HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Questions
Question 1 of 5
The buoyant force, F_b, experienced by an object submerged in a fluid is given by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct formula for the buoyant force experienced by an object submerged in a fluid is given by Archimedes' principle, which states that the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This is represented by the formula F_b = W_d, where W_d is the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This force acts in the opposite direction to gravity and is responsible for objects floating or sinking in fluids. Choice A is incorrect because the buoyant force is not equal to the object's weight. Choice C is incorrect because the density of the fluid is not directly related to the buoyant force. Choice D is incorrect because the object's volume is not the determining factor for the buoyant force.
Question 2 of 5
Surface tension, γ, is a property of fluids arising from:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Surface tension, represented by symbol γ, is caused by the cohesive forces between molecules in a liquid. These intermolecular forces, such as Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole interactions, create a 'skin' at the surface of the liquid, giving rise to the property of surface tension. Gravitational attraction, viscous dissipation, and pressure differentials within the fluid do not directly contribute to surface tension. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
Question 3 of 5
In fluid dynamics, the continuity equation, a fundamental principle, expresses the conservation of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The continuity equation in fluid dynamics is a statement of the conservation of mass, making choice B the correct answer. It states that the mass entering a system must equal the mass leaving the system, assuming no mass is created or destroyed within the system. Conservation of momentum (choice A) is related to Newton's laws of motion and is not directly expressed by the continuity equation. Conservation of energy (choice C) involves different principles like the first law of thermodynamics and is not the focus of the continuity equation. Angular momentum (choice D) is also a different concept related to rotational motion and not described by the continuity equation.
Question 4 of 5
When a hot cup of coffee is placed on a cold table, heat transfer primarily occurs through which process?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a hot cup of coffee is placed on a cold table, heat transfer primarily occurs through conduction. Conduction is the process of heat transfer through direct contact between objects at different temperatures. In this scenario, the heat from the hot coffee cup is transferred to the cold table through direct contact, making conduction the primary mode of heat transfer. Choice A (Radiation) is incorrect because radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which is not the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario. Choice C (Convection within the coffee) is incorrect because convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, which is not the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario. Choice D (A combination of conduction and convection) is incorrect because while convection may play a minor role due to air currents around the cup, the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario is conduction.
Question 5 of 5
A key parameter in fluid selection is specific gravity (SG). For a submerged object in a reference fluid (often water), SG = Ï_object / Ï_reference. An object with SG > 1 will:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When the specific gravity (SG) of an object is greater than 1, it indicates that the object is denser than the reference fluid, which is often water. According to Archimedes' principle, an object with SG > 1 will experience a net buoyant force acting upwards when submerged in the fluid. This is because the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, causing it to float. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards.' Objects with SG < 1 would sink as they are less dense than the fluid, while objects with SG = 1 would be neutrally buoyant, neither sinking nor floating.