laminar flow is a regime characterized by

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. What characterizes laminar flow?

A. Smooth, parallel layers of fluid particles
B. Erratic and turbulent motion of fluid particles
C. High viscosity hindering flow
D. Incompressibility of the fluid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Laminar flow is characterized by the smooth, parallel movement of fluid particles along layers in a predictable manner. This flow regime occurs at low velocities and is in contrast to turbulent flow, where fluid particles exhibit erratic and chaotic motion. The viscosity of the fluid does not hinder laminar flow; instead, it influences the resistance to flow. Incompressibility is a property of fluids but does not specifically define laminar flow. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it accurately describes the behavior of fluid particles in laminar flow, making B, C, and D incorrect.

2. When calculating an object’s acceleration, what must you do?

A. Divide the change in time by the velocity.
B. Multiply the velocity by the time.
C. Find the difference between the time and velocity.
D. Divide the change in velocity by the change in time.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When calculating an object's acceleration, you must divide the change in velocity by the change in time. Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. By determining the ratio of the change in velocity to the change in time, you can ascertain how quickly the velocity of an object is changing, thereby finding its acceleration. Choice A is incorrect because acceleration is not calculated by dividing time by velocity. Choice B is incorrect as it describes multiplying velocity by time, which does not yield acceleration. Choice C is incorrect as finding the difference between time and velocity is not a method to calculate acceleration.

3. Entropy (S) is a thermodynamic property related to the system's disorder. According to the second law of thermodynamics, in a spontaneous process:

A. The total entropy of the system and surroundings increases.
B. The total entropy of the system and surroundings decreases.
C. The total entropy of the system remains constant.
D. The total entropy of the surroundings increases, while the system's entropy decreases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The second law of thermodynamics asserts that the entropy of an isolated system (or the combined system and surroundings) will always increase in a spontaneous process, reflecting an increase in disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is that the total entropy of the system and surroundings increases. Choice B is incorrect because entropy always tends to increase in a spontaneous process, as dictated by the second law of thermodynamics. Choice C is incorrect as entropy typically increases in natural processes. Choice D is incorrect because the second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of the system and surroundings always increases in a spontaneous process.

4. 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.