Which mathematical quantity is scalar?
- A. Distance
- B. Velocity
- C. Acceleration
- D. Displacement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Distance is a scalar quantity because it has only magnitude and no direction. It is simply the total length of the path travelled by an object. Scalars are quantities that are fully described by their magnitude alone, without any reference to direction. Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities as they have both magnitude and direction. Displacement is also a vector quantity as it is the change in position of an object and includes both magnitude and direction.
You may also like to solve these questions
The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless quantity used to characterize:
- A. Fluid density
- B. Flow regime (laminar vs. turbulent)
- C. Surface tension effects
- D. Buoyancy force magnitude
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity used to characterize the flow regime, specifically whether it is laminar (smooth) or turbulent (chaotic). It depends on the velocity of the fluid, its characteristic length (such as pipe diameter), and its viscosity. A low Reynolds number indicates laminar flow, while a high Reynolds number suggests turbulence. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Reynolds number is not related to fluid density, surface tension effects, or buoyancy force magnitude.
At which point on a roller coaster does the car have the greatest potential energy?
- A. The start of the ride
- B. The highest peak
- C. The lowest trough
- D. The end of the ride
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, the highest peak. At the highest peak of the roller coaster, the car reaches its maximum height above the ground. This point represents the car's greatest potential energy because it has the highest potential to do work due to its elevated position. The potential energy is directly proportional to the height of an object, so the highest point on the roller coaster track corresponds to the car's greatest potential energy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because potential energy is highest at the peak due to its elevated position, not at the start of the ride, the lowest trough, or the end of the ride.
If a wave has a frequency of 60 hertz, which of the following is true?
- A. It completes one cycle per minute.
- B. It measures 60 m from crest to crest.
- C. It completes 60 cycles per second.
- D. It measures 60 m from crest to trough.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The frequency of a wave is the number of cycles it completes in one second. A wave with a frequency of 60 hertz completes 60 cycles per second. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choice A is incorrect because a frequency of 60 hertz means 60 cycles per second, not per minute. Choice B is incorrect as the frequency of the wave does not determine the distance from crest to crest. Choice D is also incorrect as the frequency does not relate to the distance from crest to trough.
In Einstein's mass-energy equation, what is represented by c?
- A. Distance in centimeters
- B. The speed of light
- C. Degrees Celsius
- D. Centrifugal force
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In Einstein's mass-energy equation, E=mc^2, the symbol 'c' represents the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately equal to 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second. This equation demonstrates the equivalence of energy (E) and mass (m) and is a fundamental concept in the theory of relativity. Choice A is incorrect as 'c' does not represent distance in centimeters. Choice C is incorrect as 'c' does not represent degrees Celsius. Choice D is incorrect as 'c' does not represent centrifugal force.
When a fluid flows past a solid object, a thin layer of fluid adheres to the object's surface due to:
- A. Buoyancy
- B. Bernoulli's principle
- C. Boundary layer effect
- D. Surface tension minimization
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The boundary layer effect occurs when a thin layer of fluid near the surface of a solid adheres to it due to viscosity. This layer experiences a velocity gradient as the fluid farther from the surface moves faster, while the fluid closest to the surface is nearly stationary.