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 doesn’t a raindrop accelerate as it approaches the ground?

A. Gravity pulls it down at a constant rate.
B. Air resistance counteracts the gravitational force.
C. Its mass decreases, decreasing its speed.
D. Objects in motion decelerate over distance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. As a raindrop falls, it experiences air resistance which counteracts the gravitational force pulling it down. This balancing of forces prevents the raindrop from accelerating further as it approaches the ground. Choice A is incorrect because while gravity is pulling the raindrop down, air resistance opposes this force. Choice C is incorrect as the mass of the raindrop remains constant during its fall. Choice D is incorrect because objects in motion may decelerate due to various factors, but in this case, the focus is on why the raindrop doesn't accelerate.

3. Diamagnetism refers to a material's weak:

A. Attraction to magnetic fields
B. Repulsion to magnetic fields
C. Amplification of magnetic fields
D. Indifference to magnetic fields

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diamagnetism refers to a material's weak repulsion to magnetic fields. When diamagnetic materials are placed in an external magnetic field, they create an opposing magnetic field, leading to repulsion. This is why choice B, 'Repulsion to magnetic fields,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because diamagnetic materials do not exhibit attraction, amplification, or indifference to magnetic fields.

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. Cavitation is a phenomenon observed in fluids when the pressure falls below its:

A. Boiling point
B. Density
C. Freezing point
D. Vapor pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cavitation is a phenomenon where vapor bubbles form in a fluid due to pressure dropping below the vapor pressure of the liquid. When this occurs, the bubbles collapse, creating intense shock waves. The pressure falling below the vapor pressure is what triggers cavitation, not the boiling point, density, or freezing point of the fluid. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Vapor pressure,' as it directly relates to the pressure threshold required for cavitation to happen.