coulombs law has to do with

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics Practice Test

1. What does Coulomb’s law relate to?

A. electrostatic interaction
B. rigid body motion
C. heat conduction
D. universal gravitation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Coulomb's law is a fundamental principle in physics that deals with the electrostatic interaction between charged particles. It states that the force between two charged objects is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This law is crucial in understanding and predicting the behavior of electrically charged objects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Coulomb's law specifically focuses on electrostatic interactions between charges, not rigid body motion, heat conduction, or universal gravitation.

2. 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.

3. If a force of 12 kg stretches a spring by 3 cm, how far will the spring stretch when a force of 30 kg is applied?

A. 6 cm
B. 7.5 cm
C. 9 cm
D. 10.5 cm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied. In this case, the force increases from 12 kg to 30 kg, which is a 2.5 times increase. Therefore, the extension of the spring will also increase by 2.5 times. Given that the spring stretches 3 cm with a force of 12 kg, multiplying 3 cm by 2.5 gives us the extension of the spring when a force of 30 kg is applied, which equals 7.5 cm. Therefore, the correct answer is 7.5 cm. Choice A, 6 cm, is incorrect because it does not account for the proportional increase in force. Choice C, 9 cm, and Choice D, 10.5 cm, are incorrect as they overestimate the extension of the spring by not considering the direct proportionality between force and extension.

4. 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.

5. Which of the following materials has the lowest density?

A. Water
B. Cork
C. Aluminum
D. Steel

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cork has the lowest density among the given options. Cork is a lightweight material derived from the bark of cork oak trees and is known for its low density, making it float on water. Water, aluminum, and steel have higher densities compared to cork. Water is denser than cork because it has a consistent density of 1 g/cm³. Aluminum and steel are metals with much higher densities due to their atomic structures, making them denser than cork.