Asked in PMC Practice Test 15 (2021) 2021Moderate

Work is a:

Correct answer: B. Scalar quantity

  • A. Vector quantity
  • B. Scalar quantity
  • C. Sometimes scalar, sometimes vector
  • D. None of these options is correct

Explanation

Work is a scalar quantity. It's a measure of the energy transferred when a force acts on an object, causing it to move a certain distance. The work done is given by the formula: Work = Force × Displacement × cos(θ), where θ is the angle between the force and the displacement vectors. Since the angle cosine ensures that only the component of the force in the direction of displacement matters, work doesn't depend on direction and is scalar, having magnitude but not a specific direction.

Last updated

About Work

Work is done when a force produces displacement, with its value determined by the component of force along the displacement. The topic covers positive, negative and zero work, work by variable forces from force-displacement graphs, and the connection between net work and change in kinetic energy.

Practise Work and Energy

748 free Work and Energy MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions