HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Questions
Question 1 of 9
A 10-kg object moving at 5 m/s has an impulse acted on it causing the velocity to change to 15 m/s. What was the impulse that was applied to the object?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Impulse is the change in momentum of an object. The initial momentum is calculated as 10 kg 5 m/s = 50 kgâ‹…m/s, and the final momentum is 10 kg 15 m/s = 150 kgâ‹…m/s. The change in momentum (impulse) is 150 kgâ‹…m/s - 50 kgâ‹…m/s = 100 kgâ‹…m/s. Therefore, the impulse applied to the object is 100 kgâ‹…m/s. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct calculation of the impulse based on the change in momentum of the object.
Question 2 of 9
In an adiabatic process, there is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In an adiabatic process, choice A is correct because adiabatic processes involve no heat transfer between the system and its surroundings (Q = 0). This lack of heat transfer is a defining characteristic of adiabatic processes. Choices B, C, and D do not accurately describe an adiabatic process. Choice B refers to an isothermal process where temperature remains constant, not adiabatic. Choice C describes an isobaric process with constant pressure, not specific to adiabatic processes. Choice D mentions the conservation of energy but does not directly relate to the absence of heat transfer in adiabatic processes.
Question 3 of 9
According to the law of conservation of energy, energy:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Cannot be created or destroyed.' The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another. This principle is a fundamental concept in physics and is supported by numerous observations and experiments. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the law of conservation of energy. Energy is a conserved quantity, meaning its total amount remains constant over time, even though it can change forms.
Question 4 of 9
In physics, the relationship between acceleration and force is expressed in ___________.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The relationship between acceleration and force is expressed in Newton's second law of motion. This law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on the object and inversely proportional to the object's mass. Mathematically, this relationship is represented as F = ma, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration. Choice A, Newton's first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force. Choice C, Newton's third law of motion, states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, focusing on the interaction between two objects. Choice D is incorrect because the relationship between acceleration and force is indeed described by one of Newton's laws of motion, specifically the second law.
Question 5 of 9
A 10-kg object moving at 5 m/s has an impulse acted on it causing the velocity to change to 15 m/s. What was the impulse that was applied to the object?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Impulse is the change in momentum of an object. The initial momentum is calculated as 10 kg 5 m/s = 50 kgâ‹…m/s, and the final momentum is 10 kg 15 m/s = 150 kgâ‹…m/s. The change in momentum (impulse) is 150 kgâ‹…m/s - 50 kgâ‹…m/s = 100 kgâ‹…m/s. Therefore, the impulse applied to the object is 100 kgâ‹…m/s. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct calculation of the impulse based on the change in momentum of the object.
Question 6 of 9
What characterizes laminar flow?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Laminar flow is characterized by the smooth, parallel movement of fluid particles along layers in a predictable manner. This flow regime occurs at low velocities and is in contrast to turbulent flow, where fluid particles exhibit erratic and chaotic motion. The viscosity of the fluid does not hinder laminar flow; instead, it influences the resistance to flow. Incompressibility is a property of fluids but does not specifically define laminar flow. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it accurately describes the behavior of fluid particles in laminar flow, making B, C, and D incorrect.
Question 7 of 9
The operating principle of a metal detector relies on:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Metal detectors work based on the principle of electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field. When a metal object comes into contact with the detector's magnetic field, it disrupts the field, inducing a current in the metal that can be detected. This principle allows metal detectors to identify the presence of metallic objects without relying on the static presence of a permanent magnet, the high electrical conductivity of metals, or the thermal signature of the objects. Choice A is incorrect because metal detectors do not rely on a static magnet but on the interaction of metals with a changing magnetic field. Choice C is incorrect because while metals do have high electrical conductivity, this is not the principle underlying metal detectors. Choice D is incorrect because metal detectors do not operate based on the thermal signature of objects, but rather on their interaction with magnetic fields.
Question 8 of 9
During an isothermal (constant temperature) expansion, what is the work done by the gas on the surroundings?
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.
Question 9 of 9
An airplane travels 500 miles northeast and then, on the return trip, travels 500 miles southwest. Which of the following is true?
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.