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. A wave moves through its medium at 20 m/s with a wavelength of 4 m. What is the frequency of the wave?

A. 5 s−1
B. 16 s−1
C. 24 s−1
D. 80 s−1

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The formula to calculate the frequency of a wave is given by:

3. For steady, incompressible flow through a pipe, the mass flow rate (ṁ) is related to the fluid density (ρ), cross-sectional area (A), and average velocity (v) via the continuity equation:

A. ṁ cannot be determined without additional information
B. ṁ = ρvA
C. Bernoulli's principle is solely applicable here
D. The equation of state for the specific fluid is required

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The continuity equation for steady, incompressible flow states that the mass flow rate is the product of the fluid's density, velocity, and cross-sectional area. Hence, ṁ = ρvA. Choice A is incorrect because the mass flow rate can be determined using the given formula. Choice C is incorrect as Bernoulli's principle does not directly relate to the mass flow rate calculation. Choice D is incorrect as the equation of state is not needed to calculate the mass flow rate in this scenario.

4. Which object below has the same density?

A. A block with a mass of 6.5 grams and a volume of 16.25 cm3
B. A block with a mass of 80 grams and a volume of 32 cm3
C. A block with a mass of 48 grams and a volume of 22 cm3
D. A block with a mass of 100 grams and a volume of 250 cm3

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. The density of object A is 6.5 g / 16.25 cm3 = 0.4 g/cm3. The density of object B is 80 g / 32 cm3 = 2.5 g/cm3. The density of object C is 48 g / 22 cm3 = 2.18 g/cm3. The density of object D is 100 g / 250 cm3 = 0.4 g/cm3. Objects A and D have the same density of 0.4 g/cm3. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it has the same density as object D, making them the only objects with a density of 0.4 g/cm3.

5. A wave in a rope travels at 12 m/s and has a wavelength of 2 m. What is the frequency?

A. 38.4 Hz
B. 6 Hz
C. 4.6 Hz
D. 3.75 Hz

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The frequency of a wave is calculated using the formula: frequency = speed / wavelength. In this case, the speed of the wave is 12 m/s and the wavelength is 2 m. Therefore, the frequency is calculated as 12 m/s / 2 m = 6 Hz. Choice A (38.4 Hz), Choice C (4.6 Hz), and Choice D (3.75 Hz) are incorrect as they do not result from the correct calculation using the given values.