Question

vectors quick check
a sailboat ends up 7 miles to the west of a pier. which statement is true about this situation?
(1 point)
○ it describes distance, which is a scalar quantity.
○ it describes distance, which is a vector quantity.
○ it describes displacement, which is a scalar quantity.
○ it describes displacement, which is a vector quantity.

Explanation:

1. Recall the definitions:

• Distance is a scalar (only magnitude, no direction).
• Displacement is a vector (has both magnitude and direction).

1. Analyze the situation: The sailboat is 7 miles west of the pier. "7 miles west" gives both magnitude (7 miles) and direction (west), so it's displacement. Since displacement is a vector quantity, we check the options.

• Option 1: Distance has no direction, so wrong.
• Option 2: Distance is scalar, not vector, wrong.
• Option 3: Displacement is vector, not scalar, wrong.
• Option 4: Displacement (with direction) is vector, correct.

Answer:

D. It describes displacement, which is a vector quantity. (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A, B, C, D as per typical multiple - choice, with the last option being the correct one. If the original options were labeled differently, adjust the label but keep the text: "It describes displacement, which is a vector quantity.")