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Question

Difficulty: EasyMechanics and Motion

A radar operator tracks a reconnaissance aircraft traveling due east at a constant rate of 450 knots450\text{ knots}. Which of the following physical quantities does this measurement represent?

  1. A
    Speed, because any rate of travel across a distance is a scalar value
  2. Velocity, because it specifies both a magnitude and a direction of motionAnswer
  3. C
    Acceleration, because standard navigation units always denote a rate of change
  4. D
    Weight, because aircraft propulsion depends directly on gravitational load

Answer

Velocity, because the measurement includes both a numerical magnitude and a directional component.
Velocity is a vector quantity that requires both a magnitude (speed) and an explicit directional heading. Because the radar measurement provides both the rate (450 knots450\text{ knots}) and the direction ('due east'), it represents velocity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the given physical measurement components
The measurement contains a numerical rate (450 knots450\text{ knots}) and a compass direction (due east).
Determining the correct kinematic quantity requires identifying whether direction is specified alongside magnitude.
2
Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities
Speed is scalar (magnitude only), while velocity is vector (magnitude plus direction).
Since both speed and direction are explicitly stated, the measurement represents velocity.

Key Concept

Difference between scalar speed and vector velocity in kinematics
Estimated Time:40s
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Topics

Mechanics and Motion

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