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. For steady, incompressible flow through a pipe, the mass flow rate (ṁ) is related to the fluid density (ρ), cross-sectional area (A), and average velocity (v) via the continuity equation:

A. ṁ cannot be determined without additional information
B. ṁ = ρvA
C. Bernoulli's principle is solely applicable here
D. The equation of state for the specific fluid is required

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The continuity equation for steady, incompressible flow states that the mass flow rate is the product of the fluid's density, velocity, and cross-sectional area. Hence, ṁ = ρvA. Choice A is incorrect because the mass flow rate can be determined using the given formula. Choice C is incorrect as Bernoulli's principle does not directly relate to the mass flow rate calculation. Choice D is incorrect as the equation of state is not needed to calculate the mass flow rate in this scenario.

3. A closed system undergoes a cyclic process, returning to its initial state. What can be said about the net work done (Wnet) by the system over the entire cycle?

A. Wnet is always positive.
B. Wnet is always negative.
C. Wnet can be positive, negative, or zero.
D. Wnet is equal to the total heat transferred into the system (dQ ≠ 0 for a cycle).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a closed system undergoing a cyclic process and returning to its initial state, the net work done (Wnet) over the entire cycle can be positive, negative, or zero. This is because the work done is determined by the area enclosed by the cycle on a P-V diagram, and this area can be above, below, or intersecting the zero work axis, leading to positive, negative, or zero net work done. Choice A is incorrect because Wnet is not always positive; it depends on the specific path taken on the P-V diagram. Choice B is incorrect as Wnet is not always negative; it varies based on the enclosed area. Choice D is incorrect because Wnet is not necessarily equal to the total heat transferred into the system; it depends on the specifics of the cycle and is not a direct relationship.

4. Which of the following statements is true about a refrigerator?

A. It operates on a Carnot cycle and removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature.
B. It violates the first law of thermodynamics by creating cold.
C. It increases the total entropy of the universe.
D. It operates isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A refrigerator operates on a Carnot cycle by transferring heat from a cold reservoir to a hot reservoir. Choice A is correct because a refrigerator removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature. Choice B is incorrect as a refrigerator does not violate the first law of thermodynamics but rather requires work input to transfer heat. Choice C is incorrect as a refrigerator does not increase the total entropy of the universe. Choice D is incorrect because a refrigerator does not operate isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.

5. An object with a charge of 3 μC is placed 30 cm from another object with a charge of 2 μC. What is the magnitude of the resulting force between the objects?

A. 0.6 N
B. 0.18 N
C. 180 N
D. 9 × 10−12 N

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To find the magnitude of the resulting force between two charges, we use Coulomb's Law: F = k × (|q1 × q2|) / r² Where: F is the force k is Coulomb’s constant (8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²) q1 and q2 are the charges r is the distance between the charges Plugging in the values: F = (8.99 × 10⁹) × (3 × 10⁻⁶) × (2 × 10⁻⁶) / (0.3)² = 0.18 N. Therefore, the magnitude of the resulting force is 0.18 N.