what is the main difference between a reversible and irreversible process in thermodynamics
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HESI A2

HESI Exams Quizlet Physics

1. What is the main difference between a reversible and irreversible process in thermodynamics?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A reversible process is an idealized process that can be reversed without leaving any change in either the system or the surroundings. In contrast, irreversible processes cannot be reversed and often involve entropy production or dissipation. Choice A is incorrect because both reversible and irreversible processes can involve heat transfer. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of a process does not determine its reversibility. Choice D is incorrect because reversible processes do not violate the first law of thermodynamics; they comply with it by maintaining a balance between energy inputs and outputs. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it accurately captures the main difference between reversible and irreversible processes in thermodynamics.

2. Which of the following describes a vector quantity?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A vector quantity is characterized by both magnitude and direction. In the provided options, choice A, '5 miles per hour due southwest,' fits this definition as it includes both the magnitude (5 miles per hour) and the direction (southwest), making it a vector quantity. Choices B and C only provide the magnitude without indicating any direction, hence they do not represent vector quantities.

3. A bicycle and a car are both traveling at a rate of 5 m/s. Which statement is true?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Kinetic energy is determined by both the mass and the velocity of an object. While both the bicycle and the car are moving at the same velocity (5 m/s), the car has significantly more mass than the bicycle. As a result, the car has more kinetic energy than the bicycle, even though their speeds are identical. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not consider the influence of mass on kinetic energy. Choice A is incorrect as the car has more kinetic energy due to its greater mass. Choice C is incorrect because the vehicles have different masses. Choice D is incorrect as both the bicycle and the car possess kinetic energy.

4. A 25-cm spring stretches to 28 cm when a force of 12 N is applied. What would its length be if that force were doubled?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the 12 N force stretches the spring from 25 cm to 28 cm, it causes a length increase of 28 cm - 25 cm = 3 cm. Therefore, each newton of applied force causes an extension of 3 cm / 12 N = 0.25 cm/N. If the force is doubled to 24 N, the spring would extend by 24 N × 0.25 cm/N = 6 cm more than its original length of 25 cm. Thus, the new length of the spring would be 25 cm + 6 cm = 31 cm. Choice A, 31 cm, is the correct answer as calculated. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between force and extension in the spring, leading to incorrect calculations of the new length.

5. The specific heat capacity of tin is 217 J/(g°C). Which of these materials would require about twice as much heat as tin to increase the temperature of a sample by 1°C?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Aluminum. The specific heat capacity of aluminum is 0.904 J/(g°C), which is approximately 4 times that of tin. For a material to require about twice as much heat as tin to increase the temperature by 1°C, it should have a specific heat capacity roughly double that of tin. Therefore, aluminum fits this criterion better than the other options. Gold has a much lower specific heat capacity than tin, so it would require less, not more, heat to increase the temperature by 1°C. Copper and Iron also have specific heat capacities lower than tin, making them incorrect choices for requiring twice as much heat as tin.

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