Physics 5054/11 — October/November 2021
Cambridge O-Level · Multiple Choice · answer key with instant marking and worked solutions
Topics Forces · General Properties of Waves · Kinetic Particle Model of Matter · Thermal Properties of Matter · Lenses and Dispersion · Current, Voltage and Resistance · +17 more
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Which quantity is a vector?
Options
A speed
B force
C mass
D distance
Working
A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Speed, mass and distance have magnitude only, so they are scalars. Force has magnitude and direction, so it is a vector.
Answer
B
B
Walkthrough
A vector quantity needs a direction as well as a size. For example, saying a force is 10 N is incomplete unless you also state its direction, such as "to the right" or "upwards". Speed, mass and distance can be described fully by a number and a unit alone, so they are scalars. Therefore the only vector in the list is force.
Key Takeaways
- A scalar has magnitude only.
- A vector has both magnitude and direction.
- Common scalars include speed, distance and mass.
- Common vectors include force, velocity, acceleration and momentum.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking speed is a vector because it involves motion. Speed is scalar; velocity is the vector version.
- Confusing distance with displacement. Distance is scalar; displacement is a vector.
Things to Be Careful About
- The word "direction" is essential when deciding whether a quantity is a vector.
- In O Level questions, force is one of the most common examples of a vector quantity.
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