Nursing Elites

1. 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.

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. A spring has a spring constant of 20 N/m. How much force is needed to compress the spring from 40 cm to 30 cm?

• A. 200 N
• B. 80 N
• C. 5 N
• D. 2 N

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The change in length of the spring is 40 cm - 30 cm = 10 cm = 0.10 m. The force required to compress or stretch a spring is given by Hooke's Law: F = k × x, where F is the force, k is the spring constant (20 N/m in this case), and x is the change in length (0.10 m). Substituting the values into the formula: F = 20 N/m × 0.10 m = 2 N. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 N. Choice A (200 N) is incorrect because it miscalculates the force. Choice B (80 N) is incorrect as it does not apply Hooke's Law correctly. Choice C (5 N) is incorrect as it underestimates the force required.

4. 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.

5. Why are boats more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water?

• A. Salt decreases the mass of the boats.
• B. Salt increases the volume of the water.
• C. Salt affects the density of the boats.
• D. Salt increases the density of the water.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Salt increases the density of water, making saltwater more buoyant than freshwater. The higher density of saltwater provides more lift to a boat, enabling it to float more easily compared to in freshwater. Choice A is incorrect because salt does not affect the mass of the boats. Choice B is incorrect as salt does not increase the volume of water. Choice C is incorrect since salt affects the density of water, not the boats themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is that salt increases the density of the water, resulting in boats being more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water.

Similar Questions