Grade 10 Physical Sciences · Mechanics · Paper 1 (Physics)

Vectors and Scalars Grade 10

Real Vectors and Scalars past paper questions and answers from 2017 to 2025, with each memo split into the ticks examiners give. Try one, mark yourself, and see exactly which skill cost you marks.

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Question 1.1 · November 2019 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (1.1 to 1.10). Each question has only ONE correct answer.

1.1 Which ONE of the following physical quantities is a scalar quantity?(2)

A A weight of $5$ N
B A velocity of $10$ m·s $^{- 1}$ east
C A current of $2$ A
D A negative acceleration of $0, 4$ m·s $^{- 2}$

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4. Question 2.1 · November 2018 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
A baby leaves a bowl of food on the floor and crawls westwards to fetch a toy placed $5$ m away. At the same time a dog walks eastwards towards the baby. It takes the baby $30$ s to reach the toy. The dog walks past the toy to eat the baby's food in the bowl.
2.1 Define the term displacement in words.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of displacementThe change in position (of an object).
  
  OR: The difference in position (in space).
  2 marks · Define vector and motion terms
5. Question 1.1 · November 2017 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number.
1.1 Which ONE of the following pairs of physical quantities consists of one scalar and one vector quantity?(2)
1. A Distance and speed
2. B Speed and acceleration
3. C Displacement and velocity
4. D Velocity and acceleration
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct optionSpeed is a scalar (magnitude only) and acceleration is a vector (magnitude and direction). A has two scalars; C and D have two vectors each.
  
  Answer: B
  2 marks · Define vector and motion terms
6. Question 2.1 · November 2017 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
A brother and sister walk home from school. After walking $500$ m eastwards, the brother realises that he has left a book at school and he returns to school. His sister continues walking another $800$ m to their home. She arrives home $30$ minutes after leaving school.
2.1 Define the term average speed.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of average speedThe total distance travelled per total time.
  2 marks · Define vector and motion terms
7. Question 1.1 · November 2025 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
Various options are provided as answers to the following questions. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (1.1 to 1.10) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example, 1.11 D.
1.1 Vector $B$ and vector $- B$ are acting on the same point $X$ . The angle between the two vectors is ...(2)
1. A $180°$
2. B $90°$
3. C $0°$
4. D $270°$
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct option A $- B$ has the same magnitude as $B$ but points in the opposite direction. Two vectors pointing in opposite directions make an angle of $180°$ with each other.
  
  Answer: A
  2 marks · Find a resultant in one dimension
8. Question 1.1 · June 2024 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
Four options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the letter (A – D) of the correct answer.
1.1 Vector R and $-$ R are acting on a common point O. The angle between the two vectors is:(2)
1. A $270°$
2. B $180°$
3. C $90°$
4. D $0°$
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct option $-$ R has the same magnitude as R but points in the opposite direction. Two vectors pointing in opposite directions make an angle of $180°$ with each other.
  
  Answer: B
  2 marks · Find a resultant in one dimension
9. Question 1.1 · June 2024 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
Four options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer.
1.1 Two forces X and Y act at the same point O as shown in the sketch below. The magnitudes of the forces X and Y are $6$ N and $8$ N respectively. The angle $θ$ can be changed.

Which ONE of the following forces CANNOT be the magnitude of the resultant force?(2)
1. A $1$ N
2. B $2$ N
3. C $10$ N
4. D $13$ N
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Range of possible resultantsThe resultant is largest when the forces point the same way: $6 + 8 = 14$ N.
  It is smallest when they point in opposite directions: $8 - 6 = 2$ N.
  So the resultant can be any value from $2$ N to $14$ N. $2$ N, $10$ N and $13$ N are all possible; $1$ N is below the minimum.
  
  Answer: A
  2 marks · Find a resultant in one dimension
10. Question 1.3 · November 2023 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
1.3 Which of the following sentences describes a vector?(2)
1. A The food in the lunch box contains $3300$ J.
2. B The charge on the pith ball is $- 145$ C.
3. C The electric field is $120$ N·C $^{- 1}$ North.
4. D The container occupies $250$ dm $^{3}$ .
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Identify the vector quantityA vector has magnitude and direction. Only option C gives a direction (North). Energy, charge and volume are scalars: the minus sign on a charge shows its type (negative), not a direction.
  
  Answer: C
  2 marks · Define vector and motion terms

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