Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Entropy (S) is a thermodynamic property related to the system's disorder. According to the second law of thermodynamics, in a spontaneous process:

• A. The total entropy of the system and surroundings increases.
• B. The total entropy of the system and surroundings decreases.
• C. The total entropy of the system remains constant.
• D. The total entropy of the surroundings increases, while the system's entropy decreases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The second law of thermodynamics asserts that the entropy of an isolated system (or the combined system and surroundings) will always increase in a spontaneous process, reflecting an increase in disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is that the total entropy of the system and surroundings increases. Choice B is incorrect because entropy always tends to increase in a spontaneous process, as dictated by the second law of thermodynamics. Choice C is incorrect as entropy typically increases in natural processes. Choice D is incorrect because the second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of the system and surroundings always increases in a spontaneous process.

3. As a car is traveling on the highway, its speed drops from 60 mph to 30 mph. What happens to its kinetic energy?

• A. Its energy is halved.
• B. Its energy is doubled.
• C. Its energy is quadrupled.
• D. Its energy is divided by four.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity. When the speed drops from 60 mph to 30 mph, the kinetic energy is halved. Choice B is incorrect because halving the speed results in halving the kinetic energy, not doubling it. Choice C is incorrect because quadrupling the kinetic energy would require increasing the speed fourfold, not halving it. Choice D is incorrect because dividing the energy by four would imply a different relationship between speed and kinetic energy, which is not the case.

4. When a crane hoists a massive object at a constant velocity compared to lifting the same object gradually, the work done by the crane is:

• A. Less
• B. More
• C. Identical
• D. Dependent on the object's mass

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The work done by the crane is identical in both scenarios. Work is defined as the force applied over a distance. Since the force needed to lift the object is equal to its weight and the displacement is the same, the work done is identical, whether the object is lifted gradually or at a constant velocity. Choice A is incorrect because the work done is the same in both cases. Choice B is incorrect as well since the work done does not increase. Choice D is incorrect as the mass of the object does not affect the work done by the crane in this scenario.

5. 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.

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