when the heat of a reaction is negative which statement is true

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. When the heat of a reaction is negative, which statement is true?

A. The products have less energy and are less stable.
B. The products have more energy and are more stable.
C. The products have less energy and are more stable.
D. The products have more energy and are less stable.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the heat of a reaction is negative, it indicates that the reaction releases energy in the form of heat. This means that the products have lower energy levels compared to the reactants. Lower energy levels are associated with greater stability in chemical systems. Therefore, when the heat of a reaction is negative, the products are more stable due to having less energy than the reactants. Choice A, stating that the products have less energy and are less stable, is incorrect as lower energy levels imply greater stability. Choice B, stating that the products have more energy and are more stable, is incorrect as lower energy levels lead to higher stability. Choice D, stating that the products have more energy and are less stable, is incorrect as lower energy levels are associated with higher stability.

2. A key parameter in fluid selection is specific gravity (SG). For a submerged object in a reference fluid (often water), SG = ρ_object / ρ_reference. An object with SG > 1 will:

A. Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards
B. Experience a net buoyant force acting downwards
C. Remain neutrally buoyant
D. Require knowledge of the object's volume for buoyancy determination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the specific gravity (SG) of an object is greater than 1, it indicates that the object is denser than the reference fluid, which is often water. According to Archimedes' principle, an object with SG > 1 will experience a net buoyant force acting upwards when submerged in the fluid. This is because the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, causing it to float. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards.' Objects with SG < 1 would sink as they are less dense than the fluid, while objects with SG = 1 would be neutrally buoyant, neither sinking nor floating.

3. A Carnot cycle is a theoretical ideal heat engine operating between two heat reservoirs at different temperatures. Which of the following statements is NOT true about a Carnot cycle?

A. The efficiency of a Carnot cycle is solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.
B. It is a reversible cycle, meaning the process can be run in both directions with the same efficiency.
C. It operates isothermally at the hot and cold reservoir temperatures.
D. It is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement that is NOT true is C. Although part of the Carnot cycle operates isothermally, not the entire cycle operates isothermally. The Carnot cycle consists of both isothermal and adiabatic processes. Choice A is incorrect because the efficiency of a Carnot cycle is indeed solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs. Choice B is correct as a Carnot cycle is reversible, allowing the process to be run in both directions with the same efficiency. Choice D is also true as the Carnot cycle is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

4. In open-channel flow, a critical property is the free surface, which refers to the:

A. Interface between the liquid and the container walls
B. Interface between the liquid and a surrounding gas
C. Bottom of the channel
D. Region of highest velocity within the liquid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The free surface in open-channel flow refers to the interface between the liquid and the surrounding gas, typically the atmosphere. This interface is critical as it determines the boundary between the liquid flow and the open environment. Option A is incorrect as it refers to the liquid-container wall interface, not the free surface. Option C is incorrect because it represents the bottom of the channel, not the free surface. Option D is incorrect as it describes the region of highest velocity within the liquid, not the free surface. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

5. What is the electric field inside a hollow conductor with a net charge?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Zero. According to Gauss’s Law, the electric field inside a hollow conductor (a conductor with no charge inside but a net charge on its surface) is zero. The charges reside on the outer surface of the conductor, causing the electric field inside to cancel out. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the electric field inside a hollow conductor with a net charge is not constant, does not decrease, and does not become unpredictable; it is zero due to the distribution of charges on its surface.