a key parameter in fluid selection is specific gravity sg for a submerged object in a reference fluid often water sg object reference an object with

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. A key parameter in fluid selection is specific gravity (SG). For a submerged object in a reference fluid (often water), SG = ρ_object / ρ_reference. An object with SG > 1 will:

A. Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards
B. Experience a net buoyant force acting downwards
C. Remain neutrally buoyant
D. Require knowledge of the object's volume for buoyancy determination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the specific gravity (SG) of an object is greater than 1, it indicates that the object is denser than the reference fluid, which is often water. According to Archimedes' principle, an object with SG > 1 will experience a net buoyant force acting upwards when submerged in the fluid. This is because the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, causing it to float. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards.' Objects with SG < 1 would sink as they are less dense than the fluid, while objects with SG = 1 would be neutrally buoyant, neither sinking nor floating.

2. In the mechanical power equation P = E / t, power is measured in ___________.

A. ohms
B. Joules
C. volts
D. watts

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the mechanical power equation P = E / t, power is measured in watts. Watts are the standard unit of power in the International System of Units (SI), named after the Scottish engineer James Watt. Watts are defined as joules per second, reflecting the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. Ohms (choice A) are the unit of electrical resistance, Joules (choice B) are the unit of energy, and volts (choice C) are the unit of electric potential difference. Therefore, the correct answer is watts as it directly relates to power in the given equation.

3. Which substance would be most affected by a change in temperature?

A. Liquid nitrogen
B. Salt crystals
C. Hydrogen gas
D. Iron filings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hydrogen gas would be most affected by a change in temperature because gases have a greater expansion or contraction in volume with changes in temperature compared to liquids or solids. When the temperature of hydrogen gas increases, its molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster, causing the gas to expand and its volume to increase. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the gas molecules lose kinetic energy and move slower, leading to a decrease in volume. This property makes hydrogen gas highly sensitive to temperature changes compared to liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, or iron filings. Liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, and iron filings are less affected by temperature changes because their particles are closer together and have lower kinetic energy, resulting in minimal volume changes with temperature fluctuations.

4. In Einstein’s mass-energy equation, what is represented by c?

A. Distance in centimeters
B. The speed of light
C. Degrees Celsius
D. Centrifugal force

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Einstein's mass-energy equation, E=mc^2, the symbol 'c' represents the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately equal to 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second. This equation demonstrates the equivalence of energy (E) and mass (m) and is a fundamental concept in the theory of relativity. Choice A is incorrect as 'c' does not represent distance in centimeters. Choice C is incorrect as 'c' does not represent degrees Celsius. Choice D is incorrect as 'c' does not represent centrifugal force.

5. Which of the following is NOT a mode of heat transfer between a system and its surroundings?

A. Conduction
B. Convection
C. Radiation
D. Isothermalization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isothermalization is not a mode of heat transfer. The three main modes of heat transfer are conduction (through direct contact), convection (through fluid motion), and radiation (through electromagnetic waves). In this question, choice A, conduction, is not a mode of heat transfer between a system and its surroundings. Conduction refers to heat transfer through direct contact between particles, without the movement of the particles themselves. Therefore, A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they represent valid modes of heat transfer.