Nursing Elites

1. According to the Clausius inequality, for a cyclic process involving heat transfer between a system and its surroundings at a single constant temperature (T), the following inequality must hold true:

• A. There is no relationship between heat transfer and temperature in a cyclic process.
• B. ∫ dQ/T ≥ 0
• C. ∫ Q/T = constant
• D. ∫ dQ/T ≤ 0

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Clausius inequality states that for a cyclic process involving heat transfer at a single constant temperature, the integral of heat transfer divided by temperature (∫ dQ/T) must be less than or equal to zero. This inequality reflects the irreversibility of natural processes. Choice A is incorrect as there is a direct relationship between heat transfer and temperature in the Clausius inequality. Choice B is incorrect because the integral of dQ/T must be less than or equal to zero, not greater than or equal to zero. Choice C is incorrect because the integral of Q/T is not a constant in a cyclic process involving heat transfer at a single constant temperature.

2. 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.

3. A constant force is exerted on a stationary object. In this scenario, work is:

• A. Performed
• B. Not performed
• C. Partially performed
• D. Inconclusive without further information

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Work is only done when a force causes displacement. Since the object is stationary, no displacement occurs, and therefore, no work is performed. Choice A is incorrect because work requires both force and displacement. Choice C is incorrect as there is no partial work - work is either done or not done. Choice D is incorrect as the scenario provided is clear - the object is stationary, so no work is being performed.

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 hummingbird’s wings beat at 25 beats per second. What is the period of the wing beating in seconds?

• A. 0.04 s
• B. 0.25 s
• C. 0.4 s
• D. 4 s

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The period represents the time for one complete cycle of the wing beating. To calculate the period, you take the reciprocal of the frequency. In this case, with the wings beating at 25 beats per second, the period is 1/25, which equals 0.04 seconds. Therefore, choice A, 0.04 seconds, is correct. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct calculation of the period based on the given frequency of 25 beats per second.

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