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. An electromagnet is holding a 1,500-kg car at a height of 25 m above the ground. The magnet then experiences a power outage, and the car falls to the ground. Which of the following is false?

A. The car had a potential energy of 367.5 kJ.
B. 367.5 kJ of potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.
C. The car retains potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground.
D. The car’s potential energy converts to kinetic energy and then to sound energy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the car falls to the ground, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as it accelerates downwards. Upon impact with the ground, the car's kinetic energy is dissipated in various forms, such as sound energy, heat, and deformation energy. Therefore, the car does not retain its initial potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground. Choice A is true because the potential energy of the car can be calculated as mgh = 1500 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 25 m = 367,500 J = 367.5 kJ. Choice B is true because as the car falls, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. Choice D is true as the kinetic energy is eventually dissipated into other forms upon impact.

3. If a 5-kg ball is moving at 5 m/s, what is its momentum?

A. 10 kg⋅m/s
B. 16.2 km/h
C. 24.75 kg⋅m/s
D. 25 kg⋅m/s

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The momentum of an object is calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. In this case, the mass of the ball is 5 kg and its velocity is 5 m/s. Therefore, the momentum of the ball is 5 kg × 5 m/s = 25 kg⋅m/s. Choice A (10 kg⋅m/s) is incorrect as it does not account for both mass and velocity. Choice B (16.2 km/h) is incorrect as it provides a speed in a different unit without considering mass. Choice C (24.75 kg⋅m/s) is incorrect as it does not correctly calculate the momentum based on the given mass and velocity.

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. Which substance would be most affected by a change in temperature?

A. Liquid nitrogen
B. Salt crystals
C. Hydrogen gas
D. Iron filings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hydrogen gas would be most affected by a change in temperature because gases have a greater expansion or contraction in volume with changes in temperature compared to liquids or solids. When the temperature of hydrogen gas increases, its molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster, causing the gas to expand and its volume to increase. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the gas molecules lose kinetic energy and move slower, leading to a decrease in volume. This property makes hydrogen gas highly sensitive to temperature changes compared to liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, or iron filings. Liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, and iron filings are less affected by temperature changes because their particles are closer together and have lower kinetic energy, resulting in minimal volume changes with temperature fluctuations.