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. Given the four wires described here, which would you expect to have the greatest resistance?

• A. 1 km of American wire gauge 1; diameter 7.35 mm
• B. 1 km of American wire gauge 2; diameter 6.54 mm
• C. 1 km of American wire gauge 3; diameter 5.83 mm
• D. 1 km of American wire gauge 4; diameter 5.19 mm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The wire with the greatest resistance is the one with the smallest diameter, as resistance is inversely proportional to cross-sectional area. Gauge 4 with a 5.19 mm diameter has the smallest diameter and, therefore, the greatest resistance. Choice A, B, and C have larger diameters compared to choice D, so they would have lower resistance values.

3. In a U-tube manometer, a fluid is used to measure pressure differences. When one side is connected to a pressurized system, the fluid level on that side will:

• A. Remain the same
• B. Decrease
• C. Increase
• D. Depend on the type of fluid used

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a U-tube manometer, the side connected to a pressurized system will experience a decrease in fluid level due to the pressure exerted by the system. This pressure forces the fluid down, causing the fluid level to decrease. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A and C are incorrect because the fluid level will not remain the same or increase when connected to a pressurized system. Choice D is incorrect as the type of fluid used does not determine the direction of the fluid movement in response to pressure.

4. A 25-cm spring stretches to 28 cm when a force of 12 N is applied. What would its length be if that force were doubled?

• A. 31 cm
• B. 40 cm
• C. 50 cm
• D. 56 cm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the 12 N force stretches the spring from 25 cm to 28 cm, it causes a length increase of 28 cm - 25 cm = 3 cm. Therefore, each newton of applied force causes an extension of 3 cm / 12 N = 0.25 cm/N. If the force is doubled to 24 N, the spring would extend by 24 N × 0.25 cm/N = 6 cm more than its original length of 25 cm. Thus, the new length of the spring would be 25 cm + 6 cm = 31 cm. Choice A, 31 cm, is the correct answer as calculated. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between force and extension in the spring, leading to incorrect calculations of the new length.

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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