Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. At which point on a roller coaster does the car have the greatest potential energy?

• A. The start of the ride
• B. The highest peak
• C. The lowest trough
• D. The end of the ride

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the highest peak. At the highest peak of the roller coaster, the car reaches its maximum height above the ground. This point represents the car's greatest potential energy because it has the highest potential to do work due to its elevated position. The potential energy is directly proportional to the height of an object, so the highest point on the roller coaster track corresponds to the car's greatest potential energy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because potential energy is highest at the peak due to its elevated position, not at the start of the ride, the lowest trough, or the end of the ride.

3. Surface tension, γ, is a property of fluids arising from:

• A. Intermolecular forces between fluid molecules
• B. Gravitational attraction
• C. Viscous dissipation
• D. Pressure differentials within the fluid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Surface tension, represented by symbol γ, is caused by the cohesive forces between molecules in a liquid. These intermolecular forces, such as Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole interactions, create a 'skin' at the surface of the liquid, giving rise to the property of surface tension. Gravitational attraction, viscous dissipation, and pressure differentials within the fluid do not directly contribute to surface tension. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

4. A spring has a spring constant of 20 N/m. How much force is needed to compress the spring from 40 cm to 30 cm?

• A. 200 N
• B. 80 N
• C. 5 N
• D. 2 N

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The change in length of the spring is 40 cm - 30 cm = 10 cm = 0.10 m. The force required to compress or stretch a spring is given by Hooke's Law: F = k × x, where F is the force, k is the spring constant (20 N/m in this case), and x is the change in length (0.10 m). Substituting the values into the formula: F = 20 N/m × 0.10 m = 2 N. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 N. Choice A (200 N) is incorrect because it miscalculates the force. Choice B (80 N) is incorrect as it does not apply Hooke's Law correctly. Choice C (5 N) is incorrect as it underestimates the force required.

5. During an isothermal (constant temperature) expansion, what is the work done by the gas on the surroundings?

• A. Positive and equal to the change in internal energy.
• B. Zero.
• C. Negative and equal to the change in internal energy.
• D. Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In an isothermal expansion, the temperature remains constant, meaning there is no change in internal energy. However, the gas still does work on the surroundings as it expands, and this work is positive. Since internal energy does not change, the correct answer is D, 'Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.' Choice A is incorrect because the work done is not equal to the change in internal energy. Choice B is incorrect as work is done during the expansion. Choice C is incorrect since the work done is not negative during an isothermal expansion.

Similar Questions