when a small object floats on the surface of a liquid the surface tension creates a

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics Quizlet

1. When a small object floats on the surface of a liquid, the surface tension creates a:

A. Buoyant force acting upwards
B. Pressure difference causing sinking
C. Drag force opposing motion
D. Restoring force towards equilibrium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Surface tension creates a restoring force that holds the object on the surface. The liquid's surface behaves like a stretched membrane, and when disturbed, it tends to return the object to its original position, creating a restoring force. The other choices are incorrect: A buoyant force acts on objects submerged in a fluid, not floating on the surface; pressure differences usually affect sinking objects, not floating ones; drag force is a resistance force that opposes motion, not related to surface tension.

2. As a vehicle positioned at the peak of a hill rolls downhill, its potential energy transforms into:

A. Thermal energy
B. Neither thermal nor kinetic energy
C. A combination of thermal and kinetic energy
D. Kinetic energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Kinetic energy. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the vehicle moves downhill. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a moving object. Thermal energy is not produced in this scenario because the energy transformation is mainly from potential to kinetic energy, not involving heat generation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary energy transformation in this scenario is from potential to kinetic energy, not involving thermal energy.

3. When analyzing a power plant, which of the following is NOT considered a part of the system?

A. The fuel being burned.
B. The working fluid (e.g., steam or water).
C. The turbine that generates electricity.
D. The surrounding air.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a power plant system, the components directly involved in the energy conversion process are considered part of the system. The fuel being burned provides the heat source, the working fluid transfers this heat energy, and the turbine converts it into mechanical energy to generate electricity. The surrounding air, while it may interact with the system, is not a component that directly participates in the energy conversion process within the power plant system. Therefore, the correct answer is D - The surrounding air. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of a power plant system as they play direct roles in the energy conversion process, unlike the surrounding air.

4. The Prandtl number (Pr) is a dimensionless property relating:

A. Viscosity and thermal diffusivity
B. Density and pressure
C. Surface tension and pressure
D. Reynolds number and flow regime

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Prandtl number (Pr) is a dimensionless number used to characterize fluid flow. It is the ratio of momentum diffusivity to thermal diffusivity. In simpler terms, it relates the ability of a fluid to conduct heat to its ability to conduct momentum. Therefore, the correct relationship is between viscosity and thermal diffusivity, making choice A the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the properties that the Prandtl number relates.

5. The strength of a magnetic field is measured in units of:

A. Amperes
B. Tesla
C. Volts
D. Coulombs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Tesla (T) is the unit of measurement for the strength of a magnetic field. One Tesla is defined as one weber per square meter. Amperes (choice A) measure electric current, Volts (choice C) measure electric potential, and Coulombs (choice D) measure electric charge, making them incorrect choices for measuring the strength of a magnetic field.