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. A 25-cm spring stretches to 28 cm when a force of 12 N is applied. What would its length be if that force were doubled?

A. 31 cm
B. 40 cm
C. 50 cm
D. 56 cm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the 12 N force stretches the spring from 25 cm to 28 cm, it causes a length increase of 28 cm - 25 cm = 3 cm. Therefore, each newton of applied force causes an extension of 3 cm / 12 N = 0.25 cm/N. If the force is doubled to 24 N, the spring would extend by 24 N × 0.25 cm/N = 6 cm more than its original length of 25 cm. Thus, the new length of the spring would be 25 cm + 6 cm = 31 cm. Choice A, 31 cm, is the correct answer as calculated. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between force and extension in the spring, leading to incorrect calculations of the new length.

3. Which of these substances is most compressible?

A. Gold
B. Water
C. Mercury
D. Methane

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Methane, a gas at room temperature and pressure, is the most compressible substance among the options provided. Gases are generally more compressible compared to liquids and solids because their particles have more space between them, allowing for greater compression when pressure is applied. Gold, water, and mercury, being solid and liquid substances, respectively, have particles arranged closely together, making them less compressible. Therefore, the correct answer is Methane.

4. In fluid dynamics, the continuity equation, a fundamental principle, expresses the conservation of:

A. Momentum
B. Mass
C. Energy
D. Angular momentum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The continuity equation in fluid dynamics is a statement of the conservation of mass, making choice B the correct answer. It states that the mass entering a system must equal the mass leaving the system, assuming no mass is created or destroyed within the system. Conservation of momentum (choice A) is related to Newton's laws of motion and is not directly expressed by the continuity equation. Conservation of energy (choice C) involves different principles like the first law of thermodynamics and is not the focus of the continuity equation. Angular momentum (choice D) is also a different concept related to rotational motion and not described by the continuity equation.

5. What force was applied to the object that was moved if 100 N⋅m of work is done over 20 m?

A. 5 N
B. 80 N
C. 120 N
D. 2,000 N

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Work is calculated using the formula Work = Force x Distance. Given that 100 N⋅m of work is done over 20 m, we can rearrange the formula to solve for Force. Force = Work / Distance. Plugging in the values, we get Force = 100 N⋅m / 20 m = 5 N. Therefore, the force applied to the object that was moved is 5 N. Choice B (80 N) is incorrect because it doesn't match the calculated force of 5 N. Choice C (120 N) is incorrect as it is higher than the calculated force. Choice D (2,000 N) is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the correct force of 5 N.