when light travels from air into a denser medium like glass its speed
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics Quizlet

1. When light travels from air into a denser medium like glass, its speed:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When light travels from air into a denser medium like glass, its speed decreases. This is because the higher refractive index of the denser medium causes light to slow down as it propagates through the medium. Choice A is incorrect because the speed of light decreases in a denser medium. Choice C is incorrect because the speed of light changes when it enters a denser medium. Choice D is incorrect because the change in speed is predictable based on the refractive index of the medium.

2. When a car is driven for a long time, the pressure of air in the tires increases. This is best explained by which of the following gas laws?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gay-Lussac's law, also known as the law of pressure-temperature, states that the pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature when the volume is constant. As a car is driven for a long time, the tires heat up due to friction and increased air pressure inside the tires. This results in an increase in temperature, causing the pressure of the air inside the tires to increase according to Gay-Lussac's law. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Boyle's law relates pressure and volume, Charles' law relates volume and temperature, and Dalton's law deals with the partial pressures of gases in a mixture.

3. 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.

4. Surface tension, γ, is a property of fluids arising from:

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Surface tension, represented by symbol γ, is caused by the cohesive forces between molecules in a liquid. These intermolecular forces, such as Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole interactions, create a 'skin' at the surface of the liquid, giving rise to the property of surface tension. Gravitational attraction, viscous dissipation, and pressure differentials within the fluid do not directly contribute to surface tension. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

5. What is the purpose of a switch in a circuit?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of a switch in a circuit is to allow the circuit to open and close. When the switch is turned on, it provides a complete path for the current to flow through the circuit. When the switch is turned off, it breaks the circuit, stopping the flow of current. This function of opening and closing the circuit using a switch is essential for controlling the flow of electricity in various electrical devices and systems. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a switch does not reverse the direction of current, increase voltage, or increase resistance in a circuit; its primary function is to open and close the circuit.

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