which of these substances is most compressible

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics Quizlet

1. Which of these substances is most compressible?

A. Gold
B. Water
C. Mercury
D. Methane

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Methane, a gas at room temperature and pressure, is the most compressible substance among the options provided. Gases are generally more compressible compared to liquids and solids because their particles have more space between them, allowing for greater compression when pressure is applied. Gold, water, and mercury, being solid and liquid substances, respectively, have particles arranged closely together, making them less compressible. Therefore, the correct answer is Methane.

2. 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.

3. Which vehicle has the greatest momentum?

A. A 9,000-kg railroad car traveling at 3 m/s
B. A 2,000-kg automobile traveling at 24 m/s
C. A 1,500-kg MINI Coupe traveling at 29 m/s
D. A 500-kg glider traveling at 89 m/s

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The momentum of an object is calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. The momentum formula is p = m × v, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. Comparing the momentum of each vehicle: A: 9,000 kg × 3 m/s = 27,000 kg·m/s B: 2,000 kg × 24 m/s = 48,000 kg·m/s C: 1,500 kg × 29 m/s = 43,500 kg·m/s D: 500 kg × 89 m/s = 44,500 kg·m/s. Therefore, the glider (500-kg) traveling at 89 m/s has the greatest momentum of 44,500 kg·m/s, making it the correct choice. Options A, B, and C have lower momentum values compared to option D, proving that the 500-kg glider traveling at 89 m/s has the highest momentum among the given vehicles.

4. Why does potential energy increase as particles approach each other?

A. Attractive forces increase.
B. Attractive forces decrease.
C. Repulsive forces increase.
D. Repulsive forces decrease.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Repulsive forces increase. As particles approach each other, the distance between them decreases, causing the repulsive forces between the particles to increase. This increase in repulsive forces leads to an increase in potential energy as the particles resist being pushed closer together. Choices A and B are incorrect because attractive forces do not increase or decrease in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect because repulsive forces actually increase as particles get closer, leading to a rise in potential energy.

5. What is the main difference between a reversible and irreversible process in thermodynamics?

A. Reversible processes involve heat transfer, while irreversible processes do not.
B. Reversible processes occur instantaneously, while irreversible processes take time.
C. Reversible processes can be run in both directions with the same outcome, while irreversible processes cannot.
D. Reversible processes violate the first law of 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.