HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics
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. A 50-kg box of iron fishing weights is balanced at the edge of a table. Peter gives it a push, and it falls 2 meters to the floor. Which of the following statements is true?
- A. Once the box hits the floor, it loses both its kinetic and potential energy.
- B. The box had kinetic energy only when it was balanced at the edge of the table.
- C. The box had both kinetic and potential energy after it fell.
- D. Once the box hits the floor, it loses all its kinetic energy.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When the box is balanced at the edge of the table, it has potential energy due to its position above the ground. As Peter gives it a push, and it falls 2 meters to the floor, the box then has both kinetic energy (due to its motion) and potential energy (due to gravity). Therefore, the correct statement is that the box had both kinetic and potential energy after it fell. Option A is incorrect because the box retains its energy forms even after hitting the floor. Option B is incorrect as the box has kinetic energy both before and after falling. Option D is incorrect as the box still possesses kinetic energy even after hitting the floor.
3. A 2,000-kg car travels at 15 m/s. For a 1,500-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to generate the same momentum, what would need to happen?
- A. It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s.
- B. It would need to add 500 kg in mass.
- C. Both A and B
- D. Either A or B
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Momentum is calculated as the product of mass and velocity. Since momentum is conserved in the absence of external forces, for the 1,500-kg car to generate the same momentum as the 2,000-kg car at 15 m/s, it would need to increase its velocity to compensate for the difference in mass. Accelerating to 20 m/s would achieve this without needing to change the mass of the car. Choice B is incorrect because adding mass is not necessary to match momentum in this scenario.
4. Electric motors convert electrical energy primarily into:
- A. Thermal energy
- B. Light
- C. Mechanical energy
- D. Sound waves
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. When electricity passes through the coils in the motor, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the field from the permanent magnets, resulting in a force that drives motion. Choice A, 'Thermal energy,' is incorrect as electric motors are designed to minimize heat production. Choice B, 'Light,' is incorrect as electric motors do not produce light as a primary output. Choice D, 'Sound waves,' is incorrect as the primary output of an electric motor is mechanical motion, not sound waves.
5. According to the zeroth law of thermodynamics, two systems are in thermal equilibrium if:
- A. They have the same pressure.
- B. They have the same volume.
- C. They have the same temperature.
- D. They are made of the same material.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "They have the same temperature." The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. This implies that they have the same temperature. Choice A is incorrect because pressure is not the determining factor for thermal equilibrium. Choice B is incorrect because volume alone does not dictate thermal equilibrium. Choice D is incorrect as the materials the systems are made of do not determine thermal equilibrium according to the zeroth law of thermodynamics.
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