HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Practice Test
1. What is the phenomenon by which light bends as it passes through a prism known as?
- A. Reflection
- B. Electrical conduction
- C. Diffraction
- D. Refraction
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Refraction is the phenomenon by which light bends as it passes through a prism or any other medium boundary. When light transitions from one medium to another, such as air to glass in the case of a prism, it changes speed and direction due to the change in the medium's refractive index. This change in speed causes the light to bend. Reflection, on the other hand, is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface. Diffraction refers to the bending of light around obstacles or through narrow openings. Electrical conduction involves the movement of electrically charged particles through a conductor, which is unrelated to the bending of light.
2. When calculating an object’s acceleration, what must you do?
- A. Divide the change in time by the velocity.
- B. Multiply the velocity by the time.
- C. Find the difference between the time and velocity.
- D. Divide the change in velocity by the change in time.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When calculating an object's acceleration, you must divide the change in velocity by the change in time. Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. By determining the ratio of the change in velocity to the change in time, you can ascertain how quickly the velocity of an object is changing, thereby finding its acceleration. Choice A is incorrect because acceleration is not calculated by dividing time by velocity. Choice B is incorrect as it describes multiplying velocity by time, which does not yield acceleration. Choice C is incorrect as finding the difference between time and velocity is not a method to calculate acceleration.
3. Household alternating current typically has a frequency of 60 Hz. Which statement is true?
- A. The circuit is suitable for lighting 60-watt bulbs.
- B. Circuits in the home may carry a current of 60 amperes.
- C. The expected voltage drop is 60 volts per meter.
- D. Electrons complete a cycle 60 times per second.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Electrons complete a cycle 60 times per second when the frequency of the current is 60 Hz. This frequency indicates that the current changes direction 60 times per second, causing the electrons to complete a full cycle back and forth through the circuit at the same rate. Choice A is incorrect because the power rating of a bulb (in watts) is not directly related to the frequency of the current. Choice B is incorrect as typical household circuits do not carry currents as high as 60 amperes. Choice C is incorrect as the expected voltage drop is not measured in volts per meter for household alternating current circuits.
4. What is the mathematical expression for work (W)?
- A. W = F / d
- B. W = F x d
- C. W = d / F
- D. W = F^2 x d
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct formula for work (W) is given by the equation W = F x d, where F represents force and d represents the displacement in the direction of the force. Work is calculated by multiplying the force applied by the distance over which the force is applied. Choice A (W = F / d) is incorrect as work is not calculated by dividing force by distance. Choice C (W = d / F) is incorrect because work is not calculated by dividing distance by force. Choice D (W = F^2 x d) is incorrect as work is not calculated by squaring the force and then multiplying by distance.
5. What is the SI unit for quantifying the transfer of energy due to an applied force?
- A. Newton (N)
- B. Meter per second (m/s)
- C. Joule (J)
- D. Kilogram (kg)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Joule (J). The joule is the SI unit used to quantify the transfer of energy due to an applied force. It is defined as the work done when a force of one newton is applied over a distance of one meter. Newton (N) is the unit of force, not energy transfer. Meter per second (m/s) is the unit of speed, not energy transfer. Kilogram (kg) is the unit of mass, not energy transfer. Therefore, the correct unit for quantifying the transfer of energy due to an applied force is the joule (J).
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