A 50-kg box of iron fishing weights is balanced at the edge of a table. Peter gives it a push, and it falls 2 meters to the floor. Which of the following statements is true?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When the box is balanced at the edge of the table, it has potential energy due to its position above the ground. As Peter gives it a push, and it falls 2 meters to the floor, the box then has both kinetic energy (due to its motion) and potential energy (due to gravity). Therefore, the correct statement is that the box had both kinetic and potential energy after it fell. Option A is incorrect because the box retains its energy forms even after hitting the floor. Option B is incorrect as the box has kinetic energy both before and after falling. Option D is incorrect as the box still possesses kinetic energy even after hitting the floor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In longitudinal waves, the vibrations of particles occur in the same direction as the wave propagates. This means the particles move back and forth in the direction of the wave, creating compressions and rarefactions along the wave. Therefore, the correct choice is C, in the same direction as the wave. Choice A is incorrect because transverse waves, not longitudinal waves, have vibrations at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the motion in transverse waves. Choice D is incorrect as it is an inaccurate representation of how longitudinal waves propagate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A vector quantity is characterized by both magnitude and direction. In the provided options, choice A, '5 miles per hour due southwest,' fits this definition as it includes both the magnitude (5 miles per hour) and the direction (southwest), making it a vector quantity. Choices B and C only provide the magnitude without indicating any direction, hence they do not represent vector quantities.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Salt increases the density of water, making saltwater more buoyant than freshwater. The higher density of saltwater provides more lift to a boat, enabling it to float more easily compared to in freshwater. Choice A is incorrect because salt does not affect the mass of the boats. Choice B is incorrect as salt does not increase the volume of water. Choice C is incorrect since salt affects the density of water, not the boats themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is that salt increases the density of the water, resulting in boats being more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses. When you double the masses of both objects, the force of attraction between them increases by a factor of 2 x 2 = 4. Therefore, the new force of attraction between the two objects will be 12 units x 4 = 24 units. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because doubling the mass results in a quadruple increase in force, not a linear one.