which vehicle has the greatest momentum

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. 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.

2. Why doesn’t a raindrop accelerate as it approaches the ground?

A. Gravity pulls it down at a constant rate.
B. Air resistance counteracts the gravitational force.
C. Its mass decreases, decreasing its speed.
D. Objects in motion decelerate over distance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. As a raindrop falls, it experiences air resistance which counteracts the gravitational force pulling it down. This balancing of forces prevents the raindrop from accelerating further as it approaches the ground. Choice A is incorrect because while gravity is pulling the raindrop down, air resistance opposes this force. Choice C is incorrect as the mass of the raindrop remains constant during its fall. Choice D is incorrect because objects in motion may decelerate due to various factors, but in this case, the focus is on why the raindrop doesn't accelerate.

3. Capillarity describes the tendency of fluids to rise or fall in narrow tubes. This phenomenon arises from the interplay of:

A. Buoyancy and pressure differentials
B. Density variations and compressibility of the fluid
C. Viscous dissipation and inertial effects
D. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillarity occurs due to surface tension and intermolecular forces between the liquid and the walls of the narrow tube. These forces cause the liquid to rise or fall depending on the cohesion and adhesion properties. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces are responsible for capillary action, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the specific forces involved in capillarity.

4. In an adiabatic process, there is:

A. No heat transfer (Q = 0) between the system and the surroundings.
B. Isothermal compression or expansion (constant temperature).
C. Constant pressure throughout the process (isobaric process).
D. No change in the system's internal energy (energy is conserved according to the first law).

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an adiabatic process, choice A is correct because adiabatic processes involve no heat transfer between the system and its surroundings (Q = 0). This lack of heat transfer is a defining characteristic of adiabatic processes. Choices B, C, and D do not accurately describe an adiabatic process. Choice B refers to an isothermal process where temperature remains constant, not adiabatic. Choice C describes an isobaric process with constant pressure, not specific to adiabatic processes. Choice D mentions the conservation of energy but does not directly relate to the absence of heat transfer in adiabatic processes.

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.