Which characteristic does a transverse wave not have?
- A. a compression
- B. an amplitude
- C. a frequency
- D. a wavelength
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A transverse wave does not have a compression because transverse waves move perpendicular to the direction of the oscillation. In a transverse wave, the particles move up and down, causing crests and troughs, without creating compressions. Compressions are characteristic of longitudinal waves where the particles move parallel to the direction of the wave. The other choices (B, C, and D) are characteristics that transverse waves possess: amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position, frequency is the number of complete oscillations a wave makes in a given time, and wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in a wave that are in the same phase.
You may also like to solve these questions
A 5-kg block is suspended from a spring, causing the spring to stretch 10 cm from equilibrium. What is the spring constant for this spring?
- A. 4.9 N/cm
- B. 9.8 N/cm
- C. 49 N/cm
- D. 50 N/cm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The spring constant (k) can be calculated using Hooke's Law formula: F = -kx, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from equilibrium. In this case, the force applied is equal to the weight of the block, F = mg, where m = mass of the block = 5 kg and g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s^2. The displacement x = 10 cm = 0.1 m. Substituting the values, we have: 5 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = k * 0.1 m. Solving for k gives k = 5 * 9.8 / 0.1 = 49 N/m. Therefore, the spring constant for this spring is 49 N/cm. Choice A (4.9 N/cm) is incorrect because it is one decimal place lower than the correct answer. Choice B (9.8 N/cm) is incorrect as it does not account for the correct calculation based on the given information. Choice D (50 N/cm) is incorrect because it is slightly higher than the accurate value obtained through the calculations.
Which of the following substances has the highest density?
- A. Mist
- B. Water
- C. Steam
- D. Ice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Water has the highest density among the options provided. Density is a measure of mass per unit volume. In this case, water in its liquid form is denser than mist, steam, and ice. Ice has a lower density than water because its crystalline structure causes it to be less dense. Mist and steam are forms of water vapor, which are much less dense than liquid water. Therefore, the correct answer is water (choice B).
Capillarity describes the tendency of fluids to rise or fall in narrow tubes. This phenomenon arises from the interplay of:
- A. Buoyancy and pressure differentials
- B. Density variations and compressibility of the fluid
- C. Viscous dissipation and inertial effects
- D. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Capillarity occurs due to surface tension and intermolecular forces between the liquid and the walls of the narrow tube. These forces cause the liquid to rise or fall depending on the cohesion and adhesion properties. Surface tension at the liquid-gas interface and intermolecular forces are responsible for capillary action, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the specific forces involved in capillarity.
An electromagnet is holding a 1,500-kg car at a height of 25 m above the ground. The magnet then experiences a power outage, and the car falls to the ground. Which of the following is false?
- A. The car had a potential energy of 367.5 kJ.
- B. 367.5 kJ of potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.
- C. The car retains potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground.
- D. The car's potential energy converts to kinetic energy and then to sound energy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When the car falls to the ground, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as it accelerates downwards. Upon impact with the ground, the car's kinetic energy is dissipated in various forms, such as sound energy, heat, and deformation energy. Therefore, the car does not retain its initial potential energy of 367.5 kJ when it hits the ground. Choice A is true because the potential energy of the car can be calculated as mgh = 1500 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 25 m = 367,500 J = 367.5 kJ. Choice B is true because as the car falls, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. Choice D is true as the kinetic energy is eventually dissipated into other forms upon impact.
A 2,000-kg car travels at 15 m/s. For a 1,500-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to generate the same momentum, what would need to happen?
- A. It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s.
- B. It would need to add 500 kg in mass.
- C. Both A and B
- D. Either A or B
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Momentum is calculated as the product of mass and velocity. Since momentum is conserved in the absence of external forces, for the 1,500-kg car to generate the same momentum as the 2,000-kg car at 15 m/s, it would need to increase its velocity to compensate for the difference in mass. Accelerating to 20 m/s would achieve this without needing to change the mass of the car. Choice B is incorrect because adding mass is not necessary to match momentum in this scenario.