Surface tension, γ, is a property of fluids arising from:
- A. Intermolecular forces between fluid molecules
- B. Gravitational attraction
- C. Viscous dissipation
- D. Pressure differentials within the fluid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Surface tension, represented by symbol γ, is caused by the cohesive forces between molecules in a liquid. These intermolecular forces, such as Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole interactions, create a 'skin' at the surface of the liquid, giving rise to the property of surface tension. Gravitational attraction, viscous dissipation, and pressure differentials within the fluid do not directly contribute to surface tension. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
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A box is moved by a 15 N force over a distance of 3 m. What is the amount of work that has been done?
- A. 5 W
- B. 5 Nâ‹…m
- C. 45 W
- D. 45 Nâ‹…m
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Work done is calculated using the formula: Work = Force x Distance. In this case, the force applied is 15 N and the distance covered is 3 m. Thus, work done = 15 N x 3 m = 45 Nâ‹…m. Therefore, the correct answer is 45 Nâ‹…m. Choice A (5 W) is incorrect because work is measured in joules (J) or newton-meters (Nâ‹…m), not in watts (W). Choice B (5 Nâ‹…m) is incorrect as it miscalculates the work by not multiplying the force by the distance. Choice C (45 W) is incorrect because work is not measured in watts (W) but in newton-meters (Nâ‹…m).
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.
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.
Two 5-ohm resistors are placed in series and wired into a 100-V power supply. What current flows through this circuit?
- A. 2 A
- B. 10 A
- C. 20 A
- D. 50 A
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances. Therefore, the total resistance in this circuit is 5 ohms + 5 ohms = 10 ohms. Using Ohm's Law (V = I R), we can find the current (I) by dividing the voltage (V) by the total resistance (R). I = V / R = 100 V / 10 ohms = 10 A.
Choice A (2 A) is incorrect because it does not account for the total resistance of the circuit. Choice C (20 A) and Choice D (50 A) are also incorrect as they provide values that are not consistent with the calculations based on the given values in the question.
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.