in an adiabatic process there is

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. In an adiabatic process, there is:

A. No heat transfer (Q = 0) between the system and the surroundings.
B. Isothermal compression or expansion (constant temperature).
C. Constant pressure throughout the process (isobaric process).
D. No change in the system's internal energy (energy is conserved according to the first law).

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an adiabatic process, choice A is correct because adiabatic processes involve no heat transfer between the system and its surroundings (Q = 0). This lack of heat transfer is a defining characteristic of adiabatic processes. Choices B, C, and D do not accurately describe an adiabatic process. Choice B refers to an isothermal process where temperature remains constant, not adiabatic. Choice C describes an isobaric process with constant pressure, not specific to adiabatic processes. Choice D mentions the conservation of energy but does not directly relate to the absence of heat transfer in adiabatic processes.

2. When two long, parallel wires carry currents in the same direction, the wires will experience a force of:

A. An unpredictable force depending on wire material
B. Repulsion
C. No force
D. Attraction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When two wires carry current in the same direction, they create magnetic fields that interact with each other. This interaction results in an attractive force between the wires due to the alignment of their magnetic fields. Choice A is incorrect because the force can be predicted based on the direction of the currents and the magnetic fields produced. Choice B is incorrect because when currents flow in the same direction, they do not repel each other. Choice C is incorrect because there is indeed a force present due to the interaction of magnetic fields, resulting in attraction between the wires.

3. A 2,000-kg car travels at 15 m/s. For a 1,500-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to generate the same momentum, what would need to happen?

A. It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s.
B. It would need to add 500 kg in mass.
C. Both A and B
D. Either A or B

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Momentum is calculated as the product of mass and velocity. Since momentum is conserved in the absence of external forces, for the 1,500-kg car to generate the same momentum as the 2,000-kg car at 15 m/s, it would need to increase its velocity to compensate for the difference in mass. Accelerating to 20 m/s would achieve this without needing to change the mass of the car. Choice B is incorrect because adding mass is not necessary to match momentum in this scenario.

4. Psychrometrics is a branch of thermodynamics that deals with the properties of:

A. Ideal gases.
B. Magnetic materials.
C. Mixtures of moist air and water vapor.
D. Nuclear reactions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Psychrometrics is the study of the physical and thermodynamic properties of gas-vapor mixtures, especially mixtures of moist air and water vapor. This branch of thermodynamics focuses on the relationships between temperature, pressure, humidity, and other properties of these mixtures. Choice A, ideal gases, is incorrect because psychrometrics specifically deals with gas-vapor mixtures, not ideal gases. Choice B, magnetic materials, and Choice D, nuclear reactions, are unrelated to psychrometrics and thermodynamics, making them incorrect. Understanding psychrometrics is crucial in fields like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) to design systems that effectively control air quality, comfort, and temperature.

5. 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.