the law of conservation of energy dictates that energy

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. 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.

2. Which conclusion can be drawn from Ohm’s law?

A. Voltage and current are inversely proportional when resistance is constant.
B. The ratio of the potential difference between the ends of a conductor to current is a constant, R.
C. Voltage is the amount of charge that passes through a point per second.
D. Power (P) can be calculated by multiplying current (I) by voltage (V).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ohm's law states that the ratio of the potential difference (voltage) between the ends of a conductor to the current flowing through it is a constant. Mathematically, this is represented as V = I x R, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is the constant resistance. Therefore, the correct conclusion that can be drawn from Ohm's law is that the ratio of the potential difference between the ends of a conductor to current is a constant, denoted as R. This relationship is fundamental to understanding the behavior of electrical circuits and the effect of resistance on voltage and current. Choice A is incorrect because Ohm's law actually states that voltage and current are directly proportional when resistance is constant. Choice C is incorrect because voltage is not the amount of charge that passes through a point per second; rather, it is the electric potential energy per unit charge. Choice D is incorrect because although power (P) can be calculated by multiplying current (I) by voltage (V), this is not a conclusion directly drawn from Ohm's law.

3. A key parameter in fluid selection is specific gravity (SG). For a submerged object in a reference fluid (often water), SG = ρ_object / ρ_reference. An object with SG > 1 will:

A. Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards
B. Experience a net buoyant force acting downwards
C. Remain neutrally buoyant
D. Require knowledge of the object's volume for buoyancy determination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the specific gravity (SG) of an object is greater than 1, it indicates that the object is denser than the reference fluid, which is often water. According to Archimedes' principle, an object with SG > 1 will experience a net buoyant force acting upwards when submerged in the fluid. This is because the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, causing it to float. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards.' Objects with SG < 1 would sink as they are less dense than the fluid, while objects with SG = 1 would be neutrally buoyant, neither sinking nor floating.

4. The triple point of a substance is the specific temperature and pressure at which all three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) can coexist in thermodynamic equilibrium. Which of the following statements about the triple point is true?

A. It can vary depending on the container size.
B. It is a unique point for each pure substance.
C. The pressure at the triple point can be zero for some substances.
D. The temperature at the triple point can be above the boiling point of the liquid phase.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The triple point is a unique temperature and pressure where all three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) of a pure substance can coexist in equilibrium. It is a constant for each substance and independent of container size. Choice A is incorrect because the triple point is a fixed point regardless of the container size. Choice C is incorrect as the pressure at the triple point is specific for each substance and will not be zero unless the substance has unique properties. Choice D is incorrect since the temperature at the triple point is precisely defined and cannot be above the boiling point of the liquid phase.

5. Sublimation is the change in matter from solid to gas or gas to solid without passing through a liquid phase. Outside of the laboratory, which solid provides the best example of this?

A. Iron
B. Silver
C. Salt crystal
D. Dry ice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) provides the best example of sublimation outside of the laboratory. When dry ice is exposed to normal atmospheric conditions, it changes directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase. This process is commonly observed in everyday situations such as creating 'smoke' or 'fog' effects. Choices A, B, and C (Iron, Silver, and Salt crystal) do not undergo sublimation. Iron and Silver melt and then vaporize, while Salt crystal dissolves in water, and the resulting solution evaporates, which involves a liquid phase.