how do a scalar quantity and a vector quantity differ

HESI A2

HESI Exams Quizlet Physics

1. How do a scalar quantity and a vector quantity differ?

A. A scalar quantity has both magnitude and direction, and a vector does not.
B. A scalar quantity has direction only, and a vector has only magnitude.
C. A vector has both magnitude and direction, and a scalar quantity has only magnitude.
D. A vector has only direction, and a scalar quantity has only magnitude.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The main difference between a scalar quantity and a vector quantity lies in the presence of direction. A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction, while a scalar quantity has magnitude only, without any specified direction. Examples of scalar quantities include distance, speed, temperature, and energy, whereas examples of vector quantities include displacement, velocity, force, and acceleration. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they incorrectly describe the characteristics of scalar and vector quantities.

2. An object with a charge of 4 μC is placed 1 meter from another object with a charge of 2 μC. What is the magnitude of the resulting force between the objects?

A. 0.04 N
B. 0.072 N
C. 80 N
D. 8 × 10−6 N

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To find the magnitude of the resulting force between two charges, we can use Coulomb's law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The formula for Coulomb's law is: F = k × (|q1 × q2| / r²), where F is the force, k is the Coulomb constant, q1 and q2 are the charges, and r is the distance between the charges. Substituting the given values into the formula: F = (9 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²) × ((4 × 10⁻⁶ C) × (2 × 10⁻⁶ C) / (1 m)²) = 0.04 N. Therefore, the magnitude of the resulting force between the objects is 0.04 N.

3. A bicycle and a car are both traveling at a rate of 5 m/s. Which statement is true?

A. The bicycle has more kinetic energy than the car.
B. The bicycle has less kinetic energy than the car.
C. Both vehicles have the same amount of kinetic energy.
D. Only the car has kinetic energy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Kinetic energy is determined by both the mass and the velocity of an object. While both the bicycle and the car are moving at the same velocity (5 m/s), the car has significantly more mass than the bicycle. As a result, the car has more kinetic energy than the bicycle, even though their speeds are identical. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not consider the influence of mass on kinetic energy. Choice A is incorrect as the car has more kinetic energy due to its greater mass. Choice C is incorrect because the vehicles have different masses. Choice D is incorrect as both the bicycle and the car possess kinetic energy.

4. As a vehicle positioned at the peak of a hill rolls downhill, its potential energy transforms into:

A. Thermal energy
B. Neither thermal nor kinetic energy
C. A combination of thermal and kinetic energy
D. Kinetic energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Kinetic energy. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the vehicle moves downhill. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a moving object. Thermal energy is not produced in this scenario because the energy transformation is mainly from potential to kinetic energy, not involving heat generation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary energy transformation in this scenario is from potential to kinetic energy, not involving thermal energy.

5. Which of the following describes a vector quantity?

A. 5 miles per hour due southwest
B. 5 miles per hour
C. 5 miles
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A vector quantity is characterized by both magnitude and direction. In the provided options, choice A, '5 miles per hour due southwest,' fits this definition as it includes both the magnitude (5 miles per hour) and the direction (southwest), making it a vector quantity. Choices B and C only provide the magnitude without indicating any direction, hence they do not represent vector quantities.