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What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?

A scalar is a value that has only a size (otherwise known as magnitude), not a direction. A scalar is unaffected by the direction in which the object concerned is travelling. Examples include kinetic ener...

Answered by Sam T. • Physics tutor

4921 Views

Why is an object that moves in a circular path accelerating when it has constant speed?

Think about the definition of acceleration - it is the rate of change of velocity. Your statement that the object's speed is constant is correct, can you think about why the object's velocit...

Answered by Inigo S. • Physics tutor

1698 Views

What is the angular velocity of a person standing on the surface of the earth. Give your answer in radians per second

Angle through which the earth rotates = 2pi

Time to do so = 246060 = 86400s

Angular velocity = 7.3x10^-5rads^-1

Answered by William F. • Physics tutor

8490 Views

How can I describe the motion of an object falling, due to gravity, through a fluid? And when does the object reach terminal velocity?

Lets consider a skydiver jumping from an airplane. Once the skydiver has let go of the plane they are pulled towards the earth due to gravity.

By Newton’s second law:

F = ma,

the sky ...

Answered by Ailsa D. • Physics tutor

8568 Views

A ball is thrown at speed u = 10.0 m/s at an angle of 30.0 degrees to the ground at height, s = 0. How far does the ball travel horizontally from its starting position? (Ignore air resistance and taking g = 9.81 m/s^2)

First, find the speed of the ball in the horizontal (x) and vertical (y) directions. u_x = ucos(30) = 8.66m/s and u_y = usin(30) = 5 m/s. Using an appropriate suvat equation f...

Answered by Alex T. • Physics tutor

1824 Views