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. An electromagnet is holding a 1,500-kg car at a height of 25 m above the ground. The magnet then experiences a power outage, and the car falls to the ground. Which of the following is false?
- A. The car had a potential energy of 367.5 kJ.
- B. 367.5 kJ of potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.
- C. The car retains potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground.
- D. The car’s potential energy converts to kinetic energy and then to sound energy.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When the car falls to the ground, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as it accelerates downwards. Upon impact with the ground, the car's kinetic energy is dissipated in various forms, such as sound energy, heat, and deformation energy. Therefore, the car does not retain its initial potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground. Choice A is true because the potential energy of the car can be calculated as mgh = 1500 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 25 m = 367,500 J = 367.5 kJ. Choice B is true because as the car falls, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. Choice D is true as the kinetic energy is eventually dissipated into other forms upon impact.
3. Entropy (S) is a thermodynamic property related to the system's disorder. According to the second law of thermodynamics, in a spontaneous process:
- A. The total entropy of the system and surroundings increases.
- B. The total entropy of the system and surroundings decreases.
- C. The total entropy of the system remains constant.
- D. The total entropy of the surroundings increases, while the system's entropy decreases.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The second law of thermodynamics asserts that the entropy of an isolated system (or the combined system and surroundings) will always increase in a spontaneous process, reflecting an increase in disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is that the total entropy of the system and surroundings increases. Choice B is incorrect because entropy always tends to increase in a spontaneous process, as dictated by the second law of thermodynamics. Choice C is incorrect as entropy typically increases in natural processes. Choice D is incorrect because the second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of the system and surroundings always increases in a spontaneous process.
4. Which of the following statements is true about a refrigerator?
- A. It operates on a Carnot cycle and removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature.
- B. It violates the first law of thermodynamics by creating cold.
- C. It increases the total entropy of the universe.
- D. It operates isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A refrigerator operates on a Carnot cycle by transferring heat from a cold reservoir to a hot reservoir. Choice A is correct because a refrigerator removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature. Choice B is incorrect as a refrigerator does not violate the first law of thermodynamics but rather requires work input to transfer heat. Choice C is incorrect as a refrigerator does not increase the total entropy of the universe. Choice D is incorrect because a refrigerator does not operate isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.
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.
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