Actual Physics Practice Test HESI A2 Exam

Actual Physics Practice Test HESI A2 Exam 1. Which of these statements is true regarding the way light travels? a) Sound travels faster than light. b) Light cannot travel through a vaccum. c) The speed of light is always the same regardless of the medium through which it travels. d) Light travels as both a wave and a particle. The correct answer is: Light travels as both a wave and a particle. Explanation: Light is a curiosity in that it acts as both a wave and a particle. It only changes direction via reflection (bouncing off of something) or refraction (passing from one medium to another). In a vacuum, the speed of light is constant, but when passing through a medium that has an index of refraction different from a vacuum, light’s speed slows. 2. According to the theory of the same name, after the “Big Bang” there were only what two things? a) Space and time b) Neutrons and electrons c) Mass and gravity d) Matter and antimatter The correct answer is: Matter and antimatter Explanation: The Big Bang Theory attempts to explain the origins of the universe. According to the theory, a “big bang” produced matter and antimatter in equal quantities. 3. A subatomic particle is ____ in relation to an atom. a) Denser b) Smaller c) Faster d) Bigger The correct answer is: Smaller Explanation: Subatomic particles (which include neutrons, protons, and electrons) are much smaller than atoms. 4. Who discovered the special theory of relativity? a) James Chadwick b) Albert Einstein c) Alfred Nobel d) Max Plank The correct answer is: Albert Einstein Explanation: The theory of relativity is one of physics’ most famous theories and was proposed by Albert Einstein. 5. A fresh egg will float in water ____. a) Always b) When the water is cold c) When salt is added to the water d) It will not float in any circumstance The correct answer is: When salt is added to the water Explanation: Eggs are typically more dense than water, which makes them sink. However, if enough salt is added to the water, the water becomes more dense than the egg, which will cause the egg to float.