HESI Physics Questions with Answers and Explanations
1. When a junked car is compacted, which statement is true?
A. Its mass increases.
B. Its mass decreases.
C. Its density increases.
D. Its density decreases.
Explanation: Since density = mass/volume, it should be obvious that the decrease i...
HESI Physics Questions with Answers and Explanations
1. When a junked car is compacted, which statement is true?
A. Its mass increases.
B. Its mass decreases.
C. Its density increases.
D. Its density decreases.
Explanation: Since density = mass/volume, it should be obvious that the decrease in volume as a
car is crushed should lead to an increase in density. Nothing happens to change the mass of the
car.
2. A car travels 3 miles north, 6 miles south, 2 miles east, 2 miles west, and then 3 miles
north. Which of the following is true?
A. The displacement of the car is 16 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
B. The displacement of the car is 16 miles, and the distance traveled is 16 miles.
C. The displacement of the car is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 0 miles.
D. The displacement of the car is 0 miles, and the distance traveled is 16 miles.
Expalanation: If a car travels 3 miles north, 6 miles south, 2 miles east, 2 miles west, and then 3
miles north, it has traveled a total distance of 16 miles. However, because of the directions it has
traveled, it has ended up in the place where it started, giving it a displacement of 0.
3. Why doesn’t a raindrop accelerate as it approaches the ground?
A. Gravity pulls it down at a constant rate.
B. Air resistance counteracts the gravitational force.
C. Its mass decreases, decreasing its speed.
D. Objects in motion decelerate over distance.
Explanation: Gravity in fact causes acceleration, making choice A incorrect— unless air
resistance counteracts that acceleration, which it may easily do for an object as small and
, lightweight as a raindrop. Raindrops may lose mass (choice C), but that would not decrease their
acceleration. Choice D violates Newton’s first law.
4. An object moves 100 m in 10 s. What is the velocity of the object over this time?
A. 10 m/s
B. 90 m/s
C. 110 m/s
D. 1,000 m/s
Explanation: Velocity is the change in distance over time. 100 m/10 s is the same as 10 m/s.
5. Which of these objects has the greatest momentum?
A. A 1,250-kg car moving at 5 m/s
B. An 80-kg person running at 4 m/s
C. A 10-kg piece of meteorite moving at 600 m/s
D. A 0.5-kg rock moving at 40 m/s
Explanation: Momentum is calculated by multiplying mass by velocity, p = mv. Although the
meteorite seems intimidating, it is the car that has the greatest momentum, at 6,250 kg⋅m/s.
6. 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?
A. Iron
B. Silver
C. Salt crystal
D. Dry ice
Explanation: Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. As it breaks down, it transforms directly into gas
without passing through a liquid phase. Sublimation of metals is possible, but not “outside of the
laboratory.”
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller INTELLECT. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $14.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
