Which of the following describes a vector quantity?

Question

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

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: (A)5 miles per hour due southwest. 
Rationale: The quantity "5 miles per hour due southwest" describes a vector because it specifies both magnitude (5 mph) and explicit direction (southwest), satisfying the dual requirements for vector quantities. Velocity, speed with directional specification, qualifies as vectorial unlike scalar speed lacking directional information.A) 5 miles per hour due southwestThis specifies both magnitude (5 mph) and precise direction (southwest), satisfying vector requirements. Velocity, speed with direction, qualifies as a vector quantity. The explicit directional qualifier "due southwest" completes the vector description, distinguishing it from scalar speed.B) 5 miles per hourThis represents speed alone, a scalar quantity lacking directional information. Without compass bearing, angle, or directional qualifier, this measurement describes only magnitude. Five miles per hour could occur in any direction, making it insufficient for vector specification.C) 5 milesDistance represents a scalar quantity measuring path length without directional component. Displacement (5 miles northeast) would be vectorial, but distance alone lacks direction. Five miles of travel could follow any route geometry, preventing unique vector representation.D) None of the aboveOption A correctly describes a vector quantity (velocity with direction), making this choice incorrect. At least one option satisfies vector requirements, disproving the "none" assertion.ConclusionVectors require both magnitude and direction for complete specification. "5 miles per hour due southwest" qualifies as a vector (velocity) because it combines speed magnitude with explicit directional information, whereas options lacking directional qualifiers represent scalars, demonstrating the essential distinction between vector and scalar physical quantities.

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

Topic Flashcards

Mini Quiz

Related Questions

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

Topic Flashcards

Mini Quiz

Related Questions

A
5 miles per hour due southwest

B
5 miles per hour

C
5 miles

D
None of the above