In which case would a vector quantity be represented?

In which case would a vector quantity be represented?

• A. Distance traveled by a car
• B. Temperature of a substance
• C. Force applied to push an object
• D. Mass of a container

Answer: (C)

In physics, a vector quantity has both magnitude and direction. For the case of force, it is essential to understand that it influences the motion of objects not just in terms of how strong the force is (magnitude), but also in which direction it acts. For example, if you apply a force of 10 Newtons to the right, the magnitude is 10 Newtons and the direction is to the right, thus making it a vector quantity. In contrast, distance, temperature, and mass are scalar quantities. Distance only considers how far an object has traveled without regard for direction. Temperature measures how hot or cold a substance is, devoid of any directional component. Mass indicates how much matter is within an object, again not incorporating a direction. Therefore, force is the only one among the options given that qualifies as a vector quantity due to its inherent requirement of both magnitude and direction for a comprehensive representation.

In physics, a vector quantity has both magnitude and direction. For the case of force, it is essential to understand that it influences the motion of objects not just in terms of how strong the force is (magnitude), but also in which direction it acts. For example, if you apply a force of 10 Newtons to the right, the magnitude is 10 Newtons and the direction is to the right, thus making it a vector quantity.

In contrast, distance, temperature, and mass are scalar quantities. Distance only considers how far an object has traveled without regard for direction. Temperature measures how hot or cold a substance is, devoid of any directional component. Mass indicates how much matter is within an object, again not incorporating a direction. Therefore, force is the only one among the options given that qualifies as a vector quantity due to its inherent requirement of both magnitude and direction for a comprehensive representation.