Nursing Elites

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

• A. Reversible processes involve heat transfer, while irreversible processes do not.
• B. Reversible processes occur instantaneously, while irreversible processes take time.
• C. Reversible processes can be run in both directions with the same outcome, while irreversible processes cannot.
• D. Reversible processes violate the first law of 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. When a junked car is compacted, which statement is true?

• A. Its mass increases.
• B. Its mass decreases.
• C. Its density increases.
• D. Its density decreases.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a junked car is compacted, its volume decreases while its mass remains the same. As a result, the car's density increases because density is mass divided by volume. Choice A is incorrect because the mass of the car remains the same. Choice B is incorrect because the mass does not decrease. Choice D is incorrect because the density increases as the volume decreases, not decreases.

3. During adiabatic compression of a gas, what happens to its temperature?

• A. Remains constant
• B. Decreases
• C. Increases
• D. Becomes unpredictable without additional information

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During adiabatic compression, the gas's temperature increases. This is because no heat is exchanged with the surroundings, and all the work done on the gas results in an increase in internal energy. Choice A is incorrect because the temperature does not remain constant during adiabatic compression. Choice B is incorrect as the temperature does not decrease. Choice D is incorrect as the behavior of the gas's temperature during adiabatic compression is predictable based on the principles of thermodynamics.

4. 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.

5. A Carnot cycle is a theoretical ideal heat engine operating between two heat reservoirs at different temperatures. Which of the following statements is NOT true about a Carnot cycle?

• A. The efficiency of a Carnot cycle is solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.
• B. It is a reversible cycle, meaning the process can be run in both directions with the same efficiency.
• C. It operates isothermally at the hot and cold reservoir temperatures.
• D. It is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement that is NOT true is C. Although part of the Carnot cycle operates isothermally, not the entire cycle operates isothermally. The Carnot cycle consists of both isothermal and adiabatic processes. Choice A is incorrect because the efficiency of a Carnot cycle is indeed solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs. Choice B is correct as a Carnot cycle is reversible, allowing the process to be run in both directions with the same efficiency. Choice D is also true as the Carnot cycle is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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