HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
What is the SI unit for quantifying the transfer of energy due to an applied force?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Joule (J). The joule is the SI unit used to quantify the transfer of energy due to an applied force. It is defined as the work done when a force of one newton is applied over a distance of one meter. Newton (N) is the unit of force, not energy transfer. Meter per second (m/s) is the unit of speed, not energy transfer. Kilogram (kg) is the unit of mass, not energy transfer. Therefore, the correct unit for quantifying the transfer of energy due to an applied force is the joule (J).
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following materials has the lowest density?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cork has the lowest density among the given options. Cork is a lightweight material derived from the bark of cork oak trees and is known for its low density, making it float on water. Water, aluminum, and steel have higher densities compared to cork. Water is denser than cork because it has a consistent density of 1 g/cm³. Aluminum and steel are metals with much higher densities due to their atomic structures, making them denser than cork.
Question 3 of 9
When a crane hoists a massive object at a constant velocity compared to lifting the same object gradually, the work done by the crane is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The work done by the crane is identical in both scenarios. Work is defined as the force applied over a distance. Since the force needed to lift the object is equal to its weight and the displacement is the same, the work done is identical, whether the object is lifted gradually or at a constant velocity. Choice A is incorrect because the work done is the same in both cases. Choice B is incorrect as well since the work done does not increase. Choice D is incorrect as the mass of the object does not affect the work done by the crane in this scenario.
Question 4 of 9
What force was applied to the object that was moved if 100 Nâ‹…m of work is done over 20 m?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Work is calculated using the formula Work = Force x Distance. Given that 100 Nâ‹…m of work is done over 20 m, we can rearrange the formula to solve for Force. Force = Work / Distance. Plugging in the values, we get Force = 100 Nâ‹…m / 20 m = 5 N. Therefore, the force applied to the object that was moved is 5 N. Choice B (80 N) is incorrect because it doesn't match the calculated force of 5 N. Choice C (120 N) is incorrect as it is higher than the calculated force. Choice D (2,000 N) is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the correct force of 5 N.
Question 5 of 9
When calculating an object's acceleration, what must you do?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When calculating an object's acceleration, you must divide the change in velocity by the change in time. Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. By determining the ratio of the change in velocity to the change in time, you can ascertain how quickly the velocity of an object is changing, thereby finding its acceleration. Choice A is incorrect because acceleration is not calculated by dividing time by velocity. Choice B is incorrect as it describes multiplying velocity by time, which does not yield acceleration. Choice C is incorrect as finding the difference between time and velocity is not a method to calculate acceleration.
Question 6 of 9
When a gas is compressed isothermally, we can say that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a gas is compressed isothermally, the surroundings perform work on the gas. In this process, since the temperature remains constant (isothermal), the internal energy of the gas does not change. Therefore, the correct answer is that the surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy decreases. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they incorrectly describe the direction of work and the change in internal energy during an isothermal compression.
Question 7 of 9
In open-channel flow, a critical property is the free surface, which refers to the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The free surface in open-channel flow refers to the interface between the liquid and the surrounding gas, typically the atmosphere. This interface is critical as it determines the boundary between the liquid flow and the open environment. Option A is incorrect as it refers to the liquid-container wall interface, not the free surface. Option C is incorrect because it represents the bottom of the channel, not the free surface. Option D is incorrect as it describes the region of highest velocity within the liquid, not the free surface. Therefore, the correct choice is B.
Question 8 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 9 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.