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. In physics, the relationship between acceleration and force is expressed in ___________.

A. Newton’s first law of motion
B. Newton’s second law of motion
C. Newton’s third law of motion
D. none of Newton’s laws of motion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The relationship between acceleration and force is expressed in Newton’s second law of motion. This law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on the object and inversely proportional to the object's mass. Mathematically, this relationship is represented as F = ma, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration. Choice A, Newton’s first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force. Choice C, Newton’s third law of motion, states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, focusing on the interaction between two objects. Choice D is incorrect because the relationship between acceleration and force is indeed described by one of Newton’s laws of motion, specifically the second law.

3. When a crane hoists a massive object at a constant velocity compared to lifting the same object gradually, the work done by the crane is:

A. Less
B. More
C. Identical
D. Dependent on the object's mass

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The work done by the crane is identical in both scenarios. Work is defined as the force applied over a distance. Since the force needed to lift the object is equal to its weight and the displacement is the same, the work done is identical, whether the object is lifted gradually or at a constant velocity. Choice A is incorrect because the work done is the same in both cases. Choice B is incorrect as well since the work done does not increase. Choice D is incorrect as the mass of the object does not affect the work done by the crane in this scenario.

4. How do you determine the velocity of a wave?

A. Multiply the frequency by the wavelength.
B. Add the frequency and the wavelength.
C. Subtract the wavelength from the frequency.
D. Divide the wavelength by the frequency.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The velocity of a wave can be determined by multiplying the frequency of the wave by the wavelength. This relationship is given by the formula: velocity = frequency × wavelength. By multiplying the frequency by the wavelength, you can calculate the speed at which the wave is traveling. This formula is derived from the basic wave equation v = f × λ, where v represents velocity, f is frequency, and λ is wavelength. Therefore, to find the velocity of a wave, one must multiply its frequency by its wavelength. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Adding, subtracting, or dividing the frequency and wavelength does not yield the correct calculation for wave velocity. The correct formula for determining wave velocity is to multiply the frequency by the wavelength.

5. In Einstein’s mass-energy equation, what is represented by c?

A. Distance in centimeters
B. The speed of light
C. Degrees Celsius
D. Centrifugal force

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Einstein's mass-energy equation, E=mc^2, the symbol 'c' represents the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately equal to 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second. This equation demonstrates the equivalence of energy (E) and mass (m) and is a fundamental concept in the theory of relativity. Choice A is incorrect as 'c' does not represent distance in centimeters. Choice C is incorrect as 'c' does not represent degrees Celsius. Choice D is incorrect as 'c' does not represent centrifugal force.