Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acceleration is the change in velocity over time. The change in velocity for the caterpillar is 20 in/hr - 14 in/hr = 6 in/hr. Since this change occurred over 15 minutes (or 0.25 hours), the acceleration can be calculated as (6 in/hr) / (0.25 hr) = 24 in/hr². Therefore, the caterpillar's rate of acceleration is 24 in/hr², which corresponds to choice C. Choice A, 6 in/hr², is incorrect as it does not account for the time factor and the correct calculation. Choice B, 12 in/hr², is incorrect as it doubles the correct acceleration value. Choice D, 280 in/hr², is significantly higher than the correct value, indicating a calculation error.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The frequency of a wave is the number of cycles it completes in one second. A wave with a frequency of 60 hertz completes 60 cycles per second. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choice A is incorrect because a frequency of 60 hertz means 60 cycles per second, not per minute. Choice B is incorrect as the frequency of the wave does not determine the distance from crest to crest. Choice D is also incorrect as the frequency does not relate to the distance from crest to trough.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The mirror formula, 1/f = 1/do + 1/di, can be used to solve for the object distance. Given that the focal length (f) is 2 cm and the image distance (di) is 6 cm, we can substitute these values into the formula to find the object distance. Plugging in f = 2 cm and di = 6 cm into the formula gives us 1/2 = 1/do + 1/6. Solving for do, we get do = 6 cm. Therefore, the object's distance from the mirror is 6 cm. Choice A (3 cm), Choice C (12 cm), and Choice D (30 cm) are incorrect distances as the correct object distance is determined to be 6 cm.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred or converted from one form to another, ensuring energy conservation in any system. Choice A is incorrect because it goes against the principle of energy conservation. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system always increases. Choice D is incorrect because the temperature of a system is not directly proportional to its entropy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The change in length of the spring is 40 cm - 30 cm = 10 cm = 0.10 m. The force required to compress or stretch a spring is given by Hooke's Law: F = k x, where F is the force, k is the spring constant (20 N/m in this case), and x is the change in length (0.10 m). Substituting the values into the formula: F = 20 N/m 0.10 m = 2 N. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 N. Choice A (200 N) is incorrect because it miscalculates the force. Choice B (80 N) is incorrect as it does not apply Hooke's Law correctly. Choice C (5 N) is incorrect as it underestimates the force required.