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. The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless quantity used to characterize:

A. Fluid density
B. Flow regime (laminar vs. turbulent)
C. Surface tension effects
D. Buoyancy force magnitude

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity used to characterize the flow regime, specifically whether it is laminar (smooth) or turbulent (chaotic). It depends on the velocity of the fluid, its characteristic length (such as pipe diameter), and its viscosity. A low Reynolds number indicates laminar flow, while a high Reynolds number suggests turbulence. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Reynolds number is not related to fluid density, surface tension effects, or buoyancy force magnitude.

3. A common example of a shear-thinning (non-Newtonian) fluid is:

A. Water
B. Ketchup
C. Air
D. Alcohol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ketchup. Shear-thinning fluids become less viscous under stress. Ketchup is an example of a shear-thinning fluid because its viscosity decreases when it is shaken or squeezed, allowing it to flow more easily. Choice A, Water, is a Newtonian fluid with a constant viscosity regardless of stress. Choice C, Air, is also a Newtonian fluid. Choice D, Alcohol, does not exhibit shear-thinning behavior; it typically has a constant viscosity as well.

4. A system undergoes an isobaric process (constant pressure). In this process, the work done (W) by the system is:

A. Zero, if the volume change (ΔV) is zero.
B. Positive and equal to the pressure multiplied by the volume change (W = PΔV).
C. Negative and equal to the pressure multiplied by the volume change.
D. Independent of the pressure or volume change.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In an isobaric process (constant pressure), the work done is given by the formula W = PΔV, where P is the pressure and ΔV is the change in volume. If the volume does not change, the work done is zero, not negative. Choice A is incorrect as it states the work done is zero when the volume change is zero, which is the correct condition for zero work. Choice C is incorrect as it incorrectly suggests that the work done is negative in an isobaric process. Choice D is incorrect as the work done in an isobaric process is indeed dependent on the volume change and pressure.

5. A 5-cm candle is placed 20 cm away from a concave mirror with a focal length of 10 cm. What is the image distance of the candle?

A. 20 cm
B. 40 cm
C. 60 cm
D. 75 cm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To find the image distance of the candle, we use the mirror formula: 1/f = 1/do + 1/di, where f is the focal length, do is the object distance, and di is the image distance. In this case, the focal length f = 10 cm and the object distance do = 20 cm. Substituting these values into the formula gives us 1/10 = 1/20 + 1/di. Solving for di, we get di = 60 cm. Therefore, the image distance of the candle is 60 cm. Choice A (20 cm) is incorrect because it represents the object distance, not the image distance. Choice B (40 cm) is incorrect as it does not consider the mirror formula calculation. Choice D (75 cm) is incorrect as it does not match the correct calculation based on the mirror formula.