Conceptual Physics Chapter 2: Newton's First Law of Motion-Inertia

Vector Quantity

A quantity in physics, such as force, that has both magnitude and direction.

Scalar Quantity

A quantity in physics, such as mass, volume, and time, that has a magnitude but no direction. Can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided like ordinary numbers.

Mechanical Equilibrium

A state of an object or system of objects for which there are no changes in motion. In accord with Newtons first law, if an object is at rest the state of rest persists. If an object is moving, its motion continues without change.

Vector

An arrow drawn to scale used to represent a vector quantity.

Force

An influence that tends to accelerate an object; a push or pull; measured in newtons. A vector quantity. State of motion: at rest, or moving in a uniformly line.

Static Equilibrium

An object is at rest is said to be in this state.

Dynamic Equilibrium

An object that is steadily moving in a straight line path is said to be in this state.

Newtons first law of motion (the law of inertia)

Every object continues in a state of rest or of uniform speed in a straight line unless acted upon by a nonzero net force.

Equilibrium Rule

For any body in mechanical equilibrium, the vector sum of the forces on it are zero- that is, ∑F=0.

Tension

Stretching force

Weight

The force due to gravity.

Resultant

The net result of a combination of two or more vectors.

Inertia

The tendency of an object to resist changes in motion.

Support Force

The upward force exerted on an object. Also known as normal force.

Net Force

The vector sum of forces that act on an object.

Component Vector

Vectors that add together, the sum of which is their resultant.