what is the main difference between a reversible and irreversible process in thermodynamics
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HESI A2

HESI Exams Quizlet Physics

1. What is the main difference between a reversible and irreversible process in 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. In a circuit with three same-size resistors wired in series to a 9-V power supply, producing 1 amp of current, what is the resistance of each resistor?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances. With a total voltage of 9 V and a current of 1 A, we can use Ohm's Law (V = I × R) to find the total resistance: Total resistance = 9 V / 1 A = 9 ohms. Since the resistors are identical and wired in series, the total resistance is evenly divided among the three resistors: Resistance of each resistor = 9 ohms / 3 = 3 ohms. Thus, the resistance of each resistor is 3 ohms. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 ohms. Choice A, 9 ohms, is incorrect because this would be the total resistance of all three resistors combined in series. Choice B, 6 ohms, is incorrect as it does not account for the equal distribution of resistance in a series circuit. Choice D, 1 ohm, is incorrect as it is too low for resistors in series with a total resistance of 9 ohms.

3. Jon walks all the way around a rectangular park that is 1 km × 2 km. Which statement is true about Jon’s walk?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Jon walks all the way around a rectangular park that is 1 km × 2 km, which means he walks a total distance of 6 kilometers (1 km + 2 km + 1 km + 2 km = 6 km). However, the displacement of his walk is 0 kilometers because he starts and ends at the same point after completing the rectangular path around the park. Displacement refers to the change in position from the starting point to the ending point, regardless of the actual distance traveled. Choice A is incorrect because the total distance traveled by Jon is 6 kilometers, not 0 kilometers. Choice B is incorrect as the displacement is not 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 6 kilometers, not 16 kilometers. Choice C is incorrect because the displacement is 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 6 kilometers, not 0 kilometers.

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

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. An object with a charge of 4 μC is placed 1 meter from another object with a charge of 2 μC. What is the magnitude of the resulting force between the objects?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To find the magnitude of the resulting force between two charges, we can use Coulomb's law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The formula for Coulomb's law is: F = k × (|q1 × q2| / r²), where F is the force, k is the Coulomb constant, q1 and q2 are the charges, and r is the distance between the charges. Substituting the given values into the formula: F = (9 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²) × ((4 × 10⁻⁶ C) × (2 × 10⁻⁶ C) / (1 m)²) = 0.04 N. Therefore, the magnitude of the resulting force between the objects is 0.04 N.

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