how do you determine the velocity of a wave

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. How do you determine the velocity of a wave?

A. Multiply the frequency by the wavelength.
B. Add the frequency and the wavelength.
C. Subtract the wavelength from the frequency.
D. Divide the wavelength by the frequency.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The velocity of a wave can be determined by multiplying the frequency of the wave by the wavelength. This relationship is given by the formula: velocity = frequency × wavelength. By multiplying the frequency by the wavelength, you can calculate the speed at which the wave is traveling. This formula is derived from the basic wave equation v = f × λ, where v represents velocity, f is frequency, and λ is wavelength. Therefore, to find the velocity of a wave, one must multiply its frequency by its wavelength. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Adding, subtracting, or dividing the frequency and wavelength does not yield the correct calculation for wave velocity. The correct formula for determining wave velocity is to multiply the frequency by the wavelength.

2. A 0-kg block on a table is given a push so that it slides along the table. If the block is accelerated at 6 m/s2, what was the force applied to the block?

A. 0 N
B. 3 N
C. 6 N
D. The answer cannot be determined from the information given.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to Newton's second law of motion, F=ma. Since the block has a mass of 0 kg, the force applied must be 0 N, as no force is needed to move an object with zero mass.

3. The amount of energy lost in a circuit due to electrical resistance is dissipated in the form of:

A. Light
B. Sound
C. Heat
D. Mechanical work

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When electrical current flows through a circuit with resistance, energy is lost in the form of heat due to the resistance encountered by the electrons. This dissipation of energy as heat is a common phenomenon in electrical circuits and is known as Joule heating. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Heat.' Light, sound, and mechanical work are not typical forms in which energy is lost due to electrical resistance. Light is not a direct result of energy dissipation in electrical circuits, sound is not a form of energy dissipation in this context, and mechanical work pertains to the application of physical force and not the dissipation of energy due to resistance.

4. The operating principle of a metal detector relies on:

A. The static presence of a permanent magnet
B. The electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field
C. The high electrical conductivity of most metals
D. The unique thermal signature of metallic objects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Metal detectors work based on the principle of electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field. When a metal object comes into contact with the detector's magnetic field, it disrupts the field, inducing a current in the metal that can be detected. This principle allows metal detectors to identify the presence of metallic objects without relying on the static presence of a permanent magnet, the high electrical conductivity of metals, or the thermal signature of the objects. Choice A is incorrect because metal detectors do not rely on a static magnet but on the interaction of metals with a changing magnetic field. Choice C is incorrect because while metals do have high electrical conductivity, this is not the principle underlying metal detectors. Choice D is incorrect because metal detectors do not operate based on the thermal signature of objects, but rather on their interaction with magnetic fields.

5. When analyzing a power plant, which of the following is NOT considered a part of the system?

A. The fuel being burned.
B. The working fluid (e.g., steam or water).
C. The turbine that generates electricity.
D. The surrounding air.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a power plant system, the components directly involved in the energy conversion process are considered part of the system. The fuel being burned provides the heat source, the working fluid transfers this heat energy, and the turbine converts it into mechanical energy to generate electricity. The surrounding air, while it may interact with the system, is not a component that directly participates in the energy conversion process within the power plant system. Therefore, the correct answer is D - The surrounding air. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of a power plant system as they play direct roles in the energy conversion process, unlike the surrounding air.