HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Practice Test
1. 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.
2. A plucked guitar string makes 80 vibrations in one second. What is the period?
- A. 0.0125 s
- B. 0.025 s
- C. 0.125 s
- D. 0.25 s
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The period is the time taken for one complete vibration of the guitar string. To find the period, you need to take the reciprocal of the frequency. Since the string makes 80 vibrations in one second, the period is 1/80 = 0.0125 seconds (or 0.025 s). Choice A is incorrect because it is the reciprocal of 80. Choice C is incorrect as it is 10 times the reciprocal of 80. Choice D is incorrect as it is 100 times the reciprocal of 80.
3. Which characteristic does a transverse wave not have?
- A. a compression
- B. an amplitude
- C. a frequency
- D. a wavelength
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A transverse wave does not have a compression because transverse waves move perpendicular to the direction of the oscillation. In a transverse wave, the particles move up and down, causing crests and troughs, without creating compressions. Compressions are characteristic of longitudinal waves where the particles move parallel to the direction of the wave. The other choices (B, C, and D) are characteristics that transverse waves possess: amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position, frequency is the number of complete oscillations a wave makes in a given time, and wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in a wave that are in the same phase.
4. Household alternating current typically has a frequency of 60 Hz. Which statement is true?
- A. The circuit is suitable for lighting 60-watt bulbs.
- B. Circuits in the home may carry a current of 60 amperes.
- C. The expected voltage drop is 60 volts per meter.
- D. Electrons complete a cycle 60 times per second.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Electrons complete a cycle 60 times per second when the frequency of the current is 60 Hz. This frequency indicates that the current changes direction 60 times per second, causing the electrons to complete a full cycle back and forth through the circuit at the same rate. Choice A is incorrect because the power rating of a bulb (in watts) is not directly related to the frequency of the current. Choice B is incorrect as typical household circuits do not carry currents as high as 60 amperes. Choice C is incorrect as the expected voltage drop is not measured in volts per meter for household alternating current circuits.
5. In Einstein’s mass-energy equation, what is represented by c?
- A. Distance in centimeters
- B. The speed of light
- C. Degrees Celsius
- D. Centrifugal force
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In Einstein's mass-energy equation, E=mc^2, the symbol 'c' represents the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately equal to 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second. This equation demonstrates the equivalence of energy (E) and mass (m) and is a fundamental concept in the theory of relativity. Choice A is incorrect as 'c' does not represent distance in centimeters. Choice C is incorrect as 'c' does not represent degrees Celsius. Choice D is incorrect as 'c' does not represent centrifugal force.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access