A closed system undergoes a cyclic process, returning to its initial state. What can be said about the net work done (Wnet) by the system over the entire cycle?
- A. Wnet is always positive.
- B. Wnet is always negative.
- C. Wnet can be positive, negative, or zero.
- D. Wnet is equal to the total heat transferred into the system (dQ ≠0 for a cycle).
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a closed system undergoing a cyclic process and returning to its initial state, the net work done (Wnet) over the entire cycle can be positive, negative, or zero. This is because the work done is determined by the area enclosed by the cycle on a P-V diagram, and this area can be above, below, or intersecting the zero work axis, leading to positive, negative, or zero net work done. Choice A is incorrect because Wnet is not always positive; it depends on the specific path taken on the P-V diagram. Choice B is incorrect as Wnet is not always negative; it varies based on the enclosed area. Choice D is incorrect because Wnet is not necessarily equal to the total heat transferred into the system; it depends on the specifics of the cycle and is not a direct relationship.
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Psychrometrics is a branch of thermodynamics that deals with the properties of:
- A. Ideal gases.
- B. Magnetic materials.
- C. Mixtures of moist air and water vapor.
- D. Nuclear reactions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Psychrometrics is the study of the physical and thermodynamic properties of gas-vapor mixtures, especially mixtures of moist air and water vapor. This branch of thermodynamics focuses on the relationships between temperature, pressure, humidity, and other properties of these mixtures. Choice A, ideal gases, is incorrect because psychrometrics specifically deals with gas-vapor mixtures, not ideal gases. Choice B, magnetic materials, and Choice D, nuclear reactions, are unrelated to psychrometrics and thermodynamics, making them incorrect. Understanding psychrometrics is crucial in fields like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) to design systems that effectively control air quality, comfort, and temperature.
When two identical charged spheres, both positively charged, are brought close together, the electrostatic force between them will be:
- A. Slightly attractive
- B. Zero
- C. Strongly attractive
- D. Strongly repulsive
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When two positively charged spheres are brought close together, they will experience a repulsive force due to their like charges. The electrostatic force causes the spheres to repel each other, making the correct answer D: Strongly repulsive. The force is not dependent on the material of the spheres, and the force is definitely not zero, as like charges repel. Choice A is incorrect as like charges do not attract each other. Choice C is incorrect as like charges repel, not attract.
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?
- A. 6 cm
- B. 7.5 cm
- C. 9 cm
- D. 10.5 cm
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.
The operating principle of a metal detector relies on:
- A. The static presence of a permanent magnet
- B. The electromotive force induced by a changing magnetic field
- C. The high electrical conductivity of most metals
- D. The unique thermal signature of metallic objects
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.
According to the law of conservation of energy, energy:
- A. Can be created or destroyed
- B. Can be created, but not destroyed
- C. Can be destroyed, but not created
- D. Cannot be created or destroyed
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.