the operating principle of a metal detector relies on

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. 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.

2. Which substance would be most affected by a change in temperature?

A. Liquid nitrogen
B. Salt crystals
C. Hydrogen gas
D. Iron filings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hydrogen gas would be most affected by a change in temperature because gases have a greater expansion or contraction in volume with changes in temperature compared to liquids or solids. When the temperature of hydrogen gas increases, its molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster, causing the gas to expand and its volume to increase. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the gas molecules lose kinetic energy and move slower, leading to a decrease in volume. This property makes hydrogen gas highly sensitive to temperature changes compared to liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, or iron filings. Liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, and iron filings are less affected by temperature changes because their particles are closer together and have lower kinetic energy, resulting in minimal volume changes with temperature fluctuations.

3. According to the zeroth law of thermodynamics, two systems are in thermal equilibrium if:

A. They have the same pressure.
B. They have the same volume.
C. They have the same temperature.
D. They are made of the same material.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "They have the same temperature." The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. This implies that they have the same temperature. Choice A is incorrect because pressure is not the determining factor for thermal equilibrium. Choice B is incorrect because volume alone does not dictate thermal equilibrium. Choice D is incorrect as the materials the systems are made of do not determine thermal equilibrium according to the zeroth law of thermodynamics.

4. 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.

5. How might the energy use of an appliance be expressed?

A. Power = energy × time
B. Time + energy = power
C. Energy = power × time
D. Energy/power = time

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The energy use of an appliance can be expressed using the formula Energy = Power × Time. In this formula, Energy represents the amount of electricity consumed by the appliance, Power indicates the rate at which the appliance uses electricity (measured in watts), and Time represents the duration for which the appliance is being used (measured in hours). By multiplying the power rating of the appliance by the time it is in use, one can calculate the total energy consumed. Option C is the correct choice because it accurately represents the relationship between power, time, and energy. Choices A, B, and D present incorrect representations of the relationship between energy, power, and time, making them wrong answers.