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. Jon walks all the way around a rectangular park that is 1 km × 2 km. Which statement is true about Jon’s walk?

A. The displacement of his walk is 3 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 0 kilometers.
B. The displacement of his walk is 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 16 kilometers.
C. The displacement of his walk is 6 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 0 kilometers.
D. The displacement of his walk is 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 6 kilometers.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Jon walks all the way around a rectangular park that is 1 km × 2 km, which means he walks a total distance of 6 kilometers (1 km + 2 km + 1 km + 2 km = 6 km). However, the displacement of his walk is 0 kilometers because he starts and ends at the same point after completing the rectangular path around the park. Displacement refers to the change in position from the starting point to the ending point, regardless of the actual distance traveled. Choice A is incorrect because the total distance traveled by Jon is 6 kilometers, not 0 kilometers. Choice B is incorrect as the displacement is not 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 6 kilometers, not 16 kilometers. Choice C is incorrect because the displacement is 0 kilometers, and the distance traveled is 6 kilometers, not 0 kilometers.

3. Electric motors convert electrical energy primarily into:

A. Thermal energy
B. Light
C. Mechanical energy
D. Sound waves

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. When electricity passes through the coils in the motor, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the field from the permanent magnets, resulting in a force that drives motion. Choice A, 'Thermal energy,' is incorrect as electric motors are designed to minimize heat production. Choice B, 'Light,' is incorrect as electric motors do not produce light as a primary output. Choice D, 'Sound waves,' is incorrect as the primary output of an electric motor is mechanical motion, not sound waves.

4. Which vehicle has the greatest momentum?

A. A 9,000-kg railroad car traveling at 3 m/s
B. A 2,000-kg automobile traveling at 24 m/s
C. A 1,500-kg MINI Coupe traveling at 29 m/s
D. A 500-kg glider traveling at 89 m/s

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The momentum of an object is calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. The momentum formula is p = m × v, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. Comparing the momentum of each vehicle: A: 9,000 kg × 3 m/s = 27,000 kg·m/s B: 2,000 kg × 24 m/s = 48,000 kg·m/s C: 1,500 kg × 29 m/s = 43,500 kg·m/s D: 500 kg × 89 m/s = 44,500 kg·m/s. Therefore, the glider (500-kg) traveling at 89 m/s has the greatest momentum of 44,500 kg·m/s, making it the correct choice. Options A, B, and C have lower momentum values compared to option D, proving that the 500-kg glider traveling at 89 m/s has the highest momentum among the given vehicles.

5. 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.