a key parameter in fluid selection is specific gravity sg for a submerged object in a reference fluid often water sg object reference an object with

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. A key parameter in fluid selection is specific gravity (SG). For a submerged object in a reference fluid (often water), SG = ρ_object / ρ_reference. An object with SG > 1 will:

A. Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards
B. Experience a net buoyant force acting downwards
C. Remain neutrally buoyant
D. Require knowledge of the object's volume for buoyancy determination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the specific gravity (SG) of an object is greater than 1, it indicates that the object is denser than the reference fluid, which is often water. According to Archimedes' principle, an object with SG > 1 will experience a net buoyant force acting upwards when submerged in the fluid. This is because the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, causing it to float. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards.' Objects with SG < 1 would sink as they are less dense than the fluid, while objects with SG = 1 would be neutrally buoyant, neither sinking nor floating.

2. Which of the following describes a vector quantity?

A. 5 miles per hour due southwest
B. 5 miles per hour
C. 5 miles
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A vector quantity is characterized by both magnitude and direction. In the provided options, choice A, '5 miles per hour due southwest,' fits this definition as it includes both the magnitude (5 miles per hour) and the direction (southwest), making it a vector quantity. Choices B and C only provide the magnitude without indicating any direction, hence they do not represent vector quantities.

3. An electromagnet is holding a 1,500-kg car at a height of 25 m above the ground. The magnet then experiences a power outage, and the car falls to the ground. Which of the following is false?

A. The car had a potential energy of 367.5 kJ.
B. 367.5 kJ of potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.
C. The car retains potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground.
D. The car’s potential energy converts to kinetic energy and then to sound energy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the car falls to the ground, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as it accelerates downwards. Upon impact with the ground, the car's kinetic energy is dissipated in various forms, such as sound energy, heat, and deformation energy. Therefore, the car does not retain its initial potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground. Choice A is true because the potential energy of the car can be calculated as mgh = 1500 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 25 m = 367,500 J = 367.5 kJ. Choice B is true because as the car falls, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. Choice D is true as the kinetic energy is eventually dissipated into other forms upon impact.

4. Electric motors convert electrical energy primarily into:

A. Thermal energy
B. Light
C. Mechanical energy
D. Sound waves

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. When electricity passes through the coils in the motor, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the field from the permanent magnets, resulting in a force that drives motion. Choice A, 'Thermal energy,' is incorrect as electric motors are designed to minimize heat production. Choice B, 'Light,' is incorrect as electric motors do not produce light as a primary output. Choice D, 'Sound waves,' is incorrect as the primary output of an electric motor is mechanical motion, not sound waves.