Cambridge AS Physics 1

Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL AS PHYSICS 9702 P2 TOPICAL QUESTIONS

TOPIC 1.4: VECTORS AND SCALARS

Q1
An object B is on a horizontal surface. Two forces act on B in this horizontal plane. A
vector diagram for these forces is shown to scale in Fig.

A force of 7.5 N towards north and a force of 2.5 N from 30° north of east act on B.
The mass of B is 750 g.

i) On Fig. draw an arrow to show the approximate direction of the resultant of

these two forces.

[1]

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 Cambridge AS Physics 2
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

(ii) 1. Show that the magnitude of the resultant force on B is 6.6 N.

[1]
2. Calculate the magnitude of the acceleration of B produced by this resultant force.

magnitude = ................................................ m s–2 [2]

(iii) Determine the angle between the direction of the acceleration and the direction of the
7.5 N force.

angle = ........................................................ ° [1]

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 Cambridge AS Physics 3
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Q2
a) The following list contains scalar and vector quantities.

Underline all the scalar quantities.

Acceleration force mass power temperature weight

[1]

b)
A boat is travelling in a flowing river. Fig below shows the velocity vectors for the boat
and the river water.

(i) On Fig draw an arrow to show the direction of the resultant velocity of the
boat.

[1]

(ii) Determine the magnitude of the resultant velocity of the boat.

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 Cambridge AS Physics 4
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

magnitude of velocity = ................................................ m s –1 [2]

Q3

A block is pulled on a horizontal surface by a force P as shown in Fig.

The weight of the block is 180 N. The force P is 35 N at 60° to the vertical.
The block moves a distance of 20 m at constant velocity.

Calculate the vertical force that the surface applies to the block (normal reaction force),

force = ....................................................... N [2]

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 Cambridge AS Physics 5
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Q4
(a) A list of quantities that are either scalars or vectors is shown in Fig.

Complete Fig. to indicate whether each quantity is a scalar or a vector.

One line has been completed as an example. [2]

(b) A girl runs 120 m due north in 15 s. She then runs 80 m due east in 12 s.

Sketch a vector diagram to show the path taken by the girl. Draw and label her
Resultant displacement R.
[1]

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 Cambridge AS Physics 6
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Q5

(a) Two forces, with magnitudes 5.0 N and 12 N, act from the same point on an object.
Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force R for the forces acting

(i) in opposite directions,

R =....................................................... N [1]

(ii) at right angles to each other.

R =....................................................... N [1]

(b) An object X rests on a smooth horizontal surface. Two horizontal forces act on X
as shown in Fig.

Fig (Not to scale)

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 Cambridge AS Physics 7
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

A force of 55 N is applied to the right. A force of 18 N is applied at an angle of 115° to the

direction of the 55 N force.

(i) Use the resolution of forces or a scale diagram to show that the magnitude of the
resultant
force acting on X is 65 N.

[2]

(ii) Determine the angle between the resultant force and the 55 N force.

angle = ........................................................ ° [2]

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 Cambridge AS Physics 8
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Q6

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 Cambridge AS Physics 9
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Q7

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 Cambridge AS Physics 10
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

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 Cambridge AS Physics 11
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Q8

a)

b)

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 Cambridge AS Physics 12
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Q9

(a) Explain the differences between the quantities distance and displacement.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

b) Two tugs pull a tanker at constant velocity in the direction XY, as represented in Fig.

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 Cambridge AS Physics 13
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Fig 1

Tug 1 pulls the tanker with a force T1 at 25.0° to XY.

Tug 2 pulls the tanker with a force of T2 at 15.0° to XY. The resultant force R due to the
two tugs is 25.0 × 103 N in the direction XY

(i) By reference to the forces acting on the tanker, explain how the tanker may be
described as being in equilibrium.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [2]

(ii)

1. Complete Fig 2 below to draw a vector triangle for the forces R, T1 and T2. [2]

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 Cambridge AS Physics 14
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Fig 2

2. Use your vector triangle in Fig 2 to determine the magnitude of T1 and of T2.

T1 = ................................................... N

T2 = .................................................. N

[2]

Q10

(a)Distinguish between scalars and vectors.

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

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 Cambridge AS Physics 15
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

(b) Underline all the vector quantities in the list below.

acceleration kinetic energy momentum power weight [2]

(c) A force of 7.5 N acts at 40° to the horizontal, as shown in Fig. 1

Fig 1

Calculate the component of the force that acts

(i) horizontally,

horizontal component = ............................................. N [1]

(ii) vertically.

vertical component = ............................................. N [1]

(d) Two strings support a load of weight 7.5 N, as shown in Fig.2

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 Cambridge AS Physics 16
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

Fig 2
One string has a tension T1 and is at an angle 50° to the horizontal. The other string has
a tension T2 and is at an angle 40° to the horizontal. The object is in equilibrium.
Determine the values of T1 and T2 by using a vector triangle or by resolving forces

T1 =.................................................. N

T2 =.................................................. N

[4]

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 Cambridge AS Physics 17
Topic 1.4: Vectors and Scalars

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