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 these substances is most compressible?

A. Gold
B. Water
C. Mercury
D. Methane

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Methane, a gas at room temperature and pressure, is the most compressible substance among the options provided. Gases are generally more compressible compared to liquids and solids because their particles have more space between them, allowing for greater compression when pressure is applied. Gold, water, and mercury, being solid and liquid substances, respectively, have particles arranged closely together, making them less compressible. Therefore, the correct answer is Methane.

3. Psychrometrics is a branch of thermodynamics that deals with the properties of:

A. Ideal gases.
B. Magnetic materials.
C. Mixtures of moist air and water vapor.
D. Nuclear reactions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Psychrometrics is the study of the physical and thermodynamic properties of gas-vapor mixtures, especially mixtures of moist air and water vapor. This branch of thermodynamics focuses on the relationships between temperature, pressure, humidity, and other properties of these mixtures. Choice A, ideal gases, is incorrect because psychrometrics specifically deals with gas-vapor mixtures, not ideal gases. Choice B, magnetic materials, and Choice D, nuclear reactions, are unrelated to psychrometrics and thermodynamics, making them incorrect. Understanding psychrometrics is crucial in fields like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) to design systems that effectively control air quality, comfort, and temperature.

4. A 0-kg block on a table is given a push so that it slides along the table. If the block is accelerated at 6 m/s2, what was the force applied to the block?

A. 0 N
B. 3 N
C. 6 N
D. The answer cannot be determined from the information given.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to Newton's second law of motion, F=ma. Since the block has a mass of 0 kg, the force applied must be 0 N, as no force is needed to move an object with zero mass.

5. Which mathematical quantity is scalar?

A. Distance
B. Velocity
C. Acceleration
D. Displacement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Distance is a scalar quantity because it has only magnitude and no direction. It is simply the total length of the path travelled by an object. Scalars are quantities that are fully described by their magnitude alone, without any reference to direction. Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities as they have both magnitude and direction. Displacement is also a vector quantity as it is the change in position of an object and includes both magnitude and direction.