how do you determine the velocity of a wave

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. How do you determine the velocity of a wave?

A. Multiply the frequency by the wavelength.
B. Add the frequency and the wavelength.
C. Subtract the wavelength from the frequency.
D. Divide the wavelength by the frequency.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The velocity of a wave can be determined by multiplying the frequency of the wave by the wavelength. This relationship is given by the formula: velocity = frequency × wavelength. By multiplying the frequency by the wavelength, you can calculate the speed at which the wave is traveling. This formula is derived from the basic wave equation v = f × λ, where v represents velocity, f is frequency, and λ is wavelength. Therefore, to find the velocity of a wave, one must multiply its frequency by its wavelength. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Adding, subtracting, or dividing the frequency and wavelength does not yield the correct calculation for wave velocity. The correct formula for determining wave velocity is to multiply the frequency by the wavelength.

2. Fluid dynamics is a subfield of fluid mechanics concerned with:

A. Equilibrium properties of fluids at rest (Fluid Statics)
B. The motion and behavior of fluids under various conditions
C. Phase transitions of fluids between liquid, gas, and solid states
D. Engineering applications of fluids (related but broader than fluid dynamics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fluid dynamics is the study of fluids in motion and their behavior under different conditions, including how they flow, mix, and interact with their surroundings. It focuses on the dynamic aspects of fluids rather than their static properties when at rest, which is the realm of fluid statics. Phase transitions of fluids between liquid, gas, and solid states are more related to thermodynamics than fluid dynamics. While engineering applications involve fluid dynamics, the field itself is more specialized in studying the movement and behavior of fluids.

3. A key parameter in fluid selection is specific gravity (SG). For a submerged object in a reference fluid (often water), SG = ρ_object / ρ_reference. An object with SG > 1 will:

A. Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards
B. Experience a net buoyant force acting downwards
C. Remain neutrally buoyant
D. Require knowledge of the object's volume for buoyancy determination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the specific gravity (SG) of an object is greater than 1, it indicates that the object is denser than the reference fluid, which is often water. According to Archimedes' principle, an object with SG > 1 will experience a net buoyant force acting upwards when submerged in the fluid. This is because the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, causing it to float. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards.' Objects with SG < 1 would sink as they are less dense than the fluid, while objects with SG = 1 would be neutrally buoyant, neither sinking nor floating.

4. What is the primary factor responsible for generating lift on an airplane wing?

A. Propulsion force generated by the engines
B. Buoyant forces acting on the entire aircraft
C. Drag reduction achieved through streamlining
D. Application of Bernoulli's principle to the airfoil's shape

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary factor responsible for generating lift on an airplane wing is the application of Bernoulli's principle. This principle states that the air moving over the curved top surface of the wing has to travel faster, leading to reduced pressure above the wing and creating lift. Engines provide thrust for propulsion, not lift. Buoyant forces are more relevant to lighter-than-air aircraft like balloons or airships, not airplanes. While drag reduction through streamlining is important for efficiency, it is not the primary factor in lift generation. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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.