Physics Concepts: Vectors and Forces

Front

What is a vector?

Back

A vector is an object that has both a magnitude and a direction.

Front

How is a vector typically represented?

Back

A vector is typically represented by an arrow whose direction is the same as that of the quantity and whose length is proportional to the quantity's magnitude.

Front

Does a vector have a position?

Back

No, a vector does not have position.

Front

What does Aristotle's impetus theory state?

Back

Aristotle argued that an object would only stay in motion as long as a force was applied to it; once the force stopped, the object would cease moving.

Front

What is Galileo's view on motion?

Back

Galileo proposed that an object in motion would continue moving at a constant speed unless acted upon by an external force.

Front

What concept did Galileo's findings lead to?

Back

Galileo's findings led to the concept of inertia, which states that objects resist changes in their motion.

Front

What does Newton's First Law of Motion state?

Back

Newton's First Law of Motion states that an object will maintain its state of motion—whether at rest or moving with constant velocity—unless acted upon by an external force.

Front

What is force?

Back

Force is a push or pull that changes an object's state of rest or motion. It has a magnitude and direction.

Front

What is a balanced force?

Back

A balanced force results when two forces with the same amount are applied in opposite directions.

Front

What is an unbalanced force?

Back

An unbalanced force results when one of the two forces applied in opposite directions is greater than the other.