Units and Kinematics Flashcards Preview

MCAT Physical Sciences > Units and Kinematics > Flashcards

Flashcards in Units and Kinematics Deck (11)
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1
Q

Vector

A

Quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Examples: displacement, velocity, force, acceleration, momentum, electric field strength, and magnetic field strength.

2
Q

Scalar

A

Quantity that has only magnitude. Examples: mass, length, time, density, energy, and temperature.

3
Q

Name the common trigonometric relationships.

A

sin θ = opposite/ hypotenuse – sin 30 = 1/2
cos θ = adjacent/ hypotenuse – cos 60 = 1/2
tan θ = opposite/ adjacent

4
Q

How do you find the magnitude of a vector?

A

Use the Pythagorean Theorem. Also use the theorem to find the components of a vector, particularly while working with projectile motion.

5
Q

Displacement

A

Vector quantity describing the straight line distance between the initial and final position.

6
Q

Velocity

A

A vector quantity describing displacement over time. v = Δx/ Δt.

7
Q

Instantaneous Velocity

A

At a single instant in time, v = lim Δx/ Δt, Δt –> 0

8
Q

Speed

A

A scalar quantity describing the actual distance traveled over time, s = d/ Δt

9
Q

Acceleration

A

A vector quantity describing the change in velocity over the change in time, a = Δv/ Δt.

10
Q

Instantaneous Acceleration

A

At a single instant in time, a = lim Δv/ Δt, Δt –> 0

11
Q

Which five equations describe motion with constant acceleration?

A
v = v0 + at
Δd = v0t + (at^2)/2
vf^2 - v0^2 = 2aΔd
v = (v0 + vf)/ 2
Δd = vt = ((v0 + vf)/ 2) t