an airplane travels 500 miles northeast and then on the return trip travels 500 miles southwest which of the following is true

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. An airplane travels 500 miles northeast and then, on the return trip, travels 500 miles southwest. Which of the following is true?

A. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
B. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.
C. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
D. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The displacement of an object is the change in position from the starting point to the ending point, regardless of the path taken. In this case, the airplane returns to its original position after traveling 500 miles northeast and then 500 miles southwest. Therefore, the displacement is 0 miles. However, the distance traveled is the total path covered, which is 500 miles northeast plus 500 miles southwest, for a total of 1,000 miles. Choice A is incorrect because the displacement is not the sum of the distances traveled. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 1,000 miles. Choice C is incorrect as it states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 0 miles, which is not the case.

2. In a U-tube manometer, a fluid is used to measure pressure differences. When one side is connected to a pressurized system, the fluid level on that side will:

A. Remain the same
B. Decrease
C. Increase
D. Depend on the type of fluid used

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a U-tube manometer, the side connected to a pressurized system will experience a decrease in fluid level due to the pressure exerted by the system. This pressure forces the fluid down, causing the fluid level to decrease. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A and C are incorrect because the fluid level will not remain the same or increase when connected to a pressurized system. Choice D is incorrect as the type of fluid used does not determine the direction of the fluid movement in response to pressure.

3. Which vehicle has the greatest momentum?

A. A 9,000-kg railroad car traveling at 3 m/s
B. A 2,000-kg automobile traveling at 24 m/s
C. A 1,500-kg MINI Coupe traveling at 29 m/s
D. A 500-kg glider traveling at 89 m/s

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The momentum of an object is calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. The momentum formula is p = m × v, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. Comparing the momentum of each vehicle: A: 9,000 kg × 3 m/s = 27,000 kg·m/s B: 2,000 kg × 24 m/s = 48,000 kg·m/s C: 1,500 kg × 29 m/s = 43,500 kg·m/s D: 500 kg × 89 m/s = 44,500 kg·m/s. Therefore, the glider (500-kg) traveling at 89 m/s has the greatest momentum of 44,500 kg·m/s, making it the correct choice. Options A, B, and C have lower momentum values compared to option D, proving that the 500-kg glider traveling at 89 m/s has the highest momentum among the given vehicles.

4. 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.

5. 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.