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. A plucked guitar string makes 80 vibrations in one second. What is the period?

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. If a force of 12 kg stretches a spring by 3 cm, how far will the spring stretch when a force of 30 kg is applied?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied. In this case, the force increases from 12 kg to 30 kg, which is a 2.5 times increase. Therefore, the extension of the spring will also increase by 2.5 times. Given that the spring stretches 3 cm with a force of 12 kg, multiplying 3 cm by 2.5 gives us the extension of the spring when a force of 30 kg is applied, which equals 7.5 cm. Therefore, the correct answer is 7.5 cm. Choice A, 6 cm, is incorrect because it does not account for the proportional increase in force. Choice C, 9 cm, and Choice D, 10.5 cm, are incorrect as they overestimate the extension of the spring by not considering the direct proportionality between force and extension.

4. The amount of energy lost in a circuit due to electrical resistance is dissipated in the form of:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When electrical current flows through a circuit with resistance, energy is lost in the form of heat due to the resistance encountered by the electrons. This dissipation of energy as heat is a common phenomenon in electrical circuits and is known as Joule heating. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Heat.' Light, sound, and mechanical work are not typical forms in which energy is lost due to electrical resistance. Light is not a direct result of energy dissipation in electrical circuits, sound is not a form of energy dissipation in this context, and mechanical work pertains to the application of physical force and not the dissipation of energy due to resistance.

5. 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.

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