What is the difference between linearly, directly and inversely proportional relationships?

A relationship is a way of describing how one variable can affect another. If a relationship is linear, then a change in one variable will cause a change in another variable by a fixed amount. An example of this in physics is Force against the Extension of a spring (up until the limit of proportionality!). A directly proportional relationship is a special type of linear relationship. When one variable is equal to 0, the second variable will also have a value of 0. On a graph, there would be a straight line through going the "origin". An inversely proportional relationship is one where an increase in one variable will lead to a decrease in another but how quickly this occurs may vary. An example of this would be Gravitational field strength and distance from the centre of a planet. As the distance increases, the strength of gravity decreases.

MO
Answered by Maxwell O. Physics tutor

39246 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

2 Capacitors (c1 = 500mf) and (c2=300mf), are connected in parallel to a 10v d.c supply. Calculate the total capacitance of the circuit, and hence the total energy stored in the capacitors.


Explain how fluorescent tubes work


What is the minimum initial velocity necessary for an object to leave Earth?


Outline the principal features of a geostationary orbit and use them to explain one use of satellites in this type of orbit.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences