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. 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. 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.

4. When a fluid encounters a bluff body (e.g., a car), the flow can separate behind the object, creating a region of low pressure. This phenomenon is known as:

A. Cavitation
B. Boundary layer separation
C. Bernoulli effect per se
D. Drag crisis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Boundary layer separation. Boundary layer separation occurs when the flow of fluid detaches from the surface of a bluff body, leading to a low-pressure region behind the object. This separation creates a wake region with reduced pressure. Choice A, Cavitation, refers to the formation of vapor bubbles in a fluid and is not relevant in this context. Choice C, Bernoulli effect per se, does not specifically describe the phenomenon of flow separation behind a bluff body. Choice D, Drag crisis, is not the term used to describe the creation of a low-pressure region due to flow separation.

5. A 5-cm candle is placed 20 cm away from a concave mirror with a focal length of 10 cm. What is the image distance of the candle?

A. 20 cm
B. 40 cm
C. 60 cm
D. 75 cm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To find the image distance of the candle, we use the mirror formula: 1/f = 1/do + 1/di, where f is the focal length, do is the object distance, and di is the image distance. In this case, the focal length f = 10 cm and the object distance do = 20 cm. Substituting these values into the formula gives us 1/10 = 1/20 + 1/di. Solving for di, we get di = 60 cm. Therefore, the image distance of the candle is 60 cm. Choice A (20 cm) is incorrect because it represents the object distance, not the image distance. Choice B (40 cm) is incorrect as it does not consider the mirror formula calculation. Choice D (75 cm) is incorrect as it does not match the correct calculation based on the mirror formula.