longitudinal waves have vibrations that move

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. Longitudinal waves have vibrations that move ___________.

A. at right angles to the direction of the vibrations
B. in the direction opposite to that of the wave
C. in the same direction as the wave
D. in waves and troughs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In longitudinal waves, the vibrations of particles occur in the same direction as the wave propagates. This means the particles move back and forth in the direction of the wave, creating compressions and rarefactions along the wave. Therefore, the correct choice is C, in the same direction as the wave. Choice A is incorrect because transverse waves, not longitudinal waves, have vibrations at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the motion in transverse waves. Choice D is incorrect as it is an inaccurate representation of how longitudinal waves propagate.

2. Which of the following statements is true about a refrigerator?

A. It operates on a Carnot cycle and removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature.
B. It violates the first law of thermodynamics by creating cold.
C. It increases the total entropy of the universe.
D. It operates isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A refrigerator operates on a Carnot cycle by transferring heat from a cold reservoir to a hot reservoir. Choice A is correct because a refrigerator removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature. Choice B is incorrect as a refrigerator does not violate the first law of thermodynamics but rather requires work input to transfer heat. Choice C is incorrect as a refrigerator does not increase the total entropy of the universe. Choice D is incorrect because a refrigerator does not operate isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.

3. In fluid dynamics, the continuity equation, a fundamental principle, expresses the conservation of:

A. Momentum
B. Mass
C. Energy
D. Angular momentum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The continuity equation in fluid dynamics is a statement of the conservation of mass, making choice B the correct answer. It states that the mass entering a system must equal the mass leaving the system, assuming no mass is created or destroyed within the system. Conservation of momentum (choice A) is related to Newton's laws of motion and is not directly expressed by the continuity equation. Conservation of energy (choice C) involves different principles like the first law of thermodynamics and is not the focus of the continuity equation. Angular momentum (choice D) is also a different concept related to rotational motion and not described by the continuity equation.

4. The buoyant force, F_b, experienced by an object submerged in a fluid is given by:

A. F_b = W, the object's weight
B. F_b = W_d, the weight of the fluid displaced by the object
C. F_b = ρ, the density of the fluid
D. F_b = V, the object's volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for the buoyant force experienced by an object submerged in a fluid is given by Archimedes' principle, which states that the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This is represented by the formula F_b = W_d, where W_d is the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This force acts in the opposite direction to gravity and is responsible for objects floating or sinking in fluids. Choice A is incorrect because the buoyant force is not equal to the object's weight. Choice C is incorrect because the density of the fluid is not directly related to the buoyant force. Choice D is incorrect because the object's volume is not the determining factor for the buoyant force.

5. According to the law of conservation of energy, energy:

A. Can be created or destroyed
B. Can be created, but not destroyed
C. Can be destroyed, but not created
D. Cannot be created or destroyed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Cannot be created or destroyed.' The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another. This principle is a fundamental concept in physics and is supported by numerous observations and experiments. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the law of conservation of energy. Energy is a conserved quantity, meaning its total amount remains constant over time, even though it can change forms.