The first law of thermodynamics is a principle of energy conservation. It states that:
- A. Energy can be created or destroyed.
- B. The total entropy of an isolated system always decreases.
- C. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
- D. The temperature of a system is directly proportional to its entropy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred or converted from one form to another, ensuring energy conservation in any system. Choice A is incorrect because it goes against the principle of energy conservation. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system always increases. Choice D is incorrect because the temperature of a system is not directly proportional to its entropy.
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In Einstein's mass-energy equation, what is represented by c?
- A. Distance in centimeters
- B. The speed of light
- C. Degrees Celsius
- D. Centrifugal force
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In Einstein's mass-energy equation, E=mc^2, the symbol 'c' represents the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately equal to 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second. This equation demonstrates the equivalence of energy (E) and mass (m) and is a fundamental concept in the theory of relativity. Choice A is incorrect as 'c' does not represent distance in centimeters. Choice C is incorrect as 'c' does not represent degrees Celsius. Choice D is incorrect as 'c' does not represent centrifugal force.
Which mathematical quantity is scalar?
- A. Distance
- B. Velocity
- C. Acceleration
- D. Displacement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Distance is a scalar quantity because it has only magnitude and no direction. It is simply the total length of the path travelled by an object. Scalars are quantities that are fully described by their magnitude alone, without any reference to direction. Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities as they have both magnitude and direction. Displacement is also a vector quantity as it is the change in position of an object and includes both magnitude and direction.
As the frequency of a sound wave increases, what else is true?
- A. Its wavelength decreases.
- B. Its wavelength increases.
- C. Its amplitude decreases.
- D. Its amplitude increases.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Its wavelength decreases.' The frequency and wavelength of a sound wave are inversely proportional. As the frequency of a sound wave increases (more oscillations per second), its wavelength decreases. This relationship is described by the formula: Speed of Sound = Frequency x Wavelength. Therefore, to maintain the speed of sound constant, when the frequency increases, the wavelength must decrease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because an increase in frequency does not lead to an increase in wavelength or changes in amplitude.
In a parallel circuit, the ___________ through each component is the same.
- A. current
- B. voltage
- C. resistance
- D. wattage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a parallel circuit, the current through each component is the same. This is because the components in a parallel circuit are connected across the same voltage source, so they all experience the same voltage across their terminals. The total current entering the parallel circuit is then split up among the various components, but the current through each component remains the same as the total current. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. In a parallel circuit, voltage across each component may vary, resistance may differ, and wattage is related to power, not the equality of current through each component.
When a small object floats on the surface of a liquid, the surface tension creates a:
- A. Buoyant force acting upwards
- B. Pressure difference causing sinking
- C. Drag force opposing motion
- D. Restoring force towards equilibrium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Surface tension creates a restoring force that holds the object on the surface. The liquid's surface behaves like a stretched membrane, and when disturbed, it tends to return the object to its original position, creating a restoring force. The other choices are incorrect: A buoyant force acts on objects submerged in a fluid, not floating on the surface; pressure differences usually affect sinking objects, not floating ones; drag force is a resistance force that opposes motion, not related to surface tension.