HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Practice Test
1. When a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a charged capacitor, what will happen to the capacitance?
- A. Increase
- B. Decrease
- C. Remain the same
- D. Become unpredictable
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a charged capacitor, the capacitance will increase. This is because the presence of a dielectric material reduces the electric field between the plates, allowing more charge to be stored for a given voltage, thus increasing the capacitance. Choice B is incorrect because adding a dielectric material increases capacitance. Choice C is incorrect because capacitance changes when a dielectric is added. Choice D is incorrect because the effect of a dielectric on capacitance is predictable.
2. A spring has a spring constant of 20 N/m. How much force is needed to compress the spring from 40 cm to 30 cm?
- A. 200 N
- B. 80 N
- C. 5 N
- D. 2 N
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The change in length of the spring is 40 cm - 30 cm = 10 cm = 0.10 m. The force required to compress or stretch a spring is given by Hooke's Law: F = k × x, where F is the force, k is the spring constant (20 N/m in this case), and x is the change in length (0.10 m). Substituting the values into the formula: F = 20 N/m × 0.10 m = 2 N. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 N. Choice A (200 N) is incorrect because it miscalculates the force. Choice B (80 N) is incorrect as it does not apply Hooke's Law correctly. Choice C (5 N) is incorrect as it underestimates the force required.
3. A closed system undergoes a cyclic process, returning to its initial state. What can be said about the net work done (Wnet) by the system over the entire cycle?
- A. Wnet is always positive.
- B. Wnet is always negative.
- C. Wnet can be positive, negative, or zero.
- D. Wnet is equal to the total heat transferred into the system (dQ ≠ 0 for a cycle).
Correct answer: C
Rationale: For a closed system undergoing a cyclic process and returning to its initial state, the net work done (Wnet) over the entire cycle can be positive, negative, or zero. This is because the work done is determined by the area enclosed by the cycle on a P-V diagram, and this area can be above, below, or intersecting the zero work axis, leading to positive, negative, or zero net work done. Choice A is incorrect because Wnet is not always positive; it depends on the specific path taken on the P-V diagram. Choice B is incorrect as Wnet is not always negative; it varies based on the enclosed area. Choice D is incorrect because Wnet is not necessarily equal to the total heat transferred into the system; it depends on the specifics of the cycle and is not a direct relationship.
4. An incandescent lamp consumes 60 Joules of energy per second. What is the power rating of this lamp?
- A. 1 Watt (W)
- B. 60 Watts (W)
- C. 1/60 Joules
- D. Impossible to determine without knowing the voltage
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Power is defined as energy consumed per unit time. If the lamp consumes 60 Joules of energy per second, the power rating is 60 Watts. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choice A ('1 Watt') is incorrect because the lamp consumes 60 Joules per second, not 1 Joule per second. Choice C ('1/60 Joules') is incorrect as it does not represent the power rating. Choice D ('Impossible to determine without knowing the voltage') is incorrect because power can be calculated using energy consumption per unit time without needing to know the voltage.
5. During an isothermal (constant temperature) expansion, what is the work done by the gas on the surroundings?
- A. Positive and equal to the change in internal energy.
- B. Zero.
- C. Negative and equal to the change in internal energy.
- D. Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In an isothermal expansion, the temperature remains constant, meaning there is no change in internal energy. However, the gas still does work on the surroundings as it expands, and this work is positive. Since internal energy does not change, the correct answer is D, 'Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.' Choice A is incorrect because the work done is not equal to the change in internal energy. Choice B is incorrect as work is done during the expansion. Choice C is incorrect since the work done is not negative during an isothermal expansion.
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