • Examples: speed, distance, time, temperature
  • Vector quantities:
  • Have both magnitude and direction
  • Examples: force, velocity, displacement, acceleration
• What are the key concepts related to forces, weight, and mass?

  • Force: Push or pull on an object
  • Weight: Force due to gravity
  • Mass: Amount of matter in an object
  • Weight formula: W = mg
  • Centre of mass: Point where weight acts
• How do you measure weight and what affects it?

  • Measure weight with a calibrated spring-balance
  • Weight depends on gravitational field strength
  • Mass remains constant regardless of location