why are boats more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. Why are boats more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water?

A. Salt decreases the mass of the boats.
B. Salt increases the volume of the water.
C. Salt affects the density of the boats.
D. Salt increases the density of the water.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Salt increases the density of water, making saltwater more buoyant than freshwater. The higher density of saltwater provides more lift to a boat, enabling it to float more easily compared to in freshwater. Choice A is incorrect because salt does not affect the mass of the boats. Choice B is incorrect as salt does not increase the volume of water. Choice C is incorrect since salt affects the density of water, not the boats themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is that salt increases the density of the water, resulting in boats being more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water.

2. A bicycle and a car are both traveling at a rate of 5 m/s. Which statement is true?

A. The bicycle has more kinetic energy than the car.
B. The bicycle has less kinetic energy than the car.
C. Both vehicles have the same amount of kinetic energy.
D. Only the car has kinetic energy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Kinetic energy is determined by both the mass and the velocity of an object. While both the bicycle and the car are moving at the same velocity (5 m/s), the car has significantly more mass than the bicycle. As a result, the car has more kinetic energy than the bicycle, even though their speeds are identical. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not consider the influence of mass on kinetic energy. Choice A is incorrect as the car has more kinetic energy due to its greater mass. Choice C is incorrect because the vehicles have different masses. Choice D is incorrect as both the bicycle and the car possess kinetic energy.

3. What characterizes laminar flow?

A. Smooth, parallel layers of fluid particles
B. Erratic and turbulent motion of fluid particles
C. High viscosity hindering flow
D. Incompressibility of the fluid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Laminar flow is characterized by the smooth, parallel movement of fluid particles along layers in a predictable manner. This flow regime occurs at low velocities and is in contrast to turbulent flow, where fluid particles exhibit erratic and chaotic motion. The viscosity of the fluid does not hinder laminar flow; instead, it influences the resistance to flow. Incompressibility is a property of fluids but does not specifically define laminar flow. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it accurately describes the behavior of fluid particles in laminar flow, making B, C, and D incorrect.

4. A closed system undergoes a cyclic process, returning to its initial state. What can be said about the net work done (Wnet) by the system over the entire cycle?

A. Wnet is always positive.
B. Wnet is always negative.
C. Wnet can be positive, negative, or zero.
D. Wnet is equal to the total heat transferred into the system (dQ ≠ 0 for a cycle).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a closed system undergoing a cyclic process and returning to its initial state, the net work done (Wnet) over the entire cycle can be positive, negative, or zero. This is because the work done is determined by the area enclosed by the cycle on a P-V diagram, and this area can be above, below, or intersecting the zero work axis, leading to positive, negative, or zero net work done. Choice A is incorrect because Wnet is not always positive; it depends on the specific path taken on the P-V diagram. Choice B is incorrect as Wnet is not always negative; it varies based on the enclosed area. Choice D is incorrect because Wnet is not necessarily equal to the total heat transferred into the system; it depends on the specifics of the cycle and is not a direct relationship.

5. Which property of a substance does not change with a change in temperature?

A. Mass
B. Volume
C. Phase
D. Solubility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mass is an intrinsic property of a substance that remains constant regardless of temperature changes. It is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, and this quantity does not vary with temperature or the environment in which the substance is located. The conservation of mass in chemistry dictates that mass is neither created nor destroyed, making it independent of temperature variations.\nVolume, on the other hand, changes with temperature due to thermal expansion or contraction. Phase can change with temperature, leading to transitions between solid, liquid, and gas states. Solubility is affected by temperature changes as it influences the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent.