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. Archimedes' principle explains the ability to control buoyancy, allowing:

A. Objects to sink regardless of density differences.
B. Airplanes to generate lift for flight.
C. Submarines to adjust their buoyancy for submergence and resurfacing.
D. Helium balloons to overcome gravity and float.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Archimedes' principle states that the upward buoyant force acting on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. Submarines control their buoyancy by adjusting the volume of water they displace, which allows them to submerge and resurface. Choice C is correct because it directly relates to the principle of buoyancy and how submarines utilize it. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the application of Archimedes' principle in controlling buoyancy for submergence and resurfacing.

3. When two long, parallel wires carry currents in the same direction, the wires will experience a force of:

A. An unpredictable force depending on wire material
B. Repulsion
C. No force
D. Attraction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When two wires carry current in the same direction, they create magnetic fields that interact with each other. This interaction results in an attractive force between the wires due to the alignment of their magnetic fields. Choice A is incorrect because the force can be predicted based on the direction of the currents and the magnetic fields produced. Choice B is incorrect because when currents flow in the same direction, they do not repel each other. Choice C is incorrect because there is indeed a force present due to the interaction of magnetic fields, resulting in attraction between the wires.

4. Jon walks all the way around a rectangular park that is 1 km × 2 km. Which statement is true about Jon’s walk?

A. The displacement of his walk is 3 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 0 kilometers.
B. The displacement of his walk is 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 16 kilometers.
C. The displacement of his walk is 6 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 0 kilometers.
D. The displacement of his walk is 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 6 kilometers.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Jon walks all the way around a rectangular park that is 1 km × 2 km, which means he walks a total distance of 6 kilometers (1 km + 2 km + 1 km + 2 km = 6 km). However, the displacement of his walk is 0 kilometers because he starts and ends at the same point after completing the rectangular path around the park. Displacement refers to the change in position from the starting point to the ending point, regardless of the actual distance traveled. Choice A is incorrect because the total distance traveled by Jon is 6 kilometers, not 0 kilometers. Choice B is incorrect as the displacement is not 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 6 kilometers, not 16 kilometers. Choice C is incorrect because the displacement is 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 6 kilometers, not 0 kilometers.

5. According to the Law of Universal Gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to what factor?

A. the gravitational constant
B. the distance between them
C. the product of their masses
D. the square of the distance between them

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to the Law of Universal Gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses. The equation is: F = G × (m₁ × m₂) / r², where F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant, m₁ and m₂ are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between them. Choice A is incorrect because the gravitational constant is a constant value. Choice B is incorrect because the distance between the objects affects the strength of the gravitational force inversely proportional to the square of the distance, not directly proportional. Choice D is incorrect as it represents the inverse square law, where the gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance between the objects.