HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
A solenoid is a long, tightly wound coil of wire that acts like a bar magnet when current flows through it. The magnetic field lines inside a solenoid are most similar to the field lines around:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The magnetic field lines inside a solenoid resemble the field lines around a permanent bar magnet. Both a solenoid and a bar magnet have north and south poles, resulting in a similar pattern of magnetic field lines. A single straight current-carrying wire produces a different field pattern because it has no coil structure like a solenoid. A horseshoe magnet has a unique field shape due to its pole arrangement, different from the uniform field pattern of a solenoid. A flat sheet conductor does not exhibit the same magnetic field characteristics as a solenoid, as it lacks the coil shape and alignment of a solenoid's magnetic field.
Question 3 of 5
The amount of energy lost in a circuit due to electrical resistance is dissipated in the form of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When electrical current flows through a circuit with resistance, energy is lost in the form of heat due to the resistance encountered by the electrons. This dissipation of energy as heat is a common phenomenon in electrical circuits and is known as Joule heating. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Heat.' Light, sound, and mechanical work are not typical forms in which energy is lost due to electrical resistance. Light is not a direct result of energy dissipation in electrical circuits, sound is not a form of energy dissipation in this context, and mechanical work pertains to the application of physical force and not the dissipation of energy due to resistance.
Question 4 of 5
When two identical charged spheres, both positively charged, are brought close together, the electrostatic force between them will be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When two positively charged spheres are brought close together, they will experience a repulsive force due to their like charges. The electrostatic force causes the spheres to repel each other, making the correct answer D: Strongly repulsive. The force is not dependent on the material of the spheres, and the force is definitely not zero, as like charges repel. Choice A is incorrect as like charges do not attract each other. Choice C is incorrect as like charges repel, not attract.
Question 5 of 5
As a vehicle positioned at the peak of a hill rolls downhill, its potential energy transforms into:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Kinetic energy. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the vehicle moves downhill. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a moving object. Thermal energy is not produced in this scenario because the energy transformation is mainly from potential to kinetic energy, not involving heat generation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary energy transformation in this scenario is from potential to kinetic energy, not involving thermal energy.