HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Practice Test
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. An object with a mass of 45 kg has momentum equal to 180 kg⋅m/s. What is the object’s velocity?
- A. 4 m/s
- B. 8.1 km/s
- C. 17.4 km/h
- D. 135 m/s
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The momentum of an object is calculated by multiplying its mass and velocity. Mathematically, momentum = mass x velocity. Given that the mass is 45 kg and the momentum is 180 kg⋅m/s, we can rearrange the formula to solve for velocity: velocity = momentum / mass. Plugging in the values, velocity = 180 kg⋅m/s / 45 kg = 4 m/s. Therefore, the object's velocity is 4 m/s. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the correct calculation based on the given mass and momentum values.
3. 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.
4. A caterpillar starts moving at a rate of 14 in/hr. After 15 minutes, it is moving at a rate of 20 in/hr. What is the caterpillar’s rate of acceleration?
- A. 6 in/hr²
- B. 12 in/hr²
- C. 24 in/hr²
- D. 280 in/hr²
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Acceleration is the change in velocity over time. The change in velocity for the caterpillar is 20 in/hr - 14 in/hr = 6 in/hr. Since this change occurred over 15 minutes (or 0.25 hours), the acceleration can be calculated as (6 in/hr) / (0.25 hr) = 24 in/hr². Therefore, the caterpillar's rate of acceleration is 24 in/hr², which corresponds to choice C. Choice A, 6 in/hr², is incorrect as it does not account for the time factor and the correct calculation. Choice B, 12 in/hr², is incorrect as it doubles the correct acceleration value. Choice D, 280 in/hr², is significantly higher than the correct value, indicating a calculation error.
5. A 25-cm spring stretches to 28 cm when a force of 12 N is applied. What would its length be if that force were doubled?
- A. 31 cm
- B. 40 cm
- C. 50 cm
- D. 56 cm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When the 12 N force stretches the spring from 25 cm to 28 cm, it causes a length increase of 28 cm - 25 cm = 3 cm. Therefore, each newton of applied force causes an extension of 3 cm / 12 N = 0.25 cm/N. If the force is doubled to 24 N, the spring would extend by 24 N × 0.25 cm/N = 6 cm more than its original length of 25 cm. Thus, the new length of the spring would be 25 cm + 6 cm = 31 cm. Choice A, 31 cm, is the correct answer as calculated. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between force and extension in the spring, leading to incorrect calculations of the new length.
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