in open channel flow a critical property is the free surface which refers to the

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics Practice Test

1. In open-channel flow, a critical property is the free surface, which refers to the:

A. Interface between the liquid and the container walls
B. Interface between the liquid and a surrounding gas
C. Bottom of the channel
D. Region of highest velocity within the liquid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The free surface in open-channel flow refers to the interface between the liquid and the surrounding gas, typically the atmosphere. This interface is critical as it determines the boundary between the liquid flow and the open environment. Option A is incorrect as it refers to the liquid-container wall interface, not the free surface. Option C is incorrect because it represents the bottom of the channel, not the free surface. Option D is incorrect as it describes the region of highest velocity within the liquid, not the free surface. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

2. 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.

3. Marilyn is driving to a wedding. She drives 4 miles south before realizing that she left the gift at home. She makes a U-turn, returns home to pick up the gift, and sets out again driving south. This time, she drives 1 mile out of her way to pick up a friend. From there, they continue 5 miles more to the wedding. Which of these statements is true about Marilyn’s trip?

A. The displacement of her trip is 6 miles, and the distance traveled is 6 miles.
B. The displacement of her trip is 14 miles, and the distance traveled is 14 miles.
C. The displacement of her trip is 8 miles, and the distance traveled is 14 miles.
D. The displacement of her trip is 6 miles, and the distance traveled is 14 miles.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Marilyn’s displacement is calculated based on her final position relative to the starting point. She drives 1 mile to pick up her friend, then 5 miles more to the wedding, totaling 6 miles after returning to her home. So, the correct displacement is 8 miles south from her starting point (4 miles to the gift + 4 miles return + 1 mile to the friend + 5 miles to the wedding). The total distance traveled is 14 miles (adding all the distances). Choice A is incorrect because it miscalculates the displacement. Choice B is incorrect as it overestimates both the displacement and distance traveled. Choice D is incorrect as it underestimates the displacement.

4. In a static fluid, pressure (P) at a depth (h) is governed by the hydrostatic equation:

A. P = ρgh
B. P = γh
C. P = μgh
D. P = bh

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct formula for the pressure at a certain depth in a fluid according to the hydrostatic equation is P = ρgh. Here, ρ represents the fluid's density, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the depth. This formula shows that pressure increases linearly with the density of the fluid, the acceleration due to gravity, and the depth. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the relationship between pressure, density, gravitational acceleration, and depth in a static fluid.

5. When a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a charged capacitor, what will happen to the capacitance?

A. Increase
B. Decrease
C. Remain the same
D. Become unpredictable

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a charged capacitor, the capacitance will increase. This is because the presence of a dielectric material reduces the electric field between the plates, allowing more charge to be stored for a given voltage, thus increasing the capacitance. Choice B is incorrect because adding a dielectric material increases capacitance. Choice C is incorrect because capacitance changes when a dielectric is added. Choice D is incorrect because the effect of a dielectric on capacitance is predictable.