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 of the following substances has the highest density?

A. Mist
B. Water
C. Steam
D. Ice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water has the highest density among the options provided. Density is a measure of mass per unit volume. In this case, water in its liquid form is denser than mist, steam, and ice. Ice has a lower density than water because its crystalline structure causes it to be less dense. Mist and steam are forms of water vapor, which are much less dense than liquid water. Therefore, the correct answer is water (choice B).

3. 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.

4. During adiabatic compression of a gas, what happens to its temperature?

A. Remains constant
B. Decreases
C. Increases
D. Becomes unpredictable without additional information

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During adiabatic compression, the gas's temperature increases. This is because no heat is exchanged with the surroundings, and all the work done on the gas results in an increase in internal energy. Choice A is incorrect because the temperature does not remain constant during adiabatic compression. Choice B is incorrect as the temperature does not decrease. Choice D is incorrect as the behavior of the gas's temperature during adiabatic compression is predictable based on the principles of thermodynamics.