when a small object floats on the surface of a liquid the surface tension creates a

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics Quizlet

1. When a small object floats on the surface of a liquid, the surface tension creates a:

A. Buoyant force acting upwards
B. Pressure difference causing sinking
C. Drag force opposing motion
D. Restoring force towards equilibrium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Surface tension creates a restoring force that holds the object on the surface. The liquid's surface behaves like a stretched membrane, and when disturbed, it tends to return the object to its original position, creating a restoring force. The other choices are incorrect: A buoyant force acts on objects submerged in a fluid, not floating on the surface; pressure differences usually affect sinking objects, not floating ones; drag force is a resistance force that opposes motion, not related to surface tension.

2. If a wave has a frequency of 60 hertz, which of the following is true?

A. It completes one cycle per minute.
B. It measures 60 m from crest to crest.
C. It completes 60 cycles per second.
D. It measures 60 m from crest to trough.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The frequency of a wave is the number of cycles it completes in one second. A wave with a frequency of 60 hertz completes 60 cycles per second. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choice A is incorrect because a frequency of 60 hertz means 60 cycles per second, not per minute. Choice B is incorrect as the frequency of the wave does not determine the distance from crest to crest. Choice D is also incorrect as the frequency does not relate to the distance from crest to trough.

3. The drag force (F_d) experienced by an object moving through a fluid depends on:

A. Object's shape and size only
B. Fluid properties and object velocity
C. Depth of submersion only
D. Buoyant force acting on the object

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The drag force experienced by an object moving through a fluid depends on multiple factors, including the object's shape, size, velocity, and the fluid's properties such as viscosity and density. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because drag force is not solely determined by the object's shape and size, depth of submersion, or buoyant force acting on the object. The primary factors affecting drag force are the fluid properties and the object's velocity. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

4. Capillarity describes the tendency of fluids to rise or fall in narrow tubes. This phenomenon arises from the interplay of:

A. Buoyancy and pressure differentials
B. Density variations and compressibility of the fluid
C. Viscous dissipation and inertial effects
D. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillarity occurs due to surface tension and intermolecular forces between the liquid and the walls of the narrow tube. These forces cause the liquid to rise or fall depending on the cohesion and adhesion properties. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces are responsible for capillary action, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the specific forces involved in capillarity.

5. The strength of a magnetic field is measured in units of:

A. Amperes
B. Tesla
C. Volts
D. Coulombs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Tesla (T) is the unit of measurement for the strength of a magnetic field. One Tesla is defined as one weber per square meter. Amperes (choice A) measure electric current, Volts (choice C) measure electric potential, and Coulombs (choice D) measure electric charge, making them incorrect choices for measuring the strength of a magnetic field.