The first law of thermodynamics is a principle of energy conservation. It states that:
- A. Energy can be created or destroyed.
- B. The total entropy of an isolated system always decreases.
- C. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
- D. The temperature of a system is directly proportional to its entropy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred or converted from one form to another, ensuring energy conservation in any system. Choice A is incorrect because it goes against the principle of energy conservation. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system always increases. Choice D is incorrect because the temperature of a system is not directly proportional to its entropy.
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Which object below has the same density?
- A. A block with a mass of 6.5 grams and a volume of 16.25 cm3
- B. A block with a mass of 80 grams and a volume of 32 cm3
- C. A block with a mass of 48 grams and a volume of 22 cm3
- D. A block with a mass of 100 grams and a volume of 250 cm3
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Density is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. The density of object A is 6.5 g / 16.25 cm3 = 0.4 g/cm3. The density of object B is 80 g / 32 cm3 = 2.5 g/cm3. The density of object C is 48 g / 22 cm3 = 2.18 g/cm3. The density of object D is 100 g / 250 cm3 = 0.4 g/cm3. Objects A and D have the same density of 0.4 g/cm3. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it has the same density as object D, making them the only objects with a density of 0.4 g/cm3.
Which of the following statements is true about a refrigerator?
- A. It operates on a Carnot cycle and removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature.
- B. It violates the first law of thermodynamics by creating cold.
- C. It increases the total entropy of the universe.
- D. It operates isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A refrigerator operates on a Carnot cycle by transferring heat from a cold reservoir to a hot reservoir. Choice A is correct because a refrigerator removes heat from a cold reservoir at a lower temperature. Choice B is incorrect as a refrigerator does not violate the first law of thermodynamics but rather requires work input to transfer heat. Choice C is incorrect as a refrigerator does not increase the total entropy of the universe. Choice D is incorrect because a refrigerator does not operate isothermally at both the hot and cold reservoirs.
The specific heat capacity of water is about 2 J/g°C. How much energy would you need to heat 1 kilogram of water by 10°C?
- A. 420 J
- B. 4,200 J
- C. 42,000 J
- D. 420,000 J
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The formula to calculate the energy required to heat a substance is Q = m c ΔT, where m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature. Given that 1 kilogram of water is equal to 1,000 grams, the mass (m) is 1,000 g, the specific heat capacity (c) of water is 4.2 J/g°C (not 2 J/g°C), and the change in temperature (ΔT) is 10°C. Substituting these values into the formula: Q = 1,000 4.2 10 = 42,000 J. Therefore, the correct energy required to heat 1 kilogram of water by 10°C is 42,000 J. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the correct specific heat capacity of water or the conversion of mass to grams.
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.
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.