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HESI A2 physics practice questions, set 5

HESI A2 · physics

HESI A2 physics practice questions set 5

You practice the motion, energy, and wave items some schools still score on HESI A2. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the HESI A2 exam guide or more HESI A2 practice questions.

Five physics questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

When a fluid encounters a bluff body (e.g., a car), the flow can separate behind the object, creating a region of low pressure. This phenomenon is known as:

  1. A. Cavitation
  2. B. Boundary layer separation
  3. C. Bernoulli effect per se
  4. D. Drag crisis
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Boundary layer separation

The correct answer is B: Boundary layer separation. Boundary layer separation occurs when the flow of fluid detaches from the surface of a bluff body, leading to a low-pressure region behind the object. This separation creates a wake region with reduced pressure. Choice A, Cavitation, refers to the formation of vapor bubbles in a fluid and is not relevant in this context. Choice C, Bernoulli effect per se, does not specifically describe the phenomenon of flow separation behind a bluff body. Choice D, Drag crisis, is not the term used to describe the creation of a low-pressure region due to flow separation.

Question 2

Longitudinal waves have vibrations that move ___________.

  1. A. at right angles to the direction of the vibrations
  2. B. in the direction opposite to that of the wave
  3. C. in the same direction as the wave
  4. D. in waves and troughs
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — in the same direction as the wave

In longitudinal waves, the vibrations of particles occur in the same direction as the wave propagates. This means the particles move back and forth in the direction of the wave, creating compressions and rarefactions along the wave. Therefore, the correct choice is C, in the same direction as the wave. Choice A is incorrect because transverse waves, not longitudinal waves, have vibrations at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the motion in transverse waves. Choice D is incorrect as it is an inaccurate representation of how longitudinal waves propagate.

Question 3

In a parallel circuit, the ___________ through each component is the same.

  1. A. current
  2. B. voltage
  3. C. resistance
  4. D. wattage
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — current

In a parallel circuit, the current through each component is the same. This is because the components in a parallel circuit are connected across the same voltage source, so they all experience the same voltage across their terminals. The total current entering the parallel circuit is then split up among the various components, but the current through each component remains the same as the total current. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. In a parallel circuit, voltage across each component may vary, resistance may differ, and wattage is related to power, not the equality of current through each component.

Question 4

In an electrically neutral atom, the number of:

  1. A. Electrons is equal to protons
  2. B. Protons is equal to neutrons
  3. C. Neutrons are always greater than protons
  4. D. Electrons are always less than protons
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Electrons is equal to protons

In an electrically neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Electrons carry a negative charge, protons carry a positive charge, and neutrons are neutral. Since the atom is electrically neutral, the positive charge of the protons must balance the negative charge of the electrons, making the numbers of electrons and protons equal. Choice B is incorrect because protons are not equal to neutrons in an atom. Choice C is incorrect because neutrons are not always greater than protons, and choice D is incorrect because electrons are not always less than protons in an atom.

Question 5

When two long, parallel wires carry currents in the same direction, the wires will experience a force of:

  1. A. An unpredictable force depending on wire material
  2. B. Repulsion
  3. C. No force
  4. D. Attraction
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Attraction

When two wires carry current in the same direction, they create magnetic fields that interact with each other. This interaction results in an attractive force between the wires due to the alignment of their magnetic fields. Choice A is incorrect because the force can be predicted based on the direction of the currents and the magnetic fields produced. Choice B is incorrect because when currents flow in the same direction, they do not repel each other. Choice C is incorrect because there is indeed a force present due to the interaction of magnetic fields, resulting in attraction between the wires.

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Question 6

For the core of an electromagnet, a material with high:

  1. A. Resistivity is ideal
  2. B. Permeability is preferred
  3. C. Permittivity is crucial
  4. D. Dielectric strength is essential
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Question 7

According to the zeroth law of thermodynamics, two systems are in thermal equilibrium if:

  1. A. They have the same pressure.
  2. B. They have the same volume.
  3. C. They have the same temperature.
  4. D. They are made of the same material.
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Question 8

What is the primary factor responsible for generating lift on an airplane wing?

  1. A. Propulsion force generated by the engines
  2. B. Buoyant forces acting on the entire aircraft
  3. C. Drag reduction achieved through streamlining
  4. D. Application of Bernoulli's principle to the airfoil's shape
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Question 9

Why are boats more buoyant in salt water than in fresh water?

  1. A. Salt decreases the mass of the boats.
  2. B. Salt increases the volume of the water.
  3. C. Salt affects the density of the boats.
  4. D. Salt increases the density of the water.
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Question 10

Two balloons with charges of 5 μC each are placed 25 cm apart. What is the magnitude of the resulting repulsive force between them?

  1. A. 0.18 N
  2. B. 1.8 N
  3. C. 10−3 N
  4. D. 5 10−3 N
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Question 11

Why doesn't a raindrop accelerate as it approaches the ground?

  1. A. Gravity pulls it down at a constant rate.
  2. B. Air resistance counteracts the gravitational force.
  3. C. Its mass decreases, decreasing its speed.
  4. D. Objects in motion decelerate over distance.
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Question 12

Viscosity, μ, is a transport property of a fluid that reflects its:

  1. A. Inertia
  2. B. Resistance to flow
  3. C. Compressibility
  4. D. Buoyancy generation
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Question 13

A spring has a spring constant of 20 N/m. How much force is needed to compress the spring from 40 cm to 30 cm?

  1. A. 200 N
  2. B. 80 N
  3. C. 5 N
  4. D. 2 N
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Question 14

An object has a constant velocity of 50 m/s and travels for 10 s. What is the acceleration of the object?

  1. A. 0 m/s²
  2. B. 5 m/s²
  3. C. 60 m/s²
  4. D. 500 m/s²
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Question 15

Two 5-ohm resistors are placed in series and wired into a 100-V power supply. What current flows through this circuit?

  1. A. 2 A
  2. B. 10 A
  3. C. 20 A
  4. D. 50 A
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About these HESI A2 physics questions

HESI A2 physics practice questions, set 5 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the HESI A2 exam guide.

The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.

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