the operating principle of a metal detector relies on

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. The operating principle of a metal detector relies on:

A. The static presence of a permanent magnet
B. The electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field
C. The high electrical conductivity of most metals
D. The unique thermal signature of metallic objects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Metal detectors work based on the principle of electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field. When a metal object comes into contact with the detector's magnetic field, it disrupts the field, inducing a current in the metal that can be detected. This principle allows metal detectors to identify the presence of metallic objects without relying on the static presence of a permanent magnet, the high electrical conductivity of metals, or the thermal signature of the objects. Choice A is incorrect because metal detectors do not rely on a static magnet but on the interaction of metals with a changing magnetic field. Choice C is incorrect because while metals do have high electrical conductivity, this is not the principle underlying metal detectors. Choice D is incorrect because metal detectors do not operate based on the thermal signature of objects, but rather on their interaction with magnetic fields.

2. 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.

3. Four 5 V batteries are connected in series. What is the total voltage of the circuit?

A. 5.0 V
B. 10.0 V
C. 15.0 V
D. 20.0 V

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When batteries are connected in series, their voltages add up. Therefore, the total voltage of the circuit with four 5 V batteries connected in series will be 5 V + 5 V + 5 V + 5 V = 20 V. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the voltages of the batteries add up in series, resulting in a total of 20 V.

4. 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.

5. What is the mathematical expression for work (W)?

A. W = F / d
B. W = F x d
C. W = d / F
D. W = F^2 x d

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for work (W) is given by the equation W = F x d, where F represents force and d represents the displacement in the direction of the force. Work is calculated by multiplying the force applied by the distance over which the force is applied. Choice A (W = F / d) is incorrect as work is not calculated by dividing force by distance. Choice C (W = d / F) is incorrect because work is not calculated by dividing distance by force. Choice D (W = F^2 x d) is incorrect as work is not calculated by squaring the force and then multiplying by distance.