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. The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless quantity used to characterize:

A. Fluid density
B. Flow regime (laminar vs. turbulent)
C. Surface tension effects
D. Buoyancy force magnitude

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity used to characterize the flow regime, specifically whether it is laminar (smooth) or turbulent (chaotic). It depends on the velocity of the fluid, its characteristic length (such as pipe diameter), and its viscosity. A low Reynolds number indicates laminar flow, while a high Reynolds number suggests turbulence. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Reynolds number is not related to fluid density, surface tension effects, or buoyancy force magnitude.

3. The specific heat capacity of tin is 217 J/(g°C). Which of these materials would require about twice as much heat as tin to increase the temperature of a sample by 1°C?

A. Copper [0.3844 J/(g°C)]
B. Iron [0.449 J/(g°C)]
C. Gold [0.1291 J/(g°C)]
D. Aluminum [0.904 J/(g°C)]

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Aluminum. The specific heat capacity of aluminum is 0.904 J/(g°C), which is approximately 4 times that of tin. For a material to require about twice as much heat as tin to increase the temperature by 1°C, it should have a specific heat capacity roughly double that of tin. Therefore, aluminum fits this criterion better than the other options. Gold has a much lower specific heat capacity than tin, so it would require less, not more, heat to increase the temperature by 1°C. Copper and Iron also have specific heat capacities lower than tin, making them incorrect choices for requiring twice as much heat as tin.

4. During an isothermal (constant temperature) expansion, what is the work done by the gas on the surroundings?

A. Positive and equal to the change in internal energy.
B. Zero.
C. Negative and equal to the change in internal energy.
D. Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In an isothermal expansion, the temperature remains constant, meaning there is no change in internal energy. However, the gas still does work on the surroundings as it expands, and this work is positive. Since internal energy does not change, the correct answer is D, 'Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.' Choice A is incorrect because the work done is not equal to the change in internal energy. Choice B is incorrect as work is done during the expansion. Choice C is incorrect since the work done is not negative during an isothermal expansion.

5. If a 5-kg ball is moving at 5 m/s, what is its momentum?

A. 10 kg⋅m/s
B. 16.2 km/h
C. 24.75 kg⋅m/s
D. 25 kg⋅m/s

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The momentum of an object is calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. In this case, the mass of the ball is 5 kg and its velocity is 5 m/s. Therefore, the momentum of the ball is 5 kg × 5 m/s = 25 kg⋅m/s. Choice A (10 kg⋅m/s) is incorrect as it does not account for both mass and velocity. Choice B (16.2 km/h) is incorrect as it provides a speed in a different unit without considering mass. Choice C (24.75 kg⋅m/s) is incorrect as it does not correctly calculate the momentum based on the given mass and velocity.