Question

Which of the following is not a vector quantity?

• A. Weight
• B. Nuclear spin
• C. Momentum
• D. Potential energy

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Potential energy

Explanation for correct option:

Option D:

1. Potential energy has simply a magnitude and no direction, making it a scalar quantity.
2. It is only depends on the relative position of various parts of a system.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Weight is called the force applied by the centre of earth. The direction of force is towards the centre of earth so it has both direction as well as magnitude hence it is a vector quantity.

Option B:

1. Nuclear spin has two directions clockwise and anticlockwise. It is also a vector quantity.

Option B:

1. Momentum has also direction towards the motion so it is also a vector quantity.

Hence, the correct option is D.