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. Fluids can be categorized based on their shear stress-strain rate relationship. An ideal fluid exhibits:
- A. Zero shear stress at any strain rate
- B. Linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate (Newtonian)
- C. Non-linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate (Non-Newtonian)
- D. High dependence of viscosity on temperature
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An ideal fluid, often referred to as an inviscid fluid, is a theoretical concept used in fluid mechanics to simplify calculations. It is characterized by having zero shear stress at any strain rate. In reality, such fluids do not exist, but they serve as a useful starting point for understanding fluid behavior in idealized situations. Choice B is incorrect because a linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate defines a Newtonian fluid, not an ideal fluid. Choice C is incorrect because a non-linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate characterizes Non-Newtonian fluids, not ideal fluids. Choice D is incorrect because the high dependence of viscosity on temperature is a characteristic seen in real fluids and does not define an ideal fluid.
3. Ocean waves build during a storm until there is a vertical distance from the high point to the low point of 6 meters and a horizontal distance of 9 meters between adjacent crests. The waves hit the shore every 5 seconds. What is the speed of the waves?
- A. 1.2 m/s
- B. 1.8 m/s
- C. 2.0 m/s
- D. 2.4 m/s
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To find the speed of the waves, we use the formula: speed = wavelength / period. The wavelength is the horizontal distance between adjacent crests, which is 9 meters in this case. The period is the time it takes for one wave to pass a fixed point, given as 5 seconds. Therefore, speed = 9 meters / 5 seconds = 1.8 m/s. Choice A (1.2 m/s) is incorrect because it miscalculates the speed. Choice C (2.0 m/s) and Choice D (2.4 m/s) are incorrect as they do not correctly calculate the speed using the provided data.
4. In a scenario where a transverse wave transports energy from north to south, in what direction do the particles in the medium move?
- A. Only north to south
- B. Both northward and southward
- C. Only east to west
- D. Both eastward and westward
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a transverse wave, particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of energy transport. When the wave transports energy from north to south, the particles in the medium oscillate up and down, causing them to move both northward and southward. Choice A is incorrect because the particles move in both directions, not only from north to south. Choices C and D are incorrect as they mention directions that are not relevant to the scenario described in the question.
5. Fluid dynamics is a subfield of fluid mechanics concerned with:
- A. Equilibrium properties of fluids at rest (Fluid Statics)
- B. The motion and behavior of fluids under various conditions
- C. Phase transitions of fluids between liquid, gas, and solid states
- D. Engineering applications of fluids (related but broader than fluid dynamics)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Fluid dynamics is the study of fluids in motion and their behavior under different conditions, including how they flow, mix, and interact with their surroundings. It focuses on the dynamic aspects of fluids rather than their static properties when at rest, which is the realm of fluid statics. Phase transitions of fluids between liquid, gas, and solid states are more related to thermodynamics than fluid dynamics. While engineering applications involve fluid dynamics, the field itself is more specialized in studying the movement and behavior of fluids.
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