Nursing Elites

1. What is the phenomenon by which light bends as it passes through a prism known as?

• A. Reflection
• B. Electrical conduction
• C. Diffraction
• D. Refraction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Refraction is the phenomenon by which light bends as it passes through a prism or any other medium boundary. When light transitions from one medium to another, such as air to glass in the case of a prism, it changes speed and direction due to the change in the medium's refractive index. This change in speed causes the light to bend. Reflection, on the other hand, is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface. Diffraction refers to the bending of light around obstacles or through narrow openings. Electrical conduction involves the movement of electrically charged particles through a conductor, which is unrelated to the bending of light.

2. A closed system undergoes a cyclic process, returning to its initial state. What can be said about the net work done (Wnet) by the system over the entire cycle?

• A. Wnet is always positive.
• B. Wnet is always negative.
• C. Wnet can be positive, negative, or zero.
• D. Wnet is equal to the total heat transferred into the system (dQ ≠ 0 for a cycle).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a closed system undergoing a cyclic process and returning to its initial state, the net work done (Wnet) over the entire cycle can be positive, negative, or zero. This is because the work done is determined by the area enclosed by the cycle on a P-V diagram, and this area can be above, below, or intersecting the zero work axis, leading to positive, negative, or zero net work done. Choice A is incorrect because Wnet is not always positive; it depends on the specific path taken on the P-V diagram. Choice B is incorrect as Wnet is not always negative; it varies based on the enclosed area. Choice D is incorrect because Wnet is not necessarily equal to the total heat transferred into the system; it depends on the specifics of the cycle and is not a direct relationship.

3. A pitcher throws a 45-g baseball at a velocity of 42 meters per second. What is the ball’s momentum?

• A. 0.189 kg⋅m/s
• B. 1.89 kg⋅m/s
• C. 1.07 kg⋅m/s
• D. 0.93 kg⋅m/s

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Momentum is calculated by multiplying mass (in kg) by velocity (in m/s). The mass of the baseball is 0.045 kg (45 grams converted to kg), and the velocity is 42 m/s. Momentum = 0.045 kg × 42 m/s = 1.89 kg⋅m/s. Therefore, the correct answer is 1.89 kg⋅m/s. Choice A is incorrect as it incorrectly converts the mass from grams to kg. Choice C and D are incorrect due to calculation errors.

4. As a car is traveling on the highway, its speed drops from 60 mph to 30 mph. What happens to its kinetic energy?

• A. Its energy is halved.
• B. Its energy is doubled.
• C. Its energy is quadrupled.
• D. Its energy is divided by four.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity. When the speed drops from 60 mph to 30 mph, the kinetic energy is halved. Choice B is incorrect because halving the speed results in halving the kinetic energy, not doubling it. Choice C is incorrect because quadrupling the kinetic energy would require increasing the speed fourfold, not halving it. Choice D is incorrect because dividing the energy by four would imply a different relationship between speed and kinetic energy, which is not the case.

5. What is the main difference between a reversible and irreversible process in thermodynamics?

• A. Reversible processes involve heat transfer, while irreversible processes do not.
• B. Reversible processes occur instantaneously, while irreversible processes take time.
• C. Reversible processes can be run in both directions with the same outcome, while irreversible processes cannot.
• D. Reversible processes violate the first law of thermodynamics.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A reversible process is an idealized process that can be reversed without leaving any change in either the system or the surroundings. In contrast, irreversible processes cannot be reversed and often involve entropy production or dissipation. Choice A is incorrect because both reversible and irreversible processes can involve heat transfer. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of a process does not determine its reversibility. Choice D is incorrect because reversible processes do not violate the first law of thermodynamics; they comply with it by maintaining a balance between energy inputs and outputs. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it accurately captures the main difference between reversible and irreversible processes in thermodynamics.

Similar Questions