HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
In a scenario where a transverse wave transports energy from north to south, in what direction do the particles in the medium move?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a transverse wave, particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of energy transport. When the wave transports energy from north to south, the particles in the medium oscillate up and down, causing them to move both northward and southward. Choice A is incorrect because the particles move in both directions, not only from north to south. Choices C and D are incorrect as they mention directions that are not relevant to the scenario described in the question.
Question 2 of 9
Jack stands in front of a plane mirror. If he is 5 feet away from the mirror, how far away from Jack is his image?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When Jack stands in front of a plane mirror, his image appears the same distance behind the mirror as Jack is in front of it. Therefore, if Jack is 5 feet away from the mirror, his image will also appear 5 feet behind the mirror. The total distance from Jack to his image is the sum of these distances, which equals 10 feet. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the image distance is not half of the total distance but the same as the object's distance from the mirror.
Question 3 of 9
In a scenario where a transverse wave transports energy from north to south, in what direction do the particles in the medium move?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a transverse wave, particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of energy transport. When the wave transports energy from north to south, the particles in the medium oscillate up and down, causing them to move both northward and southward. Choice A is incorrect because the particles move in both directions, not only from north to south. Choices C and D are incorrect as they mention directions that are not relevant to the scenario described in the question.
Question 4 of 9
Fluids can be categorized based on their shear stress-strain rate relationship. An ideal fluid exhibits:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An ideal fluid, often referred to as an inviscid fluid, is a theoretical concept used in fluid mechanics to simplify calculations. It is characterized by having zero shear stress at any strain rate. In reality, such fluids do not exist, but they serve as a useful starting point for understanding fluid behavior in idealized situations. Choice B is incorrect because a linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate defines a Newtonian fluid, not an ideal fluid. Choice C is incorrect because a non-linear relationship between shear stress and strain rate characterizes Non-Newtonian fluids, not ideal fluids. Choice D is incorrect because the high dependence of viscosity on temperature is a characteristic seen in real fluids and does not define an ideal fluid.
Question 5 of 9
Household alternating current typically has a frequency of 60 Hz. Which statement is true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Electrons complete a cycle 60 times per second when the frequency of the current is 60 Hz. This frequency indicates that the current changes direction 60 times per second, causing the electrons to complete a full cycle back and forth through the circuit at the same rate. Choice A is incorrect because the power rating of a bulb (in watts) is not directly related to the frequency of the current. Choice B is incorrect as typical household circuits do not carry currents as high as 60 amperes. Choice C is incorrect as the expected voltage drop is not measured in volts per meter for household alternating current circuits.
Question 6 of 9
In a circuit with three same-size resistors wired in series to a 9-V power supply, producing 1 amp of current, what is the resistance of each resistor?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances. With a total voltage of 9 V and a current of 1 A, we can use Ohm's Law (V = I R) to find the total resistance: Total resistance = 9 V / 1 A = 9 ohms. Since the resistors are identical and wired in series, the total resistance is evenly divided among the three resistors: Resistance of each resistor = 9 ohms / 3 = 3 ohms. Thus, the resistance of each resistor is 3 ohms. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 ohms. Choice A, 9 ohms, is incorrect because this would be the total resistance of all three resistors combined in series. Choice B, 6 ohms, is incorrect as it does not account for the equal distribution of resistance in a series circuit. Choice D, 1 ohm, is incorrect as it is too low for resistors in series with a total resistance of 9 ohms.
Question 7 of 9
An object has a constant velocity of 50 m/s and travels for 10 s. What is the acceleration of the object?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The acceleration of an object is defined as the rate of change of its velocity. When an object has a constant velocity, it means there is no change in its speed or direction. In this case, the object maintains a constant velocity of 50 m/s for 10 seconds, which implies that there is no change in velocity. Therefore, the acceleration of the object is 0 m/s² as there is no acceleration or deceleration happening. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because acceleration is the change in velocity over time, and in this scenario of constant velocity, the acceleration is 0 m/s².
Question 8 of 9
If the force acting on an object is doubled, how does its acceleration change?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Newton's second law of motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force acting on it. Therefore, if the force acting on an object is doubled, its acceleration will also double. This relationship is expressed by the equation F = ma, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration. When the force (F) is doubled, the acceleration (a) will also double, assuming the mass remains constant. Choice A is incorrect because acceleration changes with a change in force. Choice B is incorrect because acceleration and force are directly proportional. Choice D is incorrect because increasing the force acting on an object does not eliminate its acceleration; instead, it results in an increase in acceleration, as per Newton's second law.
Question 9 of 9
Ocean waves build during a storm until there is a vertical distance from the high point to the low point of 6 meters and a horizontal distance of 9 meters between adjacent crests. The waves hit the shore every 5 seconds. What is the speed of the waves?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To find the speed of the waves, we use the formula: speed = wavelength / period. The wavelength is the horizontal distance between adjacent crests, which is 9 meters in this case. The period is the time it takes for one wave to pass a fixed point, given as 5 seconds. Therefore, speed = 9 meters / 5 seconds = 1.8 m/s. Choice A (1.2 m/s) is incorrect because it miscalculates the speed. Choice C (2.0 m/s) and Choice D (2.4 m/s) are incorrect as they do not correctly calculate the speed using the provided data.