HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Practice Test
1. When a gas is compressed isothermally, we can say that:
- A. The gas performs work on the surroundings, and its internal energy increases.
- B. The gas performs work on the surroundings, and its internal energy decreases.
- C. The surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy increases.
- D. The surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy decreases.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a gas is compressed isothermally, the surroundings perform work on the gas. In this process, since the temperature remains constant (isothermal), the internal energy of the gas does not change. Therefore, the correct answer is that the surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy decreases. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they incorrectly describe the direction of work and the change in internal energy during an isothermal compression.
2. In a static fluid, pressure (P) at a depth (h) is governed by the hydrostatic equation:
- A. P = ρgh
- B. P = γh
- C. P = μgh
- D. P = bh
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct formula for the pressure at a certain depth in a fluid according to the hydrostatic equation is P = ρgh. Here, ρ represents the fluid's density, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the depth. This formula shows that pressure increases linearly with the density of the fluid, the acceleration due to gravity, and the depth. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the relationship between pressure, density, gravitational acceleration, and depth in a static fluid.
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. In an adiabatic process, there is:
- A. No heat transfer (Q = 0) between the system and the surroundings.
- B. Isothermal compression or expansion (constant temperature).
- C. Constant pressure throughout the process (isobaric process).
- D. No change in the system's internal energy (energy is conserved according to the first law).
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In an adiabatic process, choice A is correct because adiabatic processes involve no heat transfer between the system and its surroundings (Q = 0). This lack of heat transfer is a defining characteristic of adiabatic processes. Choices B, C, and D do not accurately describe an adiabatic process. Choice B refers to an isothermal process where temperature remains constant, not adiabatic. Choice C describes an isobaric process with constant pressure, not specific to adiabatic processes. Choice D mentions the conservation of energy but does not directly relate to the absence of heat transfer in adiabatic processes.
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?
- A. Copper [0.3844 J/(g°C)]
- B. Iron [0.449 J/(g°C)]
- C. Gold [0.1291 J/(g°C)]
- D. Aluminum [0.904 J/(g°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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