In fluid dynamics, the continuity equation, a fundamental principle, expresses the conservation of:
- A. Momentum
- B. Mass
- C. Energy
- D. Angular momentum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The continuity equation in fluid dynamics is a statement of the conservation of mass, making choice B the correct answer. It states that the mass entering a system must equal the mass leaving the system, assuming no mass is created or destroyed within the system. Conservation of momentum (choice A) is related to Newton's laws of motion and is not directly expressed by the continuity equation. Conservation of energy (choice C) involves different principles like the first law of thermodynamics and is not the focus of the continuity equation. Angular momentum (choice D) is also a different concept related to rotational motion and not described by the continuity equation.
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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.
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.
Why are boats more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water?
- A. Salt decreases the mass of the boats.
- B. Salt increases the volume of the water.
- C. Salt affects the density of the boats.
- D. Salt increases the density of the water.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Salt increases the density of water, making saltwater more buoyant than freshwater. The higher density of saltwater provides more lift to a boat, enabling it to float more easily compared to in freshwater. Choice A is incorrect because salt does not affect the mass of the boats. Choice B is incorrect as salt does not increase the volume of water. Choice C is incorrect since salt affects the density of water, not the boats themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is that salt increases the density of the water, resulting in boats being more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water.
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.
During an isothermal (constant temperature) expansion, what is the work done by the gas on the surroundings?
- A. Positive and equal to the change in internal energy.
- B. Zero.
- C. Negative and equal to the change in internal energy.
- D. Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In an isothermal expansion, the temperature remains constant, meaning there is no change in internal energy. However, the gas still does work on the surroundings as it expands, and this work is positive. Since internal energy does not change, the correct answer is D, 'Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.' Choice A is incorrect because the work done is not equal to the change in internal energy. Choice B is incorrect as work is done during the expansion. Choice C is incorrect since the work done is not negative during an isothermal expansion.