In an adiabatic process, there is:
- A. No heat transfer (Q = 0) between the system and the surroundings.
- B. Isothermal compression or expansion (constant temperature).
- C. Constant pressure throughout the process (isobaric process).
- D. No change in the system's internal energy (energy is conserved according to the first law).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In an adiabatic process, choice A is correct because adiabatic processes involve no heat transfer between the system and its surroundings (Q = 0). This lack of heat transfer is a defining characteristic of adiabatic processes. Choices B, C, and D do not accurately describe an adiabatic process. Choice B refers to an isothermal process where temperature remains constant, not adiabatic. Choice C describes an isobaric process with constant pressure, not specific to adiabatic processes. Choice D mentions the conservation of energy but does not directly relate to the absence of heat transfer in adiabatic processes.
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Which substance would be most affected by a change in temperature?
- A. Liquid nitrogen
- B. Salt crystals
- C. Hydrogen gas
- D. Iron filings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hydrogen gas would be most affected by a change in temperature because gases have a greater expansion or contraction in volume with changes in temperature compared to liquids or solids. When the temperature of hydrogen gas increases, its molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster, causing the gas to expand and its volume to increase. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the gas molecules lose kinetic energy and move slower, leading to a decrease in volume. This property makes hydrogen gas highly sensitive to temperature changes compared to liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, or iron filings. Liquid nitrogen, salt crystals, and iron filings are less affected by temperature changes because their particles are closer together and have lower kinetic energy, resulting in minimal volume changes with temperature fluctuations.
A wave in a rope travels at 12 m/s and has a wavelength of 2 m. What is the frequency?
- A. 38.4 Hz
- B. 6 Hz
- C. 4.6 Hz
- D. 3.75 Hz
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The frequency of a wave is calculated using the formula: frequency = speed / wavelength. In this case, the speed of the wave is 12 m/s and the wavelength is 2 m. Therefore, the frequency is calculated as 12 m/s / 2 m = 6 Hz. Choice A (38.4 Hz), Choice C (4.6 Hz), and Choice D (3.75 Hz) are incorrect as they do not result from the correct calculation using the given values.
Four 5 V batteries are connected in series. What is the total voltage of the circuit?
- A. 5.0 V
- B. 10.0 V
- C. 15.0 V
- D. 20.0 V
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When batteries are connected in series, their voltages add up. Therefore, the total voltage of the circuit with four 5 V batteries connected in series will be 5 V + 5 V + 5 V + 5 V = 20 V. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the voltages of the batteries add up in series, resulting in a total of 20 V.
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.
An airplane travels 500 miles northeast and then, on the return trip, travels 500 miles southwest. Which of the following is true?
- A. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
- B. The displacement of the plane is 1,000 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.
- C. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
- D. The displacement of the plane is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 1,000 miles.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The displacement of an object is the change in position from the starting point to the ending point, regardless of the path taken. In this case, the airplane returns to its original position after traveling 500 miles northeast and then 500 miles southwest. Therefore, the displacement is 0 miles. However, the distance traveled is the total path covered, which is 500 miles northeast plus 500 miles southwest, for a total of 1,000 miles. Choice A is incorrect because the displacement is not the sum of the distances traveled. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 1,000 miles. Choice C is incorrect as it states that both the displacement and the distance traveled are 0 miles, which is not the case.