HESI Exams Quizlet Physics Related

Review HESI Exams Quizlet Physics related questions and content

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.