a vehicle positioned at the peak of a hill possesses potential energy due to its elevation as the car rolls downhill its potential energy transforms i

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. As a vehicle positioned at the peak of a hill rolls downhill, its potential energy transforms into:

A. Thermal energy
B. Neither thermal nor kinetic energy
C. A combination of thermal and kinetic energy
D. Kinetic energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Kinetic energy. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the vehicle moves downhill. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a moving object. Thermal energy is not produced in this scenario because the energy transformation is mainly from potential to kinetic energy, not involving heat generation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary energy transformation in this scenario is from potential to kinetic energy, not involving thermal energy.

2. In a circuit with three same-size resistors wired in series to a 9-V power supply, producing 1 amp of current, what is the resistance of each resistor?

A. 9 ohms
B. 6 ohms
C. 3 ohms
D. 1 ohm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances. With a total voltage of 9 V and a current of 1 A, we can use Ohm's Law (V = I × R) to find the total resistance: Total resistance = 9 V / 1 A = 9 ohms. Since the resistors are identical and wired in series, the total resistance is evenly divided among the three resistors: Resistance of each resistor = 9 ohms / 3 = 3 ohms. Thus, the resistance of each resistor is 3 ohms. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 ohms. Choice A, 9 ohms, is incorrect because this would be the total resistance of all three resistors combined in series. Choice B, 6 ohms, is incorrect as it does not account for the equal distribution of resistance in a series circuit. Choice D, 1 ohm, is incorrect as it is too low for resistors in series with a total resistance of 9 ohms.

3. For the core of an electromagnet, a material with high:

A. Resistivity is ideal
B. Permeability is preferred
C. Permittivity is crucial
D. Dielectric strength is essential

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A material with high permeability is preferred for the core of an electromagnet because it allows magnetic field lines to pass through it easily, enhancing the strength of the magnetic field generated. Choice A is incorrect because high resistivity would impede the flow of current in the coil, reducing the strength of the magnetic field. Choice C is incorrect as permittivity is related to electric fields, not magnetic fields. Choice D is also incorrect because dielectric strength is about insulating materials against breakdown under an electric field, not relevant to enhancing magnetic fields.

4. A 2,000-kg car travels at 15 m/s. For a 1,500-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to generate the same momentum, what would need to happen?

A. It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s.
B. It would need to add 500 kg in mass.
C. Both A and B
D. Either A or B

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Momentum is calculated as the product of mass and velocity. Since momentum is conserved in the absence of external forces, for the 1,500-kg car to generate the same momentum as the 2,000-kg car at 15 m/s, it would need to increase its velocity to compensate for the difference in mass. Accelerating to 20 m/s would achieve this without needing to change the mass of the car. Choice B is incorrect because adding mass is not necessary to match momentum in this scenario.

5. If a wave has a frequency of 60 hertz, which of the following is true?

A. It completes one cycle per minute.
B. It measures 60 m from crest to crest.
C. It completes 60 cycles per second.
D. It measures 60 m from crest to trough.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The frequency of a wave is the number of cycles it completes in one second. A wave with a frequency of 60 hertz completes 60 cycles per second. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choice A is incorrect because a frequency of 60 hertz means 60 cycles per second, not per minute. Choice B is incorrect as the frequency of the wave does not determine the distance from crest to crest. Choice D is also incorrect as the frequency does not relate to the distance from crest to trough.