Scalars & Vectors (DP IB Physics: HL): Exam Questions

Velocity is a vector quantity, so it can be represented by a vector arrow.

Which physical quantity is represented by the length of its vector arrow?

Which of the following represents correct vector and scalar quantities?

Which of the following represents the correct values of the x-component and y-component of the vector -F ?

The magnitude of a is 15 N, and the magnitude of b is 30 N.

Which of the following represents the correct resultant horizontal and vertical components of the vectors in the diagram?

The diagram shows vector p.

In which of the following diagrams is vector p multiplied by a scalar represented?

In which of the following diagrams is the addition of vectors x and y represented?

In which of the following diagrams is q – p represented correctly?

The arrow represents the vector R.

Which diagram does not represent R as two perpendicular components?

Three forces act on a body as shown.

Which fourth force is required so that the resultant force is zero?

A rectangular object sits at rest on a plane inclined at angle  to the horizontal.

R is the normal force, W is the weight and F is friction. 

Which row correctly labels R and F in terms of mass m and acceleration due to gravity g.

A pilot wishes to set her plane on a course such that it flies directly west of its starting point. She must take into account the strong northerly wind, meaning that she is flying in a wind which originates in the north and blows in a southward direction. 

On which course should the plane be directed? 

A positron is in the effect of two electric fields, shown measured in arbitrary units. 

What is the magnitude of the resultant field strength on the positron?

A drifting spider of mass 50 g hangs on its web from point P on a ceiling. It is being displaced at an angle θ to the vertical by a gentle breeze equivalent to 0.2 N. 

What is the magnitude of the angle θ?

A horizontal force accelerates a body of mass up a rough plane inclined at an angle to the horizontal. The coefficient of dynamic friction between the surface and the body is .

Which expression describes the magnitude of the resultant force on the body?  

A box rests on an inclined plane. 

Which of the following statements is correct if the incline becomes less steep? 

The following processes are given: 

I. The friction required to bring a car to a complete halt. 

II. The effort required to nail a hammer into wood. 

III. The heat required to cook. 

Which of the processes involves a scalar quantity? 

Alice sits on the platform of a train station, observing the trains as they move past, from left to right, at constant velocity. 

Bob is sat in one particular train carriage, and throws a tennis ball vertically upward, catching it as it comes back down.

Which diagram best represents the trajectory of the tennis ball relative to Alice? (Note: this is the path the ball will follow relative to Alice's position, not what she will see.)

A car drives from its base camp, at position X, to lodge P, 40 km away, at a bearing of 030° from X. After dropping off supplies, it continues to lodge Q, which is 50 km away and at a bearing of 330° from P. 

What is the distance between the base camp and lodge Q?