how do a scalar quantity and a vector quantity differ

HESI A2

HESI Exams Quizlet Physics

1. How do a scalar quantity and a vector quantity differ?

A. A scalar quantity has both magnitude and direction, and a vector does not.
B. A scalar quantity has direction only, and a vector has only magnitude.
C. A vector has both magnitude and direction, and a scalar quantity has only magnitude.
D. A vector has only direction, and a scalar quantity has only magnitude.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The main difference between a scalar quantity and a vector quantity lies in the presence of direction. A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction, while a scalar quantity has magnitude only, without any specified direction. Examples of scalar quantities include distance, speed, temperature, and energy, whereas examples of vector quantities include displacement, velocity, force, and acceleration. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they incorrectly describe the characteristics of scalar and vector quantities.

2. In an adiabatic process, there is:

A. No heat transfer (Q = 0) between the system and the surroundings.
B. Isothermal compression or expansion (constant temperature).
C. Constant pressure throughout the process (isobaric process).
D. No change in the system's internal energy (energy is conserved according to the first law).

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an adiabatic process, choice A is correct because adiabatic processes involve no heat transfer between the system and its surroundings (Q = 0). This lack of heat transfer is a defining characteristic of adiabatic processes. Choices B, C, and D do not accurately describe an adiabatic process. Choice B refers to an isothermal process where temperature remains constant, not adiabatic. Choice C describes an isobaric process with constant pressure, not specific to adiabatic processes. Choice D mentions the conservation of energy but does not directly relate to the absence of heat transfer in adiabatic processes.

3. In Einstein’s mass-energy equation, what is represented by c?

A. Distance in centimeters
B. The speed of light
C. Degrees Celsius
D. Centrifugal force

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Einstein's mass-energy equation, E=mc^2, the symbol 'c' represents the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately equal to 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second. This equation demonstrates the equivalence of energy (E) and mass (m) and is a fundamental concept in the theory of relativity. Choice A is incorrect as 'c' does not represent distance in centimeters. Choice C is incorrect as 'c' does not represent degrees Celsius. Choice D is incorrect as 'c' does not represent centrifugal force.

4. An object with a charge of 4 μC is placed 1 meter from another object with a charge of 2 μC. What is the magnitude of the resulting force between the objects?

A. 0.04 N
B. 0.072 N
C. 80 N
D. 8 × 10−6 N

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To find the magnitude of the resulting force between two charges, we can use Coulomb's law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The formula for Coulomb's law is: F = k × (|q1 × q2| / r²), where F is the force, k is the Coulomb constant, q1 and q2 are the charges, and r is the distance between the charges. Substituting the given values into the formula: F = (9 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²) × ((4 × 10⁻⁶ C) × (2 × 10⁻⁶ C) / (1 m)²) = 0.04 N. Therefore, the magnitude of the resulting force between the objects is 0.04 N.

5. A box is moved by a 15 N force over a distance of 3 m. What is the amount of work that has been done?

A. 5 W
B. 5 N⋅m
C. 45 W
D. 45 N⋅m

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Work done is calculated using the formula: Work = Force x Distance. In this case, the force applied is 15 N and the distance covered is 3 m. Thus, work done = 15 N x 3 m = 45 N⋅m. Therefore, the correct answer is 45 N⋅m. Choice A (5 W) is incorrect because work is measured in joules (J) or newton-meters (N⋅m), not in watts (W). Choice B (5 N⋅m) is incorrect as it miscalculates the work by not multiplying the force by the distance. Choice C (45 W) is incorrect because work is not measured in watts (W) but in newton-meters (N⋅m).