A Carnot cycle is a theoretical ideal heat engine operating between two heat reservoirs at different temperatures. Which of the following statements is NOT true about a Carnot cycle?
- A. The efficiency of a Carnot cycle is solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.
- B. It is a reversible cycle, meaning the process can be run in both directions with the same efficiency.
- C. It operates isothermally at the hot and cold reservoir temperatures.
- D. It is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The statement that is NOT true is C. Although part of the Carnot cycle operates isothermally, not the entire cycle operates isothermally. The Carnot cycle consists of both isothermal and adiabatic processes. Choice A is incorrect because the efficiency of a Carnot cycle is indeed solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs. Choice B is correct as a Carnot cycle is reversible, allowing the process to be run in both directions with the same efficiency. Choice D is also true as the Carnot cycle is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
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Two balloons with charges of 5 μC each are placed 25 cm apart. What is the magnitude of the resulting repulsive force between them?
- A. 0.18 N
- B. 1.8 N
- C. 10−3 N
- D. 5 10−3 N
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To find the repulsive force between the two charges, we use Coulomb's law: F = k(q1 * q2) / r^2. Here, k is the Coulomb constant (8.99 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2), q1 and q2 are the charges (5 μC each), and r is the distance between the charges (25 cm = 0.25 m). Substituting these values into the formula: F = (8.99 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2)(5 x 10^-6 C)(5 x 10^-6 C) / (0.25 m)^2. Calculating this gives F = 1.8 N. Therefore, the magnitude of the resulting repulsive force between the two balloons is 1.8 N. Choice A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not correctly calculate the force using Coulomb's law.
A 1,000-kg car drives at 10 m/s around a circle with a radius of 50 m. What is the centripetal acceleration of the car?
- A. 2 m/s²
- B. 4 m/s²
- C. 5 m/s²
- D. 10 m/s²
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Centripetal acceleration is calculated using the formula a = v² / r, where v = 10 m/s and r = 50 m. Substituting these values: a = (10 m/s)² / 50 m = 100 / 50 = 2 m/s². Therefore, the correct answer is 2 m/s². Choice B, 4 m/s², is incorrect because it is not the result of the correct calculation. Choice C, 5 m/s², is incorrect as it does not match the calculated centripetal acceleration. Choice D, 10 m/s², is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct calculation based on the given values.
How do a scalar quantity and a vector quantity differ?
- A. A scalar quantity has both magnitude and direction, and a vector does not.
- B. A scalar quantity has direction only, and a vector has only magnitude.
- C. A vector has both magnitude and direction, and a scalar quantity has only magnitude.
- D. A vector has only direction, and a scalar quantity has only magnitude.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The main difference between a scalar quantity and a vector quantity lies in the presence of direction. A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction, while a scalar quantity has magnitude only, without any specified direction. Examples of scalar quantities include distance, speed, temperature, and energy, whereas examples of vector quantities include displacement, velocity, force, and acceleration. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they incorrectly describe the characteristics of scalar and vector quantities.
Why doesn't a raindrop accelerate as it approaches the ground?
- A. Gravity pulls it down at a constant rate.
- B. Air resistance counteracts the gravitational force.
- C. Its mass decreases, decreasing its speed.
- D. Objects in motion decelerate over distance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. As a raindrop falls, it experiences air resistance which counteracts the gravitational force pulling it down. This balancing of forces prevents the raindrop from accelerating further as it approaches the ground. Choice A is incorrect because while gravity is pulling the raindrop down, air resistance opposes this force. Choice C is incorrect as the mass of the raindrop remains constant during its fall. Choice D is incorrect because objects in motion may decelerate due to various factors, but in this case, the focus is on why the raindrop doesn't accelerate.
A constant force is exerted on a stationary object. In this scenario, work is:
- A. Performed
- B. Not performed
- C. Partially performed
- D. Inconclusive without further information
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.
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