1.

3 Vectors & Scalars

Question Paper

Course DP IB Physics
Section 1. Measurement & Uncertainties
Topic 1.3 Vectors & Scalars
Difficulty Medium

To be used by all students preparing for DP IB Physics SL

Students of other boards may also find this useful
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Question 1
Velocity is a vector quantity, so can be represented by a vector arrow. Which quantity is represented by the length of its
vector arrow?
A. Speed
B. Magnitude
C. Acceleration
D. Distance
[1 mark]

Question 2
Which of the following represents correct vector and scalar quantities?
vectors scalars
A. Electric charge Weight
B. Impulse Current
C. Temperature Pressure
D. Time Work done

[1 mark]

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Question 3
Which of the following represents the correct values of the x-component and y-component of the vector -F ?

x-component y-component
A. –F sin θ –F cos θ
B. –F cos θ –F tan θ
C. F sin θ –F cos θ
D. –F cos θ –F sin θ

[1 mark]

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Question 4
The magnitude of a is 15 N and that of b is 30 N.

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

A. 15 3 – 7.5 2 N 15 – 7.5 2 N

B. 15 3 – 7.5 2 º –15 – 7.5 2 º

C. 15 3 – 7.5 2 N –15 – 7.5 2 N

D. –15 – 7.5 2 N 15 – 7.5 2 N

You may use the fact that:

3 2
cos(30) = and cos(45) =
2 2

1 2
sin(30) = and sin(45) =
2 2
[1 mark]

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Question 5
The diagram shows vector p.

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

A. 1 and 4
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 4
D. 1 only
[1 mark]

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Question 6
In which of the following diagrams is the addition of vectors x and y represented?

[1 mark]

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Question 7
In which of the following diagrams is q – p represented correctly?

[1 mark]

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Question 8
The arrow represents the vector R.

Which diagram does not represent R as two perpendicular components?

[1 mark]

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Question 9
Three forces act on a body as shown.

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

[1 mark]

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Question 10
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.

R F
A. mg mg
B. mg cos θ 0
C. mg sin θ mg cos θ
D. mg cos θ mg sin θ

[1 mark]

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