HESI A2
HESI A2 Physics Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which substance would be most affected by a change in temperature?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hydrogen gas would be most affected by a change in temperature because gases have a greater expansion or contraction in volume with changes in temperature compared to liquids or solids. When the temperature of hydrogen gas increases, its molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster, causing the gas to expand and its volume to increase. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the gas molecules lose kinetic energy and move slower, leading to a decrease in volume. This property makes hydrogen gas highly sensitive to temperature changes compared to liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, or iron filings. Liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, and iron filings are less affected by temperature changes because their particles are closer together and have lower kinetic energy, resulting in minimal volume changes with temperature fluctuations.
Question 2 of 9
When the heat of a reaction is negative, which statement is true?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When the heat of a reaction is negative, it indicates that the reaction releases energy in the form of heat. This means that the products have lower energy levels compared to the reactants. Lower energy levels are associated with greater stability in chemical systems. Therefore, when the heat of a reaction is negative, the products are more stable due to having less energy than the reactants. Choice A, stating that the products have less energy and are less stable, is incorrect as lower energy levels imply greater stability. Choice B, stating that the products have more energy and are more stable, is incorrect as lower energy levels lead to higher stability. Choice D, stating that the products have more energy and are less stable, is incorrect as lower energy levels are associated with higher stability.
Question 3 of 9
A box is moved by a 15 N force over a distance of 3 m. What is the amount of work that has been done?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Work done is calculated using the formula: Work = Force x Distance. In this case, the force applied is 15 N and the distance covered is 3 m. Thus, work done = 15 N x 3 m = 45 Nâ‹…m. Therefore, the correct answer is 45 Nâ‹…m. Choice A (5 W) is incorrect because work is measured in joules (J) or newton-meters (Nâ‹…m), not in watts (W). Choice B (5 Nâ‹…m) is incorrect as it miscalculates the work by not multiplying the force by the distance. Choice C (45 W) is incorrect because work is not measured in watts (W) but in newton-meters (Nâ‹…m).
Question 4 of 9
According to the law of conservation of energy, energy:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Cannot be created or destroyed.' The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another. This principle is a fundamental concept in physics and is supported by numerous observations and experiments. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the law of conservation of energy. Energy is a conserved quantity, meaning its total amount remains constant over time, even though it can change forms.
Question 5 of 9
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 6 of 9
Which of the following describes a vector quantity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A vector quantity is characterized by both magnitude and direction. In the provided options, choice A, '5 miles per hour due southwest,' fits this definition as it includes both the magnitude (5 miles per hour) and the direction (southwest), making it a vector quantity. Choices B and C only provide the magnitude without indicating any direction, hence they do not represent vector quantities.
Question 7 of 9
A wave in a rope travels at 12 m/s and has a wavelength of 2 m. What is the frequency?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The frequency of a wave is calculated using the formula: frequency = speed / wavelength. In this case, the speed of the wave is 12 m/s and the wavelength is 2 m. Therefore, the frequency is calculated as 12 m/s / 2 m = 6 Hz. Choice A (38.4 Hz), Choice C (4.6 Hz), and Choice D (3.75 Hz) are incorrect as they do not result from the correct calculation using the given values.
Question 8 of 9
If a force of 12 kg stretches a spring by 3 cm, how far will the spring stretch when a force of 30 kg is applied?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied. In this case, the force increases from 12 kg to 30 kg, which is a 2.5 times increase. Therefore, the extension of the spring will also increase by 2.5 times. Given that the spring stretches 3 cm with a force of 12 kg, multiplying 3 cm by 2.5 gives us the extension of the spring when a force of 30 kg is applied, which equals 7.5 cm. Therefore, the correct answer is 7.5 cm. Choice A, 6 cm, is incorrect because it does not account for the proportional increase in force. Choice C, 9 cm, and Choice D, 10.5 cm, are incorrect as they overestimate the extension of the spring by not considering the direct proportionality between force and extension.
Question 9 of 9
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.