in an electrically neutral atom the number of

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics Practice Test

1. 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.

2. Fluids can be categorized based on their shear stress-strain rate relationship. An ideal fluid exhibits:

A. Zero shear stress at any strain rate
B. Linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate (Newtonian)
C. Non-linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate (Non-Newtonian)
D. High dependence of viscosity on temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An ideal fluid, often referred to as an inviscid fluid, is a theoretical concept used in fluid mechanics to simplify calculations. It is characterized by having zero shear stress at any strain rate. In reality, such fluids do not exist, but they serve as a useful starting point for understanding fluid behavior in idealized situations. Choice B is incorrect because a linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate defines a Newtonian fluid, not an ideal fluid. Choice C is incorrect because a non-linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate characterizes Non-Newtonian fluids, not ideal fluids. Choice D is incorrect because the high dependence of viscosity on temperature is a characteristic seen in real fluids and does not define an ideal fluid.

3. When light travels from air into a denser medium like glass, its speed:

A. Increases
B. Decreases
C. Remains constant
D. Becomes unpredictable

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When light travels from air into a denser medium like glass, its speed decreases. This is because the higher refractive index of the denser medium causes light to slow down as it propagates through the medium. Choice A is incorrect because the speed of light decreases in a denser medium. Choice C is incorrect because the speed of light changes when it enters a denser medium. Choice D is incorrect because the change in speed is predictable based on the refractive index of the medium.

4. The speed of sound in dry air at 20°C is 343 m/s. If the wavelength of a sound wave is 5 m, what is its frequency?

A. 171.5 Hz
B. 79 Hz
C. 68.6 Hz
D. 63.6 Hz

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The speed of sound (v) can be calculated using the formula: v = f × λ, where f is the frequency and λ is the wavelength. Given that the speed of sound is 343 m/s and the wavelength is 5 m, we can rearrange the formula to solve for frequency: f = v / λ = 343 / 5 = 68.6 Hz. Therefore, the correct frequency is 68.6 Hz. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not result from the correct calculation based on the given values.

5. A solenoid is a long, tightly wound coil of wire that acts like a bar magnet when current flows through it. The magnetic field lines inside a solenoid are most similar to the field lines around:

A. A single straight current-carrying wire
B. A horseshoe magnet
C. A permanent bar magnet
D. A flat sheet conductor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The magnetic field lines inside a solenoid resemble the field lines around a permanent bar magnet. Both a solenoid and a bar magnet have north and south poles, resulting in a similar pattern of magnetic field lines. A single straight current-carrying wire produces a different field pattern because it has no coil structure like a solenoid. A horseshoe magnet has a unique field shape due to its pole arrangement, different from the uniform field pattern of a solenoid. A flat sheet conductor does not exhibit the same magnetic field characteristics as a solenoid, as it lacks the coil shape and alignment of a solenoid's magnetic field.