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

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics Quizlet

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

A. Increases
B. Decreases
C. Remains constant
D. Becomes unpredictable

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. The efficiency (η) of a heat engine is defined as the ratio of the net work done (Wnet) by the engine to the heat input (Qh) from the hot reservoir. The relationship is expressed as:

A. η = Wnet / Qh
B. η = Qh / Wnet
C. η = Wnet x Qh
D. η = (Wnet + Qh) / 2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct formula for efficiency (η) of a heat engine is η = Wnet / Qh. Efficiency is defined as the ratio of the net work done by the engine (Wnet) to the heat input from the hot reservoir (Qh). This formula shows how effectively the engine converts heat into useful work, making choice A the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D present incorrect relationships between efficiency, net work done, and heat input, leading to their incorrectness.

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

A. Intermolecular forces between fluid molecules
B. Gravitational attraction
C. Viscous dissipation
D. Pressure differentials within the fluid

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.

4. Which object below has the same density?

A. A block with a mass of 6.5 grams and a volume of 16.25 cm3
B. A block with a mass of 80 grams and a volume of 32 cm3
C. A block with a mass of 48 grams and a volume of 22 cm3
D. A block with a mass of 100 grams and a volume of 250 cm3

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. The density of object A is 6.5 g / 16.25 cm3 = 0.4 g/cm3. The density of object B is 80 g / 32 cm3 = 2.5 g/cm3. The density of object C is 48 g / 22 cm3 = 2.18 g/cm3. The density of object D is 100 g / 250 cm3 = 0.4 g/cm3. Objects A and D have the same density of 0.4 g/cm3. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it has the same density as object D, making them the only objects with a density of 0.4 g/cm3.

5. In hydraulic systems, Pascal's principle states that a pressure change applied to a confined incompressible fluid is:

A. Amplified but loses energy
B. Transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid
C. Limited by the container size
D. Dependent on the fluid type

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pascal's principle states that when a pressure change is applied to a confined incompressible fluid, the resulting pressure change is transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid. This means that the pressure change will be the same at every point in the fluid, regardless of the container size or the type of fluid used. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Pascal's principle specifically emphasizes the transmission of pressure without amplification, limitation by container size, or dependence on the fluid type.