Physics Vectors & Matter Fundamentals Quiz

A vector must show both magnitude and direction, which is why it is represented by an arrow. The arrow length corresponds to magnitude, while its orientation shows direction. Other representations fail to clearly communicate both properties simultaneously, making them unsuitable for vector quantities like force and velocity.

Vector addition uses a geometric approach. Placing the tail of one vector at the head of another allows the resultant vector to represent combined magnitude and direction accurately. Simple arithmetic operations ignore direction and lead to incorrect physical interpretations.

Mass measures the quantity of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location. Unlike weight, it does not depend on gravity, making it fundamental in motion equations such as F = ma.

Volume measures the amount of three-dimensional space an object occupies. It is independent of weight, temperature, or appearance and is essential for calculating density and understanding material behavior.

Density is defined as mass divided by volume. This relationship explains why objects of similar size can have different weights and why materials behave differently in fluids.

Work occurs only when a force causes displacement. It is calculated as force multiplied by distance, meaning no movement results in zero work regardless of applied force.

Power measures how fast work is done. By dividing work by time, power indicates the rate of energy transfer, which is crucial in evaluating engine and mechanical system performance.

One horsepower equals 550 foot-pounds per second. Dividing power by 550 converts mechanical power into horsepower, allowing standardized comparisons of engine output.

Weight is the force exerted on mass by gravity. It changes with gravitational strength and differs from mass, which remains constant.

Force is defined by Newton’s Second Law as mass times acceleration. This explains how forces cause changes in motion.

A moment occurs when a force acts at a distance from a pivot point. It is calculated by multiplying force by the moment arm and explains rotational effects.

The moment arm is the perpendicular distance between the axis of rotation and the applied force. A longer moment arm produces greater rotational effect.

Potential energy depends on position in a gravitational field. Calculated as weight multiplied by height, it represents stored energy.

Kinetic energy is energy due to motion. It depends on both mass and velocity squared, making speed a dominant factor.

Inertia is resistance to changes in motion. Objects with greater mass require more force to change their state of motion.

Equilibrium in flight exists when all forces are balanced and no acceleration occurs, such as wings-level unaccelerated flight.

Newton’s Second Law states that force equals mass times acceleration, quantifying how forces affect motion.

Newton’s Third Law states that every action force has an equal and opposite reaction, fundamental to propulsion and lift.

Ambient static pressure is caused by the weight of the air column above a point and decreases with altitude.

Air density measures the mass of air in a given volume and directly affects lift and engine performance.

Temperature reflects the average kinetic energy of particles, influencing pressure and density relationships.

As altitude increases, pressure, density, and temperature decrease due to reduced air mass and molecular activity.

The standard lapse rate is approximately 2°C per 1,000 feet and is used in atmospheric calculations.

The general gas law relates pressure, density, and temperature, allowing prediction of gas behavior under changing conditions.

At constant pressure, increasing temperature causes gas expansion, reducing density as volume increases.

Static pressure results from random molecular motion and exists even when air is not moving.

Dynamic pressure comes from the collective motion of air molecules and increases with airspeed.

Total pressure equals static pressure plus dynamic pressure and is used in airspeed measurement systems.