Physics Review Questions

Which of the following is a scalar quantity?

• Force

• Displacement

• Speed

• Velocity

A quantity that requires both magnitude and direction for its description is called a:

• Scalar

• Speed

• Distance

• Velocity

Which best explains why speed is considered a scalar?

• It has magnitude only

• It includes direction

• It has acceleration

• It is velocity

Which is FALSE about vector addition?

• Use the head-to-tail rule

• Can use parallelogram method

• Can be done geometrically or analytically

• Vectors can be added by multiplying magnitudes

Two equal and opposite forces act on an object. The net force is:

• Equal to one of the forces

• Twice one force

• Zero

• Negative

A 20-N force makes a 60° angle with the horizontal. Its x- and y-components are:

• 10 N, 17.3 N

• 17.3 N, 10 N

• 20 N, 20 N

• 15 N, 15 N

A vector has magnitude 40 N, x-component = 32 N. Its angle with x-axis is:

• 37°

• 45°

• 53°

• 60°

The projection of a 20-N vector at 60° on the x-axis is:

• 20 N

• 10 N

• 17.3 N

• 15 N

The horizontal component of a 20-N vector at 60° is about:

• 10 N

• 15 N

• 20 N

• 18 N

A car travels 100 m east then 60 m west, ending 80 m north. Its displacement is about:

• 60 m

• 80 m

• 90 m

• 120 m