A change in velocity.
The point on an object at which the total weights on either side of all axes (x, y, and z) are identical. Each object has just one center of gravity, and if it is suspended from that point, it will be in a state of perfect rotational equilibrium.
For an acute (less than 90°) angle in a right triangle, the cosine (abbreviated cos) is the ratio between the adjacent leg and the hypotenuse. Regardless of the size of the triangle, this figure is a constant for any particular angle.
Change in position.
A state in which vector sum for all lines of force on an object is equal to zero. An object that experiences no linear acceleration is said to be in translational equilibrium, and one that experiences no rotational acceleration is referred to as being in rotational equilibrium. An object may also be in stable, unstable, or neutral equilibrium.
The product of mass multiplied by acceleration.
A sketch showing all the outside forces acting on an object in equilibrium.
In a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle.
The sum of two or more vectors, which measures the net change in distance and direction.
A triangle that includes a right (90°) angle. The other two angles are, by definition, acute, or less than 90°.
A quantity that possesses only magnitude, with no specific direction. Mass, time, and speed are all scalars. The opposite of a scalar is a vector.
For an acute (less than 90°) anglein a right triangle, the sine (abbreviated sin) is the ratio between the opposite legand the hypotenuse. Regardless of the size of the triangle, this figure is a constant for any particular angle.
The study of bodies at rest. Those bodies may be acted upon by a variety of forces, but as long as the vector sum for all those lines of force is equal to zero, the body itself is said to be in a state of equilibrium.
The force exerted by a supporting object on an object in equilibrium—a force that is always equal to the amount of weight supported.
A quantity that possesses both magnitude and direction. Force is a vector; so too is acceleration, a component of force; and likewise weight, a variety of force. The opposite of a vector is a scalar.
A calculation, made by different methods according to the factor being analyzed—for instance, velocity or force—that yields the net result of all the vectors applied in a particular situation.
The speed of an object in a particular direction. Velocity is thus a vector quantity.
A measure of the gravitational force on an object; the product of mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity.
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