an airplane travels 500 miles northeast and then on the return trip travels 500 miles southwest which of the following is true

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. An airplane travels 500 miles northeast and then, on the return trip, travels 500 miles southwest. Which of the following is true?

A. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
B. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.
C. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
D. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The displacement of an object is the change in position from the starting point to the ending point, regardless of the path taken. In this case, the airplane returns to its original position after traveling 500 miles northeast and then 500 miles southwest. Therefore, the displacement is 0 miles. However, the distance traveled is the total path covered, which is 500 miles northeast plus 500 miles southwest, for a total of 1,000 miles. Choice A is incorrect because the displacement is not the sum of the distances traveled. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 1,000 miles. Choice C is incorrect as it states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 0 miles, which is not the case.

2. The specific heat capacity of tin is 217 J/(g°C). Which of these materials would require about twice as much heat as tin to increase the temperature of a sample by 1°C?

A. Copper [0.3844 J/(g°C)]
B. Iron [0.449 J/(g°C)]
C. Gold [0.1291 J/(g°C)]
D. Aluminum [0.904 J/(g°C)]

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Aluminum. The specific heat capacity of aluminum is 0.904 J/(g°C), which is approximately 4 times that of tin. For a material to require about twice as much heat as tin to increase the temperature by 1°C, it should have a specific heat capacity roughly double that of tin. Therefore, aluminum fits this criterion better than the other options. Gold has a much lower specific heat capacity than tin, so it would require less, not more, heat to increase the temperature by 1°C. Copper and Iron also have specific heat capacities lower than tin, making them incorrect choices for requiring twice as much heat as tin.

3. A 5-kg block is suspended from a spring, causing the spring to stretch 10 cm from equilibrium. What is the spring constant for this spring?

A. 4.9 N/cm
B. 9.8 N/cm
C. 49 N/cm
D. 50 N/cm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The spring constant (k) can be calculated using Hooke's Law formula: F = -kx, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from equilibrium. In this case, the force applied is equal to the weight of the block, F = mg, where m = mass of the block = 5 kg and g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s^2. The displacement x = 10 cm = 0.1 m. Substituting the values, we have: 5 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = k * 0.1 m. Solving for k gives k = 5 * 9.8 / 0.1 = 49 N/m. Therefore, the spring constant for this spring is 49 N/cm. Choice A (4.9 N/cm) is incorrect because it is one decimal place lower than the correct answer. Choice B (9.8 N/cm) is incorrect as it does not account for the correct calculation based on the given information. Choice D (50 N/cm) is incorrect because it is slightly higher than the accurate value obtained through the calculations.

4. What is the purpose of a switch in a circuit?

A. To reverse the direction of alternating current
B. To increase the voltage of the battery or cell
C. To increase the resistance of wires in the circuit
D. To allow the circuit to open and close

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of a switch in a circuit is to allow the circuit to open and close. When the switch is turned on, it provides a complete path for the current to flow through the circuit. When the switch is turned off, it breaks the circuit, stopping the flow of current. This function of opening and closing the circuit using a switch is essential for controlling the flow of electricity in various electrical devices and systems. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a switch does not reverse the direction of current, increase voltage, or increase resistance in a circuit; its primary function is to open and close the circuit.

5. Which mathematical quantity is scalar?

A. Distance
B. Velocity
C. Acceleration
D. Displacement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Distance is a scalar quantity because it has only magnitude and no direction. It is simply the total length of the path travelled by an object. Scalars are quantities that are fully described by their magnitude alone, without any reference to direction. Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities as they have both magnitude and direction. Displacement is also a vector quantity as it is the change in position of an object and includes both magnitude and direction.