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 statements is true about a refrigerator?

A. It operates on a Carnot cycle and removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature.
B. It violates the first law of thermodynamics by creating cold.
C. It increases the total entropy of the universe.
D. It operates isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A refrigerator operates on a Carnot cycle by transferring heat from a cold reservoir to a hot reservoir. Choice A is correct because a refrigerator removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature. Choice B is incorrect as a refrigerator does not violate the first law of thermodynamics but rather requires work input to transfer heat. Choice C is incorrect as a refrigerator does not increase the total entropy of the universe. Choice D is incorrect because a refrigerator does not operate isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.

3. As a car is traveling on the highway, its speed drops from 60 mph to 30 mph. What happens to its kinetic energy?

A. Its energy is halved.
B. Its energy is doubled.
C. Its energy is quadrupled.
D. Its energy is divided by four.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity. When the speed drops from 60 mph to 30 mph, the kinetic energy is halved. Choice B is incorrect because halving the speed results in halving the kinetic energy, not doubling it. Choice C is incorrect because quadrupling the kinetic energy would require increasing the speed fourfold, not halving it. Choice D is incorrect because dividing the energy by four would imply a different relationship between speed and kinetic energy, which is not the case.

4. Capillarity describes the tendency of fluids to rise or fall in narrow tubes. This phenomenon arises from the interplay of:

A. Buoyancy and pressure differentials
B. Density variations and compressibility of the fluid
C. Viscous dissipation and inertial effects
D. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillarity occurs due to surface tension and intermolecular forces between the liquid and the walls of the narrow tube. These forces cause the liquid to rise or fall depending on the cohesion and adhesion properties. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces are responsible for capillary action, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the specific forces involved in capillarity.

5. A 25-cm spring stretches to 28 cm when a force of 12 N is applied. What would its length be if that force were doubled?

A. 31 cm
B. 40 cm
C. 50 cm
D. 56 cm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the 12 N force stretches the spring from 25 cm to 28 cm, it causes a length increase of 28 cm - 25 cm = 3 cm. Therefore, each newton of applied force causes an extension of 3 cm / 12 N = 0.25 cm/N. If the force is doubled to 24 N, the spring would extend by 24 N × 0.25 cm/N = 6 cm more than its original length of 25 cm. Thus, the new length of the spring would be 25 cm + 6 cm = 31 cm. Choice A, 31 cm, is the correct answer as calculated. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between force and extension in the spring, leading to incorrect calculations of the new length.