Nursing Elites

1. Why doesn’t a raindrop accelerate as it approaches the ground?

• A. Gravity pulls it down at a constant rate.
• B. Air resistance counteracts the gravitational force.
• C. Its mass decreases, decreasing its speed.
• D. Objects in motion decelerate over distance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. As a raindrop falls, it experiences air resistance which counteracts the gravitational force pulling it down. This balancing of forces prevents the raindrop from accelerating further as it approaches the ground. Choice A is incorrect because while gravity is pulling the raindrop down, air resistance opposes this force. Choice C is incorrect as the mass of the raindrop remains constant during its fall. Choice D is incorrect because objects in motion may decelerate due to various factors, but in this case, the focus is on why the raindrop doesn't accelerate.

2. The amount of energy lost in a circuit due to electrical resistance is dissipated in the form of:

• A. Light
• B. Sound
• C. Heat
• D. Mechanical work

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When electrical current flows through a circuit with resistance, energy is lost in the form of heat due to the resistance encountered by the electrons. This dissipation of energy as heat is a common phenomenon in electrical circuits and is known as Joule heating. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Heat.' Light, sound, and mechanical work are not typical forms in which energy is lost due to electrical resistance. Light is not a direct result of energy dissipation in electrical circuits, sound is not a form of energy dissipation in this context, and mechanical work pertains to the application of physical force and not the dissipation of energy due to resistance.

3. During an isothermal (constant temperature) expansion, what is the work done by the gas on the surroundings?

• A. Positive and equal to the change in internal energy.
• B. Zero.
• C. Negative and equal to the change in internal energy.
• D. Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In an isothermal expansion, the temperature remains constant, meaning there is no change in internal energy. However, the gas still does work on the surroundings as it expands, and this work is positive. Since internal energy does not change, the correct answer is D, 'Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.' Choice A is incorrect because the work done is not equal to the change in internal energy. Choice B is incorrect as work is done during the expansion. Choice C is incorrect since the work done is not negative during an isothermal expansion.

4. 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.

5. An airplane travels 500 miles northeast and then, on the return trip, travels 500 miles southwest. Which of the following is true?

• A. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
• B. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.
• C. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
• D. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The displacement of an object is the change in position from the starting point to the ending point, regardless of the path taken. In this case, the airplane returns to its original position after traveling 500 miles northeast and then 500 miles southwest. Therefore, the displacement is 0 miles. However, the distance traveled is the total path covered, which is 500 miles northeast plus 500 miles southwest, for a total of 1,000 miles. Choice A is incorrect because the displacement is not the sum of the distances traveled. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 1,000 miles. Choice C is incorrect as it states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 0 miles, which is not the case.

Similar Questions