At which point on a roller coaster does the car have the greatest potential energy?
- A. The start of the ride
- B. The highest peak
- C. The lowest trough
- D. The end of the ride
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, the highest peak. At the highest peak of the roller coaster, the car reaches its maximum height above the ground. This point represents the car's greatest potential energy because it has the highest potential to do work due to its elevated position. The potential energy is directly proportional to the height of an object, so the highest point on the roller coaster track corresponds to the car's greatest potential energy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because potential energy is highest at the peak due to its elevated position, not at the start of the ride, the lowest trough, or the end of the ride.
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Electric motors convert electrical energy primarily into:
- A. Thermal energy
- B. Light
- C. Mechanical energy
- D. Sound waves
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. When electricity passes through the coils in the motor, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the field from the permanent magnets, resulting in a force that drives motion. Choice A, 'Thermal energy,' is incorrect as electric motors are designed to minimize heat production. Choice B, 'Light,' is incorrect as electric motors do not produce light as a primary output. Choice D, 'Sound waves,' is incorrect as the primary output of an electric motor is mechanical motion, not sound waves.
A spring has a spring constant of 20 N/m. How much force is needed to compress the spring from 40 cm to 30 cm?
- A. 200 N
- B. 80 N
- C. 5 N
- D. 2 N
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The change in length of the spring is 40 cm - 30 cm = 10 cm = 0.10 m. The force required to compress or stretch a spring is given by Hooke's Law: F = k x, where F is the force, k is the spring constant (20 N/m in this case), and x is the change in length (0.10 m). Substituting the values into the formula: F = 20 N/m 0.10 m = 2 N. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 N. Choice A (200 N) is incorrect because it miscalculates the force. Choice B (80 N) is incorrect as it does not apply Hooke's Law correctly. Choice C (5 N) is incorrect as it underestimates the force required.
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.
Power (P) represents the rate of work done. Which formula accurately depicts power?
- A. P = W / F
- B. P = d / t
- C. P = W x t
- D. P = F / t
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Power (P) is defined as the rate of work done over time. The correct formula for power is P = W/t, where W is the work done, and t is the time taken. Therefore, option D, P = F / t, correctly represents power as work divided by time. Option A, P = W / F, is incorrect as it represents work divided by force, not power. Option B, P = d / t, is incorrect as it represents distance divided by time, not power. Option C, P = W x t, is incorrect as it represents work multiplied by time, not power. It's important to understand the distinction between work, power, force, time, and other related concepts to solve physics problems accurately.
A caterpillar starts moving at a rate of 14 in/hr. After 15 minutes, it is moving at a rate of 20 in/hr. What is the caterpillar's rate of acceleration?
- A. 6 in/hr²
- B. 12 in/hr²
- C. 24 in/hr²
- D. 280 in/hr²
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acceleration is the change in velocity over time. The change in velocity for the caterpillar is 20 in/hr - 14 in/hr = 6 in/hr. Since this change occurred over 15 minutes (or 0.25 hours), the acceleration can be calculated as (6 in/hr) / (0.25 hr) = 24 in/hr². Therefore, the caterpillar's rate of acceleration is 24 in/hr², which corresponds to choice C. Choice A, 6 in/hr², is incorrect as it does not account for the time factor and the correct calculation. Choice B, 12 in/hr², is incorrect as it doubles the correct acceleration value. Choice D, 280 in/hr², is significantly higher than the correct value, indicating a calculation error.
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