which one has the lowest density

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics Practice Test

1. Which of the following materials has the lowest density?

A. Water
B. Cork
C. Aluminum
D. Steel

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cork has the lowest density among the given options. Cork is a lightweight material derived from the bark of cork oak trees and is known for its low density, making it float on water. Water, aluminum, and steel have higher densities compared to cork. Water is denser than cork because it has a consistent density of 1 g/cm³. Aluminum and steel are metals with much higher densities due to their atomic structures, making them denser than cork.

2. A wave in a rope travels at 12 m/s and has a wavelength of 2 m. What is the frequency?

A. 38.4 Hz
B. 6 Hz
C. 4.6 Hz
D. 3.75 Hz

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The frequency of a wave is calculated using the formula: frequency = speed / wavelength. In this case, the speed of the wave is 12 m/s and the wavelength is 2 m. Therefore, the frequency is calculated as 12 m/s / 2 m = 6 Hz. Choice A (38.4 Hz), Choice C (4.6 Hz), and Choice D (3.75 Hz) are incorrect as they do not result from the correct calculation using the given values.

3. The operating principle of a metal detector relies on:

A. The static presence of a permanent magnet
B. The electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field
C. The high electrical conductivity of most metals
D. The unique thermal signature of metallic objects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Metal detectors work based on the principle of electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field. When a metal object comes into contact with the detector's magnetic field, it disrupts the field, inducing a current in the metal that can be detected. This principle allows metal detectors to identify the presence of metallic objects without relying on the static presence of a permanent magnet, the high electrical conductivity of metals, or the thermal signature of the objects. Choice A is incorrect because metal detectors do not rely on a static magnet but on the interaction of metals with a changing magnetic field. Choice C is incorrect because while metals do have high electrical conductivity, this is not the principle underlying metal detectors. Choice D is incorrect because metal detectors do not operate based on the thermal signature of objects, but rather on their interaction with magnetic fields.

4. A circular running track has a circumference of 2,500 meters. What is the radius of the track?

A. 1,000 m
B. 400 m
C. 25 m
D. 12 m

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The radius of a circular track can be calculated using the formula: Circumference = 2 × π × radius. Given that the circumference of the track is 2,500 m, we can plug this into the formula and solve for the radius: 2,500 = 2 × π × radius. Dividing both sides by 2π gives: radius = 2,500 / (2 × 3.1416) ≈ 397.89 m. Therefore, the closest answer is 400 m, making option B the correct choice. Option A (1,000 m) is too large, option C (25 m) is too small, and option D (12 m) is significantly smaller than the calculated radius.

5. What force was applied to the object that was moved if 100 N⋅m of work is done over 20 m?

A. 5 N
B. 80 N
C. 120 N
D. 2,000 N

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Work is calculated using the formula Work = Force x Distance. Given that 100 N⋅m of work is done over 20 m, we can rearrange the formula to solve for Force. Force = Work / Distance. Plugging in the values, we get Force = 100 N⋅m / 20 m = 5 N. Therefore, the force applied to the object that was moved is 5 N. Choice B (80 N) is incorrect because it doesn't match the calculated force of 5 N. Choice C (120 N) is incorrect as it is higher than the calculated force. Choice D (2,000 N) is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the correct force of 5 N.