HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics
1. During an isothermal (constant temperature) expansion, what is the work done by the gas on the surroundings?
- A. Positive and equal to the change in internal energy.
- B. Zero.
- C. Negative and equal to the change in internal energy.
- D. Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In an isothermal expansion, the temperature remains constant, meaning there is no change in internal energy. However, the gas still does work on the surroundings as it expands, and this work is positive. Since internal energy does not change, the correct answer is D, 'Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.' Choice A is incorrect because the work done is not equal to the change in internal energy. Choice B is incorrect as work is done during the expansion. Choice C is incorrect since the work done is not negative during an isothermal expansion.
2. Archimedes' principle explains the ability to control buoyancy, allowing:
- A. Objects to sink regardless of density differences.
- B. Airplanes to generate lift for flight.
- C. Submarines to adjust their buoyancy for submergence and resurfacing.
- D. Helium balloons to overcome gravity and float.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Archimedes' principle states that the upward buoyant force acting on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. Submarines control their buoyancy by adjusting the volume of water they displace, which allows them to submerge and resurface. Choice C is correct because it directly relates to the principle of buoyancy and how submarines utilize it. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the application of Archimedes' principle in controlling buoyancy for submergence and resurfacing.
3. At which point on a roller coaster does the car have the greatest potential energy?
- A. The start of the ride
- B. The highest peak
- C. The lowest trough
- D. The end of the ride
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, the highest peak. At the highest peak of the roller coaster, the car reaches its maximum height above the ground. This point represents the car's greatest potential energy because it has the highest potential to do work due to its elevated position. The potential energy is directly proportional to the height of an object, so the highest point on the roller coaster track corresponds to the car's greatest potential energy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because potential energy is highest at the peak due to its elevated position, not at the start of the ride, the lowest trough, or the end of the ride.
4. A caterpillar starts moving at a rate of 14 in/hr. After 15 minutes, it is moving at a rate of 20 in/hr. What is the caterpillar’s rate of acceleration?
- A. 6 in/hr²
- B. 12 in/hr²
- C. 24 in/hr²
- D. 280 in/hr²
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Acceleration is the change in velocity over time. The change in velocity for the caterpillar is 20 in/hr - 14 in/hr = 6 in/hr. Since this change occurred over 15 minutes (or 0.25 hours), the acceleration can be calculated as (6 in/hr) / (0.25 hr) = 24 in/hr². Therefore, the caterpillar's rate of acceleration is 24 in/hr², which corresponds to choice C. Choice A, 6 in/hr², is incorrect as it does not account for the time factor and the correct calculation. Choice B, 12 in/hr², is incorrect as it doubles the correct acceleration value. Choice D, 280 in/hr², is significantly higher than the correct value, indicating a calculation error.
5. The efficiency (η) of a heat engine is defined as the ratio of the net work done (Wnet) by the engine to the heat input (Qh) from the hot reservoir. The relationship is expressed as:
- A. η = Wnet / Qh
- B. η = Qh / Wnet
- C. η = Wnet x Qh
- D. η = (Wnet + Qh) / 2
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct formula for efficiency (η) of a heat engine is η = Wnet / Qh. Efficiency is defined as the ratio of the net work done by the engine (Wnet) to the heat input from the hot reservoir (Qh). This formula shows how effectively the engine converts heat into useful work, making choice A the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D present incorrect relationships between efficiency, net work done, and heat input, leading to their incorrectness.
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