HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
When a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a charged capacitor, what will happen to the capacitance?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a charged capacitor, the capacitance will increase. This is because the presence of a dielectric material reduces the electric field between the plates, allowing more charge to be stored for a given voltage, thus increasing the capacitance. Choice B is incorrect because adding a dielectric material increases capacitance. Choice C is incorrect because capacitance changes when a dielectric is added. Choice D is incorrect because the effect of a dielectric on capacitance is predictable.
Question 2 of 9
What is the phenomenon by which light bends as it passes through a prism known as?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Refraction is the phenomenon by which light bends as it passes through a prism or any other medium boundary. When light transitions from one medium to another, such as air to glass in the case of a prism, it changes speed and direction due to the change in the medium's refractive index. This change in speed causes the light to bend. Reflection, on the other hand, is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface. Diffraction refers to the bending of light around obstacles or through narrow openings. Electrical conduction involves the movement of electrically charged particles through a conductor, which is unrelated to the bending of light.
Question 3 of 9
In an electrically neutral atom, the number of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In an electrically neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Electrons carry a negative charge, protons carry a positive charge, and neutrons are neutral. Since the atom is electrically neutral, the positive charge of the protons must balance the negative charge of the electrons, making the numbers of electrons and protons equal. Choice B is incorrect because protons are not equal to neutrons in an atom. Choice C is incorrect because neutrons are not always greater than protons, and choice D is incorrect because electrons are not always less than protons in an atom.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
When analyzing a power plant, which of the following is NOT considered a part of the system?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a power plant system, the components directly involved in the energy conversion process are considered part of the system. The fuel being burned provides the heat source, the working fluid transfers this heat energy, and the turbine converts it into mechanical energy to generate electricity. The surrounding air, while it may interact with the system, is not a component that directly participates in the energy conversion process within the power plant system. Therefore, the correct answer is D - The surrounding air. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of a power plant system as they play direct roles in the energy conversion process, unlike the surrounding air.
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
Certain non-Newtonian fluids exhibit shear thickening behavior. In this case, the fluid's viscosity:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a non-Newtonian fluid exhibits shear thickening behavior, its viscosity increases with increasing shear rate. This means that as more force is applied to the fluid, its resistance to flow also increases, resulting in a higher viscosity. This phenomenon is opposite to shear thinning, where viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate. Therefore, in the case of shear thickening behavior, the correct answer is that the fluid's viscosity increases with increasing shear rate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because shear thickening behavior specifically involves an increase in viscosity with increasing shear rate, not remaining constant, decreasing, or depending on applied pressure.
Question 9 of 9
A 110-volt appliance draws 0 amperes. How many watts of power does it require?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a 110-volt appliance draws 0 amperes, it means that the power consumption is zero as well. The formula to calculate power is P = V x I, where P is power in watts, V is voltage in volts, and I is current in amperes. Since the current is 0 amperes, the power required by the appliance is also 0 watts. Therefore, the correct answer is 0 watts. Choice B, 108 watts, is incorrect because there is no current drawn. Choice C, 112 watts, and choice D, 220 watts, are incorrect as well since the appliance is not consuming any power when drawing 0 amperes.