Nursing Elites

1. Surface tension, γ, is a property of fluids arising from:

• A. Intermolecular forces between fluid molecules
• B. Gravitational attraction
• C. Viscous dissipation
• D. Pressure differentials within the fluid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Surface tension, represented by symbol γ, is caused by the cohesive forces between molecules in a liquid. These intermolecular forces, such as Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole interactions, create a 'skin' at the surface of the liquid, giving rise to the property of surface tension. Gravitational attraction, viscous dissipation, and pressure differentials within the fluid do not directly contribute to surface tension. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

2. 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.

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. At which point on a roller coaster does the car have the greatest potential energy?

• A. The start of the ride
• B. The highest peak
• C. The lowest trough
• D. The end of the ride

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the highest peak. At the highest peak of the roller coaster, the car reaches its maximum height above the ground. This point represents the car's greatest potential energy because it has the highest potential to do work due to its elevated position. The potential energy is directly proportional to the height of an object, so the highest point on the roller coaster track corresponds to the car's greatest potential energy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because potential energy is highest at the peak due to its elevated position, not at the start of the ride, the lowest trough, or the end of the ride.

5. When a hot cup of coffee is placed on a cold table, heat transfer primarily occurs through which process?

• A. Radiation
• B. Conduction
• C. Convection within the coffee
• D. A combination of conduction and convection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a hot cup of coffee is placed on a cold table, heat transfer primarily occurs through conduction. Conduction is the process of heat transfer through direct contact between objects at different temperatures. In this scenario, the heat from the hot coffee cup is transferred to the cold table through direct contact, making conduction the primary mode of heat transfer. Choice A (Radiation) is incorrect because radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which is not the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario. Choice C (Convection within the coffee) is incorrect because convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, which is not the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario. Choice D (A combination of conduction and convection) is incorrect because while convection may play a minor role due to air currents around the cup, the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario is conduction.

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