Nursing Elites

1. A Carnot cycle is a theoretical ideal heat engine operating between two heat reservoirs at different temperatures. Which of the following statements is NOT true about a Carnot cycle?

• A. The efficiency of a Carnot cycle is solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.
• B. It is a reversible cycle, meaning the process can be run in both directions with the same efficiency.
• C. It operates isothermally at the hot and cold reservoir temperatures.
• D. It is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement that is NOT true is C. Although part of the Carnot cycle operates isothermally, not the entire cycle operates isothermally. The Carnot cycle consists of both isothermal and adiabatic processes. Choice A is incorrect because the efficiency of a Carnot cycle is indeed solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs. Choice B is correct as a Carnot cycle is reversible, allowing the process to be run in both directions with the same efficiency. Choice D is also true as the Carnot cycle is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

2. 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.

3. Why doesn’t a raindrop accelerate as it approaches the ground?

• A. Gravity pulls it down at a constant rate.
• B. Air resistance counteracts the gravitational force.
• C. Its mass decreases, decreasing its speed.
• D. Objects in motion decelerate over distance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. As a raindrop falls, it experiences air resistance which counteracts the gravitational force pulling it down. This balancing of forces prevents the raindrop from accelerating further as it approaches the ground. Choice A is incorrect because while gravity is pulling the raindrop down, air resistance opposes this force. Choice C is incorrect as the mass of the raindrop remains constant during its fall. Choice D is incorrect because objects in motion may decelerate due to various factors, but in this case, the focus is on why the raindrop doesn't accelerate.

4. When the heat of a reaction is negative, which statement is true?

• A. The products have less energy and are less stable.
• B. The products have more energy and are more stable.
• C. The products have less energy and are more stable.
• D. The products have more energy and are less stable.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the heat of a reaction is negative, it indicates that the reaction releases energy in the form of heat. This means that the products have lower energy levels compared to the reactants. Lower energy levels are associated with greater stability in chemical systems. Therefore, when the heat of a reaction is negative, the products are more stable due to having less energy than the reactants. Choice A, stating that the products have less energy and are less stable, is incorrect as lower energy levels imply greater stability. Choice B, stating that the products have more energy and are more stable, is incorrect as lower energy levels lead to higher stability. Choice D, stating that the products have more energy and are less stable, is incorrect as lower energy levels are associated with higher stability.

5. When a gas is compressed isothermally, we can say that:

• A. The gas performs work on the surroundings, and its internal energy increases.
• B. The gas performs work on the surroundings, and its internal energy decreases.
• C. The surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy increases.
• D. The surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy decreases.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a gas is compressed isothermally, the surroundings perform work on the gas. In this process, since the temperature remains constant (isothermal), the internal energy of the gas does not change. Therefore, the correct answer is that the surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy decreases. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they incorrectly describe the direction of work and the change in internal energy during an isothermal compression.

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