Nursing Elites

1. A 5-kg block is suspended from a spring, causing the spring to stretch 10 cm from equilibrium. What is the spring constant for this spring?

• A. 4.9 N/cm
• B. 9.8 N/cm
• C. 49 N/cm
• D. 50 N/cm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The spring constant (k) can be calculated using Hooke's Law formula: F = -kx, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from equilibrium. In this case, the force applied is equal to the weight of the block, F = mg, where m = mass of the block = 5 kg and g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s^2. The displacement x = 10 cm = 0.1 m. Substituting the values, we have: 5 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = k * 0.1 m. Solving for k gives k = 5 * 9.8 / 0.1 = 49 N/m. Therefore, the spring constant for this spring is 49 N/cm. Choice A (4.9 N/cm) is incorrect because it is one decimal place lower than the correct answer. Choice B (9.8 N/cm) is incorrect as it does not account for the correct calculation based on the given information. Choice D (50 N/cm) is incorrect because it is slightly higher than the accurate value obtained through the calculations.

2. Cavitation is a phenomenon observed in fluids when the pressure falls below its:

• A. Boiling point
• B. Density
• C. Freezing point
• D. Vapor pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cavitation is a phenomenon where vapor bubbles form in a fluid due to pressure dropping below the vapor pressure of the liquid. When this occurs, the bubbles collapse, creating intense shock waves. The pressure falling below the vapor pressure is what triggers cavitation, not the boiling point, density, or freezing point of the fluid. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Vapor pressure,' as it directly relates to the pressure threshold required for cavitation to happen.

3. As a vehicle positioned at the peak of a hill rolls downhill, its potential energy transforms into:

• A. Thermal energy
• B. Neither thermal nor kinetic energy
• C. A combination of thermal and kinetic energy
• D. Kinetic energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Kinetic energy. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the vehicle moves downhill. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a moving object. Thermal energy is not produced in this scenario because the energy transformation is mainly from potential to kinetic energy, not involving heat generation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary energy transformation in this scenario is from potential to kinetic energy, not involving thermal energy.

4. Which of the following describes a vector quantity?

• A. 5 miles per hour due southwest
• B. 5 miles per hour
• C. 5 miles
• D. None of the above

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.

5. What is the main difference between a reversible and irreversible process in thermodynamics?

• A. Reversible processes involve heat transfer, while irreversible processes do not.
• B. Reversible processes occur instantaneously, while irreversible processes take time.
• C. Reversible processes can be run in both directions with the same outcome, while irreversible processes cannot.
• D. Reversible processes violate the first law of thermodynamics.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A reversible process is an idealized process that can be reversed without leaving any change in either the system or the surroundings. In contrast, irreversible processes cannot be reversed and often involve entropy production or dissipation. Choice A is incorrect because both reversible and irreversible processes can involve heat transfer. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of a process does not determine its reversibility. Choice D is incorrect because reversible processes do not violate the first law of thermodynamics; they comply with it by maintaining a balance between energy inputs and outputs. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it accurately captures the main difference between reversible and irreversible processes in thermodynamics.

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