The triple point of a substance is the specific temperature and pressure at which all three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) can coexist in thermodynamic equilibrium. Which of the following statements about the triple point is true?
- A. It can vary depending on the container size.
- B. It is a unique point for each pure substance.
- C. The pressure at the triple point can be zero for some substances.
- D. The temperature at the triple point can be above the boiling point of the liquid phase.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The triple point is a unique temperature and pressure where all three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) of a pure substance can coexist in equilibrium. It is a constant for each substance and independent of container size. Choice A is incorrect because the triple point is a fixed point regardless of the container size. Choice C is incorrect as the pressure at the triple point is specific for each substance and will not be zero unless the substance has unique properties. Choice D is incorrect since the temperature at the triple point is precisely defined and cannot be above the boiling point of the liquid phase.
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According to the Clausius inequality, for a cyclic process involving heat transfer between a system and its surroundings at a single constant temperature (T), the following inequality must hold true:
- A. There is no relationship between heat transfer and temperature in a cyclic process.
- B. ∫ dQ/T ≥ 0
- C. ∫ Q/T = constant
- D. ∫ dQ/T ≤ 0
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Clausius inequality states that for a cyclic process involving heat transfer at a single constant temperature, the integral of heat transfer divided by temperature (∫ dQ/T) must be less than or equal to zero. This inequality reflects the irreversibility of natural processes. Choice A is incorrect as there is a direct relationship between heat transfer and temperature in the Clausius inequality. Choice B is incorrect because the integral of dQ/T must be less than or equal to zero, not greater than or equal to zero. Choice C is incorrect because the integral of Q/T is not a constant in a cyclic process involving heat transfer at a single constant temperature.
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.
According to the Law of Universal Gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to what factor?
- A. the gravitational constant
- B. the distance between them
- C. the product of their masses
- D. the square of the distance between them
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to the Law of Universal Gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses. The equation is: F = G (mâ‚ mâ‚‚) / r², where F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant, mâ‚ and mâ‚‚ are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between them. Choice A is incorrect because the gravitational constant is a constant value. Choice B is incorrect because the distance between the objects affects the strength of the gravitational force inversely proportional to the square of the distance, not directly proportional. Choice D is incorrect as it represents the inverse square law, where the gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance between the objects.
In the mechanical power equation P = E / t, power is measured in ___________.
- A. ohms
- B. Joules
- C. volts
- D. watts
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the mechanical power equation P = E / t, power is measured in watts. Watts are the standard unit of power in the International System of Units (SI), named after the Scottish engineer James Watt. Watts are defined as joules per second, reflecting the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. Ohms (choice A) are the unit of electrical resistance, Joules (choice B) are the unit of energy, and volts (choice C) are the unit of electric potential difference. Therefore, the correct answer is watts as it directly relates to power in the given equation.
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.