HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics
1. Which substance would be most affected by a change in temperature?
- A. Liquid nitrogen
- B. Salt crystals
- C. Hydrogen gas
- D. Iron filings
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hydrogen gas would be most affected by a change in temperature because gases have a greater expansion or contraction in volume with changes in temperature compared to liquids or solids. When the temperature of hydrogen gas increases, its molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster, causing the gas to expand and its volume to increase. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the gas molecules lose kinetic energy and move slower, leading to a decrease in volume. This property makes hydrogen gas highly sensitive to temperature changes compared to liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, or iron filings. Liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, and iron filings are less affected by temperature changes because their particles are closer together and have lower kinetic energy, resulting in minimal volume changes with temperature fluctuations.
2. The buoyant force, F_b, experienced by an object submerged in a fluid is given by:
- A. F_b = W, the object's weight
- B. F_b = W_d, the weight of the fluid displaced by the object
- C. F_b = ρ, the density of the fluid
- D. F_b = V, the object's volume
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct formula for the buoyant force experienced by an object submerged in a fluid is given by Archimedes' principle, which states that the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This is represented by the formula F_b = W_d, where W_d is the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This force acts in the opposite direction to gravity and is responsible for objects floating or sinking in fluids. Choice A is incorrect because the buoyant force is not equal to the object's weight. Choice C is incorrect because the density of the fluid is not directly related to the buoyant force. Choice D is incorrect because the object's volume is not the determining factor for the buoyant force.
3. When a hot cup of coffee is placed on a cold table, heat transfer primarily occurs through which process?
- A. Radiation
- B. Conduction
- C. Convection within the coffee
- D. A combination of conduction and convection
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a hot cup of coffee is placed on a cold table, heat transfer primarily occurs through conduction. Conduction is the process of heat transfer through direct contact between objects at different temperatures. In this scenario, the heat from the hot coffee cup is transferred to the cold table through direct contact, making conduction the primary mode of heat transfer. Choice A (Radiation) is incorrect because radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which is not the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario. Choice C (Convection within the coffee) is incorrect because convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, which is not the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario. Choice D (A combination of conduction and convection) is incorrect because while convection may play a minor role due to air currents around the cup, the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario is conduction.
4. The operating principle of a metal detector relies on:
- A. The static presence of a permanent magnet
- B. The electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field
- C. The high electrical conductivity of most metals
- D. The unique thermal signature of metallic objects
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Metal detectors work based on the principle of electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field. When a metal object comes into contact with the detector's magnetic field, it disrupts the field, inducing a current in the metal that can be detected. This principle allows metal detectors to identify the presence of metallic objects without relying on the static presence of a permanent magnet, the high electrical conductivity of metals, or the thermal signature of the objects. Choice A is incorrect because metal detectors do not rely on a static magnet but on the interaction of metals with a changing magnetic field. Choice C is incorrect because while metals do have high electrical conductivity, this is not the principle underlying metal detectors. Choice D is incorrect because metal detectors do not operate based on the thermal signature of objects, but rather on their interaction with magnetic fields.
5. 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.
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