Scalar
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A quantity that has Magnitude only without direction
Examples: Length, area, volume, distance, speed, mass, density, pressure, temperature, energy, work, power, electrical potential, charge, time.
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Vector
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A quantity that has (both) magnitude / size and direction
Examples: Displacement, velocity, acceleration, momentum, force (lift, drag, thrust, weight), field(s), a.c. voltage, current (when calculating fields only).
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Displacement
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(Net) distance moved in a particular direction.
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Instantaneous speed
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Speed measured between two point a very small time apart.
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Average speed
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Distance covered / time taken.
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Velocity
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Speed in a given direction - the rate of change of distance.
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Acceleration
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The rate of change of velocity/The gradient of a velocity vs time graph. (= change in velocity / time taken).
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The Newton
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The (net) force which gives a mass of 1kg an acceleration of 1 ms-2.
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Torque of a Couple
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One of forces × perpendicular distance (between forces) (Not force x perpendicular distance).
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Moment of a force
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Moment = force x perpendicular distance from pivot / axis / point.
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Thinking Distance
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The distance travelled (by the car) from when the driver sees a problem and the brakes are applied.
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Braking Distance
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The distance travelled (by the car) whilst the brakes are applied and the car stops (wtte).
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Stopping Distance
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Stopping distance: Thinking distance + braking distance.
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Work done by a Force
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Work done = force x distance moved / travelled in the direction of the force.
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Joule
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Energy required to move a weight of 1N (through) a distance of 1 m.
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Power - rate of work done
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Power = work (done)/time or power = energy/time or power = rate of work done.
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Watt
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Power required to move 1N through a distance of 1m in 1 sec (Rate of doing work).
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Stress
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Force/(cross-sectional) area.
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Strain
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Extension/original length.
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Young's Modulus
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Stress/strain.
Young modulus is equal to the gradient from stress-strain graph (in the linear region).
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Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS)
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Ultimate tensile strength = Maximum stress material can withstand (before fracture).
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Elastic Deformation
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Extension (or compression) force (as long as elastic limit is not exceeded).
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Plastic Deformation
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Material does not return to original length / shape/ size (is permanently deformed / longer) when the force / stress is removed.
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Density
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Mass/volume or mass per (unit) volume.
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