Why does potential energy increase as particles approach each other?

Questions 43

HESI A2

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HESI Exams Quizlet Physics Questions

Question 1 of 9

Why does potential energy increase as particles approach each other?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Repulsive forces increase. As particles approach each other, the distance between them decreases, causing the repulsive forces between the particles to increase. This increase in repulsive forces leads to an increase in potential energy as the particles resist being pushed closer together. Choices A and B are incorrect because attractive forces do not increase or decrease in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect because repulsive forces actually increase as particles get closer, leading to a rise in potential energy.

Question 2 of 9

The drag force (F_d) experienced by an object moving through a fluid depends on:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The drag force experienced by an object moving through a fluid depends on multiple factors, including the object's shape, size, velocity, and the fluid's properties such as viscosity and density. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because drag force is not solely determined by the object's shape and size, depth of submersion, or buoyant force acting on the object. The primary factors affecting drag force are the fluid properties and the object's velocity. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Question 3 of 9

A constant force is exerted on a stationary object. In this scenario, work is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Work is only done when a force causes displacement. Since the object is stationary, no displacement occurs, and therefore, no work is performed. Choice A is incorrect because work requires both force and displacement. Choice C is incorrect as there is no partial work - work is either done or not done. Choice D is incorrect as the scenario provided is clear - the object is stationary, so no work is being performed.

Question 4 of 9

Diamagnetism refers to a material's weak:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Diamagnetism refers to a material's weak repulsion to magnetic fields. When diamagnetic materials are placed in an external magnetic field, they create an opposing magnetic field, leading to repulsion. This is why choice B, 'Repulsion to magnetic fields,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because diamagnetic materials do not exhibit attraction, amplification, or indifference to magnetic fields.

Question 5 of 9

A 0-kg block on a table is given a push so that it slides along the table. If the block is accelerated at 6 m/s2, what was the force applied to the block?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Newton's second law of motion, F=ma. Since the block has a mass of 0 kg, the force applied must be 0 N, as no force is needed to move an object with zero mass.

Question 6 of 9

Why does potential energy increase as particles approach each other?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Repulsive forces increase. As particles approach each other, the distance between them decreases, causing the repulsive forces between the particles to increase. This increase in repulsive forces leads to an increase in potential energy as the particles resist being pushed closer together. Choices A and B are incorrect because attractive forces do not increase or decrease in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect because repulsive forces actually increase as particles get closer, leading to a rise in potential energy.

Question 7 of 9

Which of the following is NOT a mode of heat transfer between a system and its surroundings?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Isothermalization is not a mode of heat transfer. The three main modes of heat transfer are conduction (through direct contact), convection (through fluid motion), and radiation (through electromagnetic waves). In this question, choice A, conduction, is not a mode of heat transfer between a system and its surroundings. Conduction refers to heat transfer through direct contact between particles, without the movement of the particles themselves. Therefore, A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they represent valid modes of heat transfer.

Question 8 of 9

Bernoulli's principle for an incompressible, inviscid fluid in steady flow states that the mechanical energy, consisting of:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bernoulli's principle states that the sum of pressure energy (P), kinetic energy per unit volume (½Ïv²), and potential energy per unit volume remains constant along a streamline in an incompressible, inviscid fluid. This means the total mechanical energy of the fluid is conserved, making Choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Bernoulli's principle involves the conservation of the total mechanical energy, not just pressure, velocity, or density alone.

Question 9 of 9

Two objects attract each other with a gravitational force of 12 units. If you double the distance between the objects, what is the new force of attraction between the two?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The gravitational force between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. If the distance is doubled, the force will be reduced to 1/4 of the original force. Therefore, the new force of attraction between the two objects will be 12 units / 4 = 3 units. Choice A is correct because doubling the distance reduces the force to 1/4 of the original value. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the inverse square relationship between distance and gravitational force.

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