which of the following describes a vector quantity

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. 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.

2. Which of the following substances has the highest density?

A. Mist
B. Water
C. Steam
D. Ice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water has the highest density among the options provided. Density is a measure of mass per unit volume. In this case, water in its liquid form is denser than mist, steam, and ice. Ice has a lower density than water because its crystalline structure causes it to be less dense. Mist and steam are forms of water vapor, which are much less dense than liquid water. Therefore, the correct answer is water (choice B).

3. Which of the following is NOT a mode of heat transfer between a system and its surroundings?

A. Conduction
B. Convection
C. Radiation
D. Isothermalization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isothermalization is not a mode of heat transfer. The three main modes of heat transfer are conduction (through direct contact), convection (through fluid motion), and radiation (through electromagnetic waves). In this question, choice A, conduction, is not a mode of heat transfer between a system and its surroundings. Conduction refers to heat transfer through direct contact between particles, without the movement of the particles themselves. Therefore, A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they represent valid modes of heat transfer.

4. Power (P) represents the rate of work done. Which formula accurately depicts power?

A. P = W / F
B. P = d / t
C. P = W x t
D. P = F / t

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Power (P) is defined as the rate of work done over time. The correct formula for power is P = W/t, where W is the work done, and t is the time taken. Therefore, option D, P = F / t, correctly represents power as work divided by time. Option A, P = W / F, is incorrect as it represents work divided by force, not power. Option B, P = d / t, is incorrect as it represents distance divided by time, not power. Option C, P = W x t, is incorrect as it represents work multiplied by time, not power. It's important to understand the distinction between work, power, force, time, and other related concepts to solve physics problems accurately.

5. The efficiency (η) of a heat engine is defined as the ratio of the net work done (Wnet) by the engine to the heat input (Qh) from the hot reservoir. The relationship is expressed as:

A. η = Wnet / Qh
B. η = Qh / Wnet
C. η = Wnet x Qh
D. η = (Wnet + Qh) / 2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct formula for efficiency (η) of a heat engine is η = Wnet / Qh. Efficiency is defined as the ratio of the net work done by the engine (Wnet) to the heat input from the hot reservoir (Qh). This formula shows how effectively the engine converts heat into useful work, making choice A the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D present incorrect relationships between efficiency, net work done, and heat input, leading to their incorrectness.