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. In a parallel circuit, the ___________ through each component is the same.

A. current
B. voltage
C. resistance
D. wattage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a parallel circuit, the current through each component is the same. This is because the components in a parallel circuit are connected across the same voltage source, so they all experience the same voltage across their terminals. The total current entering the parallel circuit is then split up among the various components, but the current through each component remains the same as the total current. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. In a parallel circuit, voltage across each component may vary, resistance may differ, and wattage is related to power, not the equality of current through each component.

3. An electromagnet is holding a 1,500-kg car at a height of 25 m above the ground. The magnet then experiences a power outage, and the car falls to the ground. Which of the following is false?

A. The car had a potential energy of 367.5 kJ.
B. 367.5 kJ of potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.
C. The car retains potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground.
D. The car’s potential energy converts to kinetic energy and then to sound energy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the car falls to the ground, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as it accelerates downwards. Upon impact with the ground, the car's kinetic energy is dissipated in various forms, such as sound energy, heat, and deformation energy. Therefore, the car does not retain its initial potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground. Choice A is true because the potential energy of the car can be calculated as mgh = 1500 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 25 m = 367,500 J = 367.5 kJ. Choice B is true because as the car falls, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. Choice D is true as the kinetic energy is eventually dissipated into other forms upon impact.

4. A pitcher throws a 45-g baseball at a velocity of 42 meters per second. What is the ball’s momentum?

A. 0.189 kg⋅m/s
B. 1.89 kg⋅m/s
C. 1.07 kg⋅m/s
D. 0.93 kg⋅m/s

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Momentum is calculated by multiplying mass (in kg) by velocity (in m/s). The mass of the baseball is 0.045 kg (45 grams converted to kg), and the velocity is 42 m/s. Momentum = 0.045 kg × 42 m/s = 1.89 kg⋅m/s. Therefore, the correct answer is 1.89 kg⋅m/s. Choice A is incorrect as it incorrectly converts the mass from grams to kg. Choice C and D are incorrect due to calculation errors.

5. In an electrically neutral atom, the number of:

A. Electrons is equal to protons
B. Protons is equal to neutrons
C. Neutrons are always greater than protons
D. Electrons are always less than protons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an electrically neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Electrons carry a negative charge, protons carry a positive charge, and neutrons are neutral. Since the atom is electrically neutral, the positive charge of the protons must balance the negative charge of the electrons, making the numbers of electrons and protons equal. Choice B is incorrect because protons are not equal to neutrons in an atom. Choice C is incorrect because neutrons are not always greater than protons, and choice D is incorrect because electrons are not always less than protons in an atom.