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. When analyzing a power plant, which of the following is NOT considered a part of the system?

A. The fuel being burned.
B. The working fluid (e.g., steam or water).
C. The turbine that generates electricity.
D. The surrounding air.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a power plant system, the components directly involved in the energy conversion process are considered part of the system. The fuel being burned provides the heat source, the working fluid transfers this heat energy, and the turbine converts it into mechanical energy to generate electricity. The surrounding air, while it may interact with the system, is not a component that directly participates in the energy conversion process within the power plant system. Therefore, the correct answer is D - The surrounding air. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of a power plant system as they play direct roles in the energy conversion process, unlike the surrounding air.

3. A box is moved by a 15 N force over a distance of 3 m. What is the amount of work that has been done?

A. 5 W
B. 5 N⋅m
C. 45 W
D. 45 N⋅m

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Work done is calculated using the formula: Work = Force x Distance. In this case, the force applied is 15 N and the distance covered is 3 m. Thus, work done = 15 N x 3 m = 45 N⋅m. Therefore, the correct answer is 45 N⋅m. Choice A (5 W) is incorrect because work is measured in joules (J) or newton-meters (N⋅m), not in watts (W). Choice B (5 N⋅m) is incorrect as it miscalculates the work by not multiplying the force by the distance. Choice C (45 W) is incorrect because work is not measured in watts (W) but in newton-meters (N⋅m).

4. Four 5 V batteries are connected in series. What is the total voltage of the circuit?

A. 5.0 V
B. 10.0 V
C. 15.0 V
D. 20.0 V

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When batteries are connected in series, their voltages add up. Therefore, the total voltage of the circuit with four 5 V batteries connected in series will be 5 V + 5 V + 5 V + 5 V = 20 V. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the voltages of the batteries add up in series, resulting in a total of 20 V.

5. A rock has a volume of 6 cm3 and a mass of 24 g. What is its density?

A. 4 g/cm3
B. 4 cm3/g
C. 144 g/cm3
D. 144 cm3/g

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. In this case, the mass of the rock is 24 g and its volume is 6 cm3. By dividing 24 g by 6 cm3, we find that the density of the rock is 4 g/cm3. Choice A is the correct answer because density is expressed in units of mass per unit volume (g/cm3). Choice B is incorrect as it represents the reciprocal of density. Choices C and D are significantly higher values and do not match the calculated density of the rock.