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. Why are boats more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water?

A. Salt decreases the mass of the boats.
B. Salt increases the volume of the water.
C. Salt affects the density of the boats.
D. Salt increases the density of the water.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Salt increases the density of water, making saltwater more buoyant than freshwater. The higher density of saltwater provides more lift to a boat, enabling it to float more easily compared to in freshwater. Choice A is incorrect because salt does not affect the mass of the boats. Choice B is incorrect as salt does not increase the volume of water. Choice C is incorrect since salt affects the density of water, not the boats themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is that salt increases the density of the water, resulting in boats being more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water.

3. A Carnot cycle is a theoretical ideal heat engine operating between two heat reservoirs at different temperatures. Which of the following statements is NOT true about a Carnot cycle?

A. The efficiency of a Carnot cycle is solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.
B. It is a reversible cycle, meaning the process can be run in both directions with the same efficiency.
C. It operates isothermally at the hot and cold reservoir temperatures.
D. It is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement that is NOT true is C. Although part of the Carnot cycle operates isothermally, not the entire cycle operates isothermally. The Carnot cycle consists of both isothermal and adiabatic processes. Choice A is incorrect because the efficiency of a Carnot cycle is indeed solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs. Choice B is correct as a Carnot cycle is reversible, allowing the process to be run in both directions with the same efficiency. Choice D is also true as the Carnot cycle is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

4. The drag force (F_d) experienced by an object moving through a fluid depends on:

A. Object's shape and size only
B. Fluid properties and object velocity
C. Depth of submersion only
D. Buoyant force acting on the object

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The drag force experienced by an object moving through a fluid depends on multiple factors, including the object's shape, size, velocity, and the fluid's properties such as viscosity and density. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because drag force is not solely determined by the object's shape and size, depth of submersion, or buoyant force acting on the object. The primary factors affecting drag force are the fluid properties and the object's velocity. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

5. How might the energy use of an appliance be expressed?

A. Power = energy × time
B. Time + energy = power
C. Energy = power × time
D. Energy/power = time

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The energy use of an appliance can be expressed using the formula Energy = Power × Time. In this formula, Energy represents the amount of electricity consumed by the appliance, Power indicates the rate at which the appliance uses electricity (measured in watts), and Time represents the duration for which the appliance is being used (measured in hours). By multiplying the power rating of the appliance by the time it is in use, one can calculate the total energy consumed. Option C is the correct choice because it accurately represents the relationship between power, time, and energy. Choices A, B, and D present incorrect representations of the relationship between energy, power, and time, making them wrong answers.