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. As the frequency of a sound wave increases, what else is true?

A. Its wavelength decreases.
B. Its wavelength increases.
C. Its amplitude decreases.
D. Its amplitude increases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Its wavelength decreases.' The frequency and wavelength of a sound wave are inversely proportional. As the frequency of a sound wave increases (more oscillations per second), its wavelength decreases. This relationship is described by the formula: Speed of Sound = Frequency x Wavelength. Therefore, to maintain the speed of sound constant, when the frequency increases, the wavelength must decrease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because an increase in frequency does not lead to an increase in wavelength or changes in amplitude.

3. According to the Law of Universal Gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to what factor?

A. the gravitational constant
B. the distance between them
C. the product of their masses
D. the square of the distance between them

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to the Law of Universal Gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses. The equation is: F = G × (m₁ × m₂) / r², where F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant, m₁ and m₂ are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between them. Choice A is incorrect because the gravitational constant is a constant value. Choice B is incorrect because the distance between the objects affects the strength of the gravitational force inversely proportional to the square of the distance, not directly proportional. Choice D is incorrect as it represents the inverse square law, where the gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance between the objects.

4. Bernoulli's principle for an incompressible, inviscid fluid in steady flow states that the mechanical energy, consisting of:

A. Pressure (P) only, remains constant along a streamline.
B. Velocity (v) only, remains constant along a streamline.
C. P + ½ρv² (total mechanical energy), remains constant along a streamline
D. Density (ρ) only, remains constant along a streamline.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bernoulli's principle states that the sum of pressure energy (P), kinetic energy per unit volume (½ρv²), and potential energy per unit volume remains constant along a streamline in an incompressible, inviscid fluid. This means the total mechanical energy of the fluid is conserved, making Choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Bernoulli's principle involves the conservation of the total mechanical energy, not just pressure, velocity, or density alone.

5. Sublimation is the change in matter from solid to gas or gas to solid without passing through a liquid phase. Outside of the laboratory, which solid provides the best example of this?

A. Iron
B. Silver
C. Salt crystal
D. Dry ice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) provides the best example of sublimation outside of the laboratory. When dry ice is exposed to normal atmospheric conditions, it changes directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase. This process is commonly observed in everyday situations such as creating 'smoke' or 'fog' effects. Choices A, B, and C (Iron, Silver, and Salt crystal) do not undergo sublimation. Iron and Silver melt and then vaporize, while Salt crystal dissolves in water, and the resulting solution evaporates, which involves a liquid phase.