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. Two objects attract each other with a gravitational force of 12 units. If you double the mass of both objects, what is the new force of attraction between them?

• A. 3 units
• B. 6 units
• C. 24 units
• D. 48 units

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses. When you double the masses of both objects, the force of attraction between them increases by a factor of 2 x 2 = 4. Therefore, the new force of attraction between the two objects will be 12 units x 4 = 24 units. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because doubling the mass results in a quadruple increase in force, not a linear one.

3. Which of the following statements is true about a refrigerator?

• A. It operates on a Carnot cycle and removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature.
• B. It violates the first law of thermodynamics by creating cold.
• C. It increases the total entropy of the universe.
• D. It operates isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A refrigerator operates on a Carnot cycle by transferring heat from a cold reservoir to a hot reservoir. Choice A is correct because a refrigerator removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature. Choice B is incorrect as a refrigerator does not violate the first law of thermodynamics but rather requires work input to transfer heat. Choice C is incorrect as a refrigerator does not increase the total entropy of the universe. Choice D is incorrect because a refrigerator does not operate isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.

4. 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.

5. A closed system undergoes a cyclic process, returning to its initial state. What can be said about the net work done (Wnet) by the system over the entire cycle?

• A. Wnet is always positive.
• B. Wnet is always negative.
• C. Wnet can be positive, negative, or zero.
• D. Wnet is equal to the total heat transferred into the system (dQ ≠ 0 for a cycle).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a closed system undergoing a cyclic process and returning to its initial state, the net work done (Wnet) over the entire cycle can be positive, negative, or zero. This is because the work done is determined by the area enclosed by the cycle on a P-V diagram, and this area can be above, below, or intersecting the zero work axis, leading to positive, negative, or zero net work done. Choice A is incorrect because Wnet is not always positive; it depends on the specific path taken on the P-V diagram. Choice B is incorrect as Wnet is not always negative; it varies based on the enclosed area. Choice D is incorrect because Wnet is not necessarily equal to the total heat transferred into the system; it depends on the specifics of the cycle and is not a direct relationship.

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