what is the purpose of a switch in a circuit

HESI A2

HESI Exams Quizlet Physics

1. What is the purpose of a switch in a circuit?

A. To reverse the direction of alternating current
B. To increase the voltage of the battery or cell
C. To increase the resistance of wires in the circuit
D. To allow the circuit to open and close

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of a switch in a circuit is to allow the circuit to open and close. When the switch is turned on, it provides a complete path for the current to flow through the circuit. When the switch is turned off, it breaks the circuit, stopping the flow of current. This function of opening and closing the circuit using a switch is essential for controlling the flow of electricity in various electrical devices and systems. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a switch does not reverse the direction of current, increase voltage, or increase resistance in a circuit; its primary function is to open and close the circuit.

2. An object with a charge of 4 μC is placed 50 cm from another object with a charge twice as great. What is the magnitude of the resulting repulsive force?

A. 0.1152 N
B. 1.152 N
C. 10^−3 N
D. 2.5 × 10^−3 N

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The force between two charges is calculated using Coulomb's Law, which states that the force is proportional to the product of the two charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Given that one charge is twice as great as the other and the distance between them is 50 cm, we can calculate the repulsive force. The magnitude of the resulting repulsive force is 2.5 × 10^−3 N. Choice A is incorrect as it does not match the calculated value. Choice B is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the correct answer. Choice C is incorrect as it represents 10^−3 N, which is lower than the calculated value.

3. The first law of thermodynamics is a principle of energy conservation. It states that:

A. Energy can be created or destroyed.
B. The total entropy of an isolated system always decreases.
C. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
D. The temperature of a system is directly proportional to its entropy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred or converted from one form to another, ensuring energy conservation in any system. Choice A is incorrect because it goes against the principle of energy conservation. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system always increases. Choice D is incorrect because the temperature of a system is not directly proportional to its entropy.

4. In an adiabatic process, there is:

A. No heat transfer (Q = 0) between the system and the surroundings.
B. Isothermal compression or expansion (constant temperature).
C. Constant pressure throughout the process (isobaric process).
D. No change in the system's internal energy (energy is conserved according to the first law).

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an adiabatic process, choice A is correct because adiabatic processes involve no heat transfer between the system and its surroundings (Q = 0). This lack of heat transfer is a defining characteristic of adiabatic processes. Choices B, C, and D do not accurately describe an adiabatic process. Choice B refers to an isothermal process where temperature remains constant, not adiabatic. Choice C describes an isobaric process with constant pressure, not specific to adiabatic processes. Choice D mentions the conservation of energy but does not directly relate to the absence of heat transfer in adiabatic processes.

5. 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.