Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What does a distance of 'thirteen miles south' describe?

1. Scalar quantity

2. Vector quantity

3. Constant speed

4. Average speed

The correct answer is: Vector quantity

The statement 'thirteen miles south' describes a vector quantity because it specifies both a magnitude (thirteen miles) and a direction (south). In physics, vector quantities are defined by their ability to convey both how much (the magnitude) and where (the direction) something is. For instance, while 'thirteen miles' alone would simply indicate the distance traveled without any reference to direction, adding 'south' provides the essential directional information that characterizes it as a vector. This distinction is crucial in many applications, such as navigation and physics, where understanding both how far and in what direction is necessary for accurate analysis. In contrast, scalar quantities only deal with magnitude and do not account for direction. Constant speed and average speed are concepts related to the rate of motion rather than the description of position or distance. Thus, the inclusion of a directional component categorizes 'thirteen miles south' distinctly as a vector quantity.