Given the four wires described here, which would you expect to have the greatest resistance?
- A. 1 km of American wire gauge 1; diameter 7.35 mm
- B. 1 km of American wire gauge 2; diameter 6.54 mm
- C. 1 km of American wire gauge 3; diameter 5.83 mm
- D. 1 km of American wire gauge 4; diameter 5.19 mm
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.
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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.
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.
What is the primary factor responsible for generating lift on an airplane wing?
- A. Propulsion force generated by the engines
- B. Buoyant forces acting on the entire aircraft
- C. Drag reduction achieved through streamlining
- D. Application of Bernoulli's principle to the airfoil's shape
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The primary factor responsible for generating lift on an airplane wing is the application of Bernoulli's principle. This principle states that the air moving over the curved top surface of the wing has to travel faster, leading to reduced pressure above the wing and creating lift. Engines provide thrust for propulsion, not lift. Buoyant forces are more relevant to lighter-than-air aircraft like balloons or airships, not airplanes. While drag reduction through streamlining is important for efficiency, it is not the primary factor in lift generation. Therefore, the correct answer is D.
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?
- A. Iron
- B. Silver
- C. Salt crystal
- D. Dry ice
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.
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.
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