HESI A2
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
Given the four wires described here, which would you expect to have the greatest resistance?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The wire with the greatest resistance is the one with the smallest diameter, as resistance is inversely proportional to cross-sectional area. Gauge 4 with a 5.19 mm diameter has the smallest diameter and, therefore, the greatest resistance. Choice A, B, and C have larger diameters compared to choice D, so they would have lower resistance values.
Question 3 of 9
A plucked guitar string makes 80 vibrations in one second. What is the period?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The period is the time taken for one complete vibration of the guitar string. To find the period, you need to take the reciprocal of the frequency. Since the string makes 80 vibrations in one second, the period is 1/80 = 0.0125 seconds (or 0.025 s). Choice A is incorrect because it is the reciprocal of 80. Choice C is incorrect as it is 10 times the reciprocal of 80. Choice D is incorrect as it is 100 times the reciprocal of 80.
Question 4 of 9
For the core of an electromagnet, a material with high:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A material with high permeability is preferred for the core of an electromagnet because it allows magnetic field lines to pass through it easily, enhancing the strength of the magnetic field generated. Choice A is incorrect because high resistivity would impede the flow of current in the coil, reducing the strength of the magnetic field. Choice C is incorrect as permittivity is related to electric fields, not magnetic fields. Choice D is also incorrect because dielectric strength is about insulating materials against breakdown under an electric field, not relevant to enhancing magnetic fields.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following substances has the highest density?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Water has the highest density among the options provided. Density is a measure of mass per unit volume. In this case, water in its liquid form is denser than mist, steam, and ice. Ice has a lower density than water because its crystalline structure causes it to be less dense. Mist and steam are forms of water vapor, which are much less dense than liquid water. Therefore, the correct answer is water (choice B).
Question 6 of 9
A 60-watt lightbulb is powered by a 110-volt power source. What is the current being drawn?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the current being drawn, use the formula I = P / V, where I is the current, P is the power in watts, and V is the voltage. Substituting the given values, I = 60 / 110 ≈ 0.55 amperes. Therefore, the current being drawn by the 60-watt lightbulb is approximately 0.55 amperes. Choice B, 1.83 amperes, is incorrect as it does not match the calculated value. Choices C and D, 50 amperes and 6,600 amperes, are significantly higher values and do not align with the expected current draw of a 60-watt lightbulb powered by a 110-volt source.
Question 7 of 9
Sublimation is the change in matter from solid to gas or gas to solid without passing through a liquid phase. Outside of the laboratory, which solid provides the best example of this?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) provides the best example of sublimation outside of the laboratory. When dry ice is exposed to normal atmospheric conditions, it changes directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase. This process is commonly observed in everyday situations such as creating 'smoke' or 'fog' effects. Choices A, B, and C (Iron, Silver, and Salt crystal) do not undergo sublimation. Iron and Silver melt and then vaporize, while Salt crystal dissolves in water, and the resulting solution evaporates, which involves a liquid phase.
Question 8 of 9
A 5-cm candle is placed 20 cm away from a concave mirror with a focal length of 15 cm. About what is the image height of the candle in the mirror?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The magnification formula for a mirror is given by M = -f / (f - d), where f is the focal length of the mirror, and d is the object distance from the mirror. Using the mirror equation and magnification formula, the image height is found to be negative because it is inverted. Plugging in the values (f = 15 cm, d = 20 cm) into the formula gives M = -15 / (15 - 20) = -15 / -5 = 3. The negative sign indicates that the image is inverted. The image height is then calculated by multiplying the magnification by the object height: 3 * 5 cm = 15 cm. Therefore, the correct image height is approximately -15 cm. Choice A (30.5 cm) and Choice D (-30.5 cm) are incorrect as they do not consider the inversion of the image. Choice C (-15 cm) is also incorrect because it neglects the negative sign, which indicates the inversion of the image.
Question 9 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.