Which of the following is considered to be a vector?
A. Velocity
B. Time
C. Temperature
D. Mass
Answer (1)
A vector is a quantity with both magnitude and direction.
Velocity has both magnitude (speed) and direction.
Time, temperature, and mass have magnitude but no direction.
Therefore, velocity is a vector. A
Explanation
Understanding Vectors To determine which of the given options is a vector, we need to understand what a vector is. A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Let's examine each option:
Velocity: Velocity describes the rate at which an object changes its position. It has both a magnitude (speed) and a direction. For example, a car moving at 60 mph eastward has a velocity.
Time: Time is a measure of duration. It has a magnitude (e.g., 5 seconds) but no direction.
Temperature: Temperature is a measure of hotness or coldness. It has a magnitude (e.g., 25 degrees Celsius) but no direction.
Mass: Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. It has a magnitude (e.g., 10 kg) but no direction.
Identifying the Vector Quantity Based on the definitions above, only velocity has both magnitude and direction. Therefore, velocity is a vector quantity.
Final Answer The correct answer is A. Velocity.
Examples
Vectors are used extensively in physics and engineering. For example, when analyzing the motion of a projectile, we need to consider both the speed and direction of the projectile. Similarly, when designing bridges, engineers need to consider the forces acting on the bridge, which are vector quantities. Understanding vectors is crucial for solving many real-world problems in science and engineering.
