HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Questions
Question 1 of 9
A closed system undergoes a cyclic process, returning to its initial state. What can be said about the net work done (Wnet) by the system over the entire cycle?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a closed system undergoing a cyclic process and returning to its initial state, the net work done (Wnet) over the entire cycle can be positive, negative, or zero. This is because the work done is determined by the area enclosed by the cycle on a P-V diagram, and this area can be above, below, or intersecting the zero work axis, leading to positive, negative, or zero net work done. Choice A is incorrect because Wnet is not always positive; it depends on the specific path taken on the P-V diagram. Choice B is incorrect as Wnet is not always negative; it varies based on the enclosed area. Choice D is incorrect because Wnet is not necessarily equal to the total heat transferred into the system; it depends on the specifics of the cycle and is not a direct relationship.
Question 2 of 9
Longitudinal waves have vibrations that move ___________.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In longitudinal waves, the vibrations of particles occur in the same direction as the wave propagates. This means the particles move back and forth in the direction of the wave, creating compressions and rarefactions along the wave. Therefore, the correct choice is C, in the same direction as the wave. Choice A is incorrect because transverse waves, not longitudinal waves, have vibrations at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the motion in transverse waves. Choice D is incorrect as it is an inaccurate representation of how longitudinal waves propagate.
Question 3 of 9
A circular running track has a circumference of 2,500 meters. What is the radius of the track?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The radius of a circular track can be calculated using the formula: Circumference = 2 π radius. Given that the circumference of the track is 2,500 m, we can plug this into the formula and solve for the radius: 2,500 = 2 π radius. Dividing both sides by 2π gives: radius = 2,500 / (2 3.1416) ≈ 397.89 m. Therefore, the closest answer is 400 m, making option B the correct choice. Option A (1,000 m) is too large, option C (25 m) is too small, and option D (12 m) is significantly smaller than the calculated radius.
Question 4 of 9
For a compressible fluid subjected to rapid pressure changes, sound wave propagation becomes important. The speed of sound (c) depends on the fluid's:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a compressible fluid, the speed of sound (c) depends on both the fluid's density (Ï) and Bulk modulus. Density affects the compressibility of the fluid, while Bulk modulus represents the fluid's resistance to compression and plays a crucial role in determining the speed of sound in a compressible medium. Viscosity and surface tension do not directly impact the speed of sound in a compressible fluid subjected to rapid pressure changes. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
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
If a force of 12 kg stretches a spring by 3 cm, how far will the spring stretch when a force of 30 kg is applied?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied. In this case, the force increases from 12 kg to 30 kg, which is a 2.5 times increase. Therefore, the extension of the spring will also increase by 2.5 times. Given that the spring stretches 3 cm with a force of 12 kg, multiplying 3 cm by 2.5 gives us the extension of the spring when a force of 30 kg is applied, which equals 7.5 cm. Therefore, the correct answer is 7.5 cm. Choice A, 6 cm, is incorrect because it does not account for the proportional increase in force. Choice C, 9 cm, and Choice D, 10.5 cm, are incorrect as they overestimate the extension of the spring by not considering the direct proportionality between force and extension.
Question 7 of 9
Two objects attract each other with a gravitational force of 12 units. If you double the mass of both objects, what is the new force of attraction between them?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses. When you double the masses of both objects, the force of attraction between them increases by a factor of 2 x 2 = 4. Therefore, the new force of attraction between the two objects will be 12 units x 4 = 24 units. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because doubling the mass results in a quadruple increase in force, not a linear one.
Question 8 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.
Question 9 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.