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.
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In hydraulic systems, Pascal's principle states that a pressure change applied to a confined incompressible fluid is:
- A. Amplified but loses energy
- B. Transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid
- C. Limited by the container size
- D. Dependent on the fluid type
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pascal's principle states that when a pressure change is applied to a confined incompressible fluid, the resulting pressure change is transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid. This means that the pressure change will be the same at every point in the fluid, regardless of the container size or the type of fluid used. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Pascal's principle specifically emphasizes the transmission of pressure without amplification, limitation by container size, or dependence on the fluid type.
What is the electric field inside a hollow conductor with a net charge?
- A. Remains constant
- B. Decreases
- C. Zero
- D. Becomes unpredictable
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Zero. According to Gauss's Law, the electric field inside a hollow conductor (a conductor with no charge inside but a net charge on its surface) is zero. The charges reside on the outer surface of the conductor, causing the electric field inside to cancel out. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the electric field inside a hollow conductor with a net charge is not constant, does not decrease, and does not become unpredictable; it is zero due to the distribution of charges on its surface.
A 5-cm candle is placed 20 cm away from a concave mirror with a focal length of 15 cm. About what is the image height of the candle in the mirror?
- A. 30.5 cm
- B. 15.625 cm
- C. −15 cm
- D. −30.5 cm
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The magnification formula for a mirror is given by M = -f / (f - d), where f is the focal length of the mirror, and d is the object distance from the mirror. Using the mirror equation and magnification formula, the image height is found to be negative because it is inverted. Plugging in the values (f = 15 cm, d = 20 cm) into the formula gives M = -15 / (15 - 20) = -15 / -5 = 3. The negative sign indicates that the image is inverted. The image height is then calculated by multiplying the magnification by the object height: 3 * 5 cm = 15 cm. Therefore, the correct image height is approximately -15 cm. Choice A (30.5 cm) and Choice D (-30.5 cm) are incorrect as they do not consider the inversion of the image. Choice C (-15 cm) is also incorrect because it neglects the negative sign, which indicates the inversion of the image.
Which of these objects has the greatest momentum?
- A. A 1,250-kg car moving at 5 m/s
- B. An 80-kg person running at 4 m/s
- C. A 10-kg piece of meteorite moving at 600 m/s
- D. A o.5-kg rock moving at 40 m/s
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Momentum is the product of mass and velocity. The car has the highest momentum because it has the largest mass and a significant velocity.
What is the purpose of a switch in a circuit?
- A. To reverse the direction of alternating current
- B. To increase the voltage of the battery or cell
- C. To increase the resistance of wires in the circuit
- D. To allow the circuit to open and close
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The purpose of a switch in a circuit is to allow the circuit to open and close. When the switch is turned on, it provides a complete path for the current to flow through the circuit. When the switch is turned off, it breaks the circuit, stopping the flow of current. This function of opening and closing the circuit using a switch is essential for controlling the flow of electricity in various electrical devices and systems. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a switch does not reverse the direction of current, increase voltage, or increase resistance in a circuit; its primary function is to open and close the circuit.