Nursier
Register
Log in Register Register

HESI A2 physics practice questions, set 6

HESI A2 · physics

HESI A2 physics practice questions set 6

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

What is the kinetic energy of a 500-kg wagon moving at 10 m/s?

  1. A. 50 J
  2. B. 250 J
  3. C. 2.5 10^4 J
  4. D. 5.0 10^5 J
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — 2.5 10^4 J

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 0.5 mass velocity². Given the mass of the wagon is 500 kg and the velocity is 10 m/s, we can substitute these values into the formula: KE = 0.5 500 kg (10 m/s)² = 0.5 500 kg 100 m²/s² = 25,000 J or 2.5 10⁴ J. Therefore, the kinetic energy of the 500-kg wagon moving at 10 m/s is 2.5 10⁴ J. Choice A (50 J) is incorrect because it is too low; Choice B (250 J) is incorrect as it does not match the correct calculation; Choice D (5.0 10^5 J) is incorrect as it is too high. The correct answer is C (2.5 10^4 J).

Question 2

In open-channel flow, a critical property is the free surface, which refers to the:

  1. A. Interface between the liquid and the container walls
  2. B. Interface between the liquid and a surrounding gas
  3. C. Bottom of the channel
  4. D. Region of highest velocity within the liquid
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Interface between the liquid and a surrounding gas

The free surface in open-channel flow refers to the interface between the liquid and the surrounding gas, typically the atmosphere. This interface is critical as it determines the boundary between the liquid flow and the open environment. Option A is incorrect as it refers to the liquid-container wall interface, not the free surface. Option C is incorrect because it represents the bottom of the channel, not the free surface. Option D is incorrect as it describes the region of highest velocity within the liquid, not the free surface. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

Question 3

A system undergoes an isobaric process (constant pressure). In this process, the work done (W) by the system is:

  1. A. Zero, if the volume change (ΔV) is zero.
  2. B. Positive and equal to the pressure multiplied by the volume change (W = PΔV).
  3. C. Negative and equal to the pressure multiplied by the volume change.
  4. D. Independent of the pressure or volume change.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Positive and equal to the pressure multiplied by the volume change (W = PΔV).

In an isobaric process (constant pressure), the work done is given by the formula W = PΔV, where P is the pressure and ΔV is the change in volume. If the volume does not change, the work done is zero, not negative. Choice A is incorrect as it states the work done is zero when the volume change is zero, which is the correct condition for zero work. Choice C is incorrect as it incorrectly suggests that the work done is negative in an isobaric process. Choice D is incorrect as the work done in an isobaric process is indeed dependent on the volume change and pressure.

Question 4

Sublimation is the change in matter from solid to gas or gas to solid without passing through a liquid phase. Outside of the laboratory, which solid provides the best example of this?

  1. A. Iron
  2. B. Silver
  3. C. Salt crystal
  4. D. Dry ice
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Dry ice

Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) provides the best example of sublimation outside of the laboratory. When dry ice is exposed to normal atmospheric conditions, it changes directly from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase. This process is commonly observed in everyday situations such as creating 'smoke' or 'fog' effects. Choices A, B, and C (Iron, Silver, and Salt crystal) do not undergo sublimation. Iron and Silver melt and then vaporize, while Salt crystal dissolves in water, and the resulting solution evaporates, which involves a liquid phase.

Question 5

During an isothermal (constant temperature) expansion, what is the work done by the gas on the surroundings?

  1. A. Positive and equal to the change in internal energy.
  2. B. Zero.
  3. C. Negative and equal to the change in internal energy.
  4. D. Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.

In an isothermal expansion, the temperature remains constant, meaning there is no change in internal energy. However, the gas still does work on the surroundings as it expands, and this work is positive. Since internal energy does not change, the correct answer is D, 'Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.' Choice A is incorrect because the work done is not equal to the change in internal energy. Choice B is incorrect as work is done during the expansion. Choice C is incorrect since the work done is not negative during an isothermal expansion.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.

Start studying See pricing

Ten more HESI A2 physics questions

Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.

Question 6

Archimedes' principle explains the ability to control buoyancy, allowing:

  1. A. Objects to sink regardless of density differences.
  2. B. Airplanes to generate lift for flight.
  3. C. Submarines to adjust their buoyancy for submergence and resurfacing.
  4. D. Helium balloons to overcome gravity and float.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

In hydraulic systems, Pascal's principle states that a pressure change applied to a confined incompressible fluid is:

  1. A. Amplified but loses energy
  2. B. Transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid
  3. C. Limited by the container size
  4. D. Dependent on the fluid type
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a mode of heat transfer between a system and its surroundings?

  1. A. Conduction
  2. B. Convection
  3. C. Radiation
  4. D. Isothermalization
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

What is the mathematical expression for work (W)?

  1. A. W = F / d
  2. B. W = F x d
  3. C. W = d / F
  4. D. W = F^2 x d
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

What force was applied to the object that was moved if 100 Nâ‹…m of work is done over 20 m?

  1. A. 5 N
  2. B. 80 N
  3. C. 120 N
  4. D. 2,000 N
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

Electric motors convert electrical energy primarily into:

  1. A. Thermal energy
  2. B. Light
  3. C. Mechanical energy
  4. D. Sound waves
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

As the frequency of a sound wave increases, what else is true?

  1. A. Its wavelength decreases.
  2. B. Its wavelength increases.
  3. C. Its amplitude decreases.
  4. D. Its amplitude increases.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

In the mechanical power equation P = E / t, power is measured in ___________.

  1. A. ohms
  2. B. Joules
  3. C. volts
  4. D. watts
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

Fluid dynamics is a subfield of fluid mechanics concerned with:

  1. A. Equilibrium properties of fluids at rest (Fluid Statics)
  2. B. The motion and behavior of fluids under various conditions
  3. C. Phase transitions of fluids between liquid, gas, and solid states
  4. D. Engineering applications of fluids (related but broader than fluid dynamics)
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

A 110-volt appliance draws 0 amperes. How many watts of power does it require?

  1. A. 0 watts
  2. B. 108 watts
  3. C. 112 watts
  4. D. 220 watts
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these HESI A2 physics questions

HESI A2 physics practice questions, set 6 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.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.

Start studying See pricing