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. A Carnot cycle is a theoretical ideal heat engine operating between two heat reservoirs at different temperatures. Which of the following statements is NOT true about a Carnot cycle?

A. The efficiency of a Carnot cycle is solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.
B. It is a reversible cycle, meaning the process can be run in both directions with the same efficiency.
C. It operates isothermally at the hot and cold reservoir temperatures.
D. It is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement that is NOT true is C. Although part of the Carnot cycle operates isothermally, not the entire cycle operates isothermally. The Carnot cycle consists of both isothermal and adiabatic processes. Choice A is incorrect because the efficiency of a Carnot cycle is indeed solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs. Choice B is correct as a Carnot cycle is reversible, allowing the process to be run in both directions with the same efficiency. Choice D is also true as the Carnot cycle is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

3. A rock has a volume of 6 cm3 and a mass of 24 g. What is its density?

A. 4 g/cm3
B. 4 cm3/g
C. 144 g/cm3
D. 144 cm3/g

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. In this case, the mass of the rock is 24 g and its volume is 6 cm3. By dividing 24 g by 6 cm3, we find that the density of the rock is 4 g/cm3. Choice A is the correct answer because density is expressed in units of mass per unit volume (g/cm3). Choice B is incorrect as it represents the reciprocal of density. Choices C and D are significantly higher values and do not match the calculated density of the rock.

4. If the force acting on an object is doubled, how does its acceleration change?

A. It remains the same.
B. It is halved.
C. It is doubled.
D. It is eliminated.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to Newton's second law of motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force acting on it. Therefore, if the force acting on an object is doubled, its acceleration will also double. This relationship is expressed by the equation F = ma, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration. When the force (F) is doubled, the acceleration (a) will also double, assuming the mass remains constant. Choice A is incorrect because acceleration changes with a change in force. Choice B is incorrect because acceleration and force are directly proportional. Choice D is incorrect because increasing the force acting on an object does not eliminate its acceleration; instead, it results in an increase in acceleration, as per Newton's second law.

5. 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.