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. The efficiency (η) of a heat engine is defined as the ratio of the net work done (Wnet) by the engine to the heat input (Qh) from the hot reservoir. The relationship is expressed as:

A. η = Wnet / Qh
B. η = Qh / Wnet
C. η = Wnet x Qh
D. η = (Wnet + Qh) / 2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct formula for efficiency (η) of a heat engine is η = Wnet / Qh. Efficiency is defined as the ratio of the net work done by the engine (Wnet) to the heat input from the hot reservoir (Qh). This formula shows how effectively the engine converts heat into useful work, making choice A the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D present incorrect relationships between efficiency, net work done, and heat input, leading to their incorrectness.

3. Which object below has the same density?

A. A block with a mass of 6.5 grams and a volume of 16.25 cm3
B. A block with a mass of 80 grams and a volume of 32 cm3
C. A block with a mass of 48 grams and a volume of 22 cm3
D. A block with a mass of 100 grams and a volume of 250 cm3

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. The density of object A is 6.5 g / 16.25 cm3 = 0.4 g/cm3. The density of object B is 80 g / 32 cm3 = 2.5 g/cm3. The density of object C is 48 g / 22 cm3 = 2.18 g/cm3. The density of object D is 100 g / 250 cm3 = 0.4 g/cm3. Objects A and D have the same density of 0.4 g/cm3. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it has the same density as object D, making them the only objects with a density of 0.4 g/cm3.

4. Marilyn is driving to a wedding. She drives 4 miles south before realizing that she left the gift at home. She makes a U-turn, returns home to pick up the gift, and sets out again driving south. This time, she drives 1 mile out of her way to pick up a friend. From there, they continue 5 miles more to the wedding. Which of these statements is true about Marilyn’s trip?

A. The displacement of her trip is 6 miles, and the distance traveled is 6 miles.
B. The displacement of her trip is 14 miles, and the distance traveled is 14 miles.
C. The displacement of her trip is 8 miles, and the distance traveled is 14 miles.
D. The displacement of her trip is 6 miles, and the distance traveled is 14 miles.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Marilyn’s displacement is calculated based on her final position relative to the starting point. She drives 1 mile to pick up her friend, then 5 miles more to the wedding, totaling 6 miles after returning to her home. So, the correct displacement is 8 miles south from her starting point (4 miles to the gift + 4 miles return + 1 mile to the friend + 5 miles to the wedding). The total distance traveled is 14 miles (adding all the distances). Choice A is incorrect because it miscalculates the displacement. Choice B is incorrect as it overestimates both the displacement and distance traveled. Choice D is incorrect as it underestimates the displacement.

5. A 1,000-kg car drives at 10 m/s around a circle with a radius of 50 m. What is the centripetal acceleration of the car?

A. 2 m/s²
B. 4 m/s²
C. 5 m/s²
D. 10 m/s²

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Centripetal acceleration is calculated using the formula a = v² / r, where v = 10 m/s and r = 50 m. Substituting these values: a = (10 m/s)² / 50 m = 100 / 50 = 2 m/s². Therefore, the correct answer is 2 m/s². Choice B, 4 m/s², is incorrect because it is not the result of the correct calculation. Choice C, 5 m/s², is incorrect as it does not match the calculated centripetal acceleration. Choice D, 10 m/s², is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct calculation based on the given values.