capillarity describes the tendency of fluids to rise or fall in narrow tubes this phenomenon arises from the interplay of

HESI A2

HESI Exams Quizlet Physics

1. Capillarity describes the tendency of fluids to rise or fall in narrow tubes. This phenomenon arises from the interplay of:

A. Buoyancy and pressure differentials
B. Density variations and compressibility of the fluid
C. Viscous dissipation and inertial effects
D. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillarity occurs due to surface tension and intermolecular forces between the liquid and the walls of the narrow tube. These forces cause the liquid to rise or fall depending on the cohesion and adhesion properties. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces are responsible for capillary action, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the specific forces involved in capillarity.

2. Why doesn’t a raindrop accelerate as it approaches the ground?

A. Gravity pulls it down at a constant rate.
B. Air resistance counteracts the gravitational force.
C. Its mass decreases, decreasing its speed.
D. Objects in motion decelerate over distance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. As a raindrop falls, it experiences air resistance which counteracts the gravitational force pulling it down. This balancing of forces prevents the raindrop from accelerating further as it approaches the ground. Choice A is incorrect because while gravity is pulling the raindrop down, air resistance opposes this force. Choice C is incorrect as the mass of the raindrop remains constant during its fall. Choice D is incorrect because objects in motion may decelerate due to various factors, but in this case, the focus is on why the raindrop doesn't accelerate.

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 an electrically neutral atom, the number of:

A. Electrons is equal to protons
B. Protons is equal to neutrons
C. Neutrons are always greater than protons
D. Electrons are always less than protons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an electrically neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Electrons carry a negative charge, protons carry a positive charge, and neutrons are neutral. Since the atom is electrically neutral, the positive charge of the protons must balance the negative charge of the electrons, making the numbers of electrons and protons equal. Choice B is incorrect because protons are not equal to neutrons in an atom. Choice C is incorrect because neutrons are not always greater than protons, and choice D is incorrect because electrons are not always less than protons in an atom.

5. In the mechanical power equation P = E / t, power is measured in ___________.

A. ohms
B. Joules
C. volts
D. watts

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the mechanical power equation P = E / t, power is measured in watts. Watts are the standard unit of power in the International System of Units (SI), named after the Scottish engineer James Watt. Watts are defined as joules per second, reflecting the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. Ohms (choice A) are the unit of electrical resistance, Joules (choice B) are the unit of energy, and volts (choice C) are the unit of electric potential difference. Therefore, the correct answer is watts as it directly relates to power in the given equation.