Basic Physics Practice Questions!
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Are you interested in fundamental physics? Would you like to try this quiz? This quiz involves you knowing what the atomic number of an element is determined by, what is an ion, what is an isotope, what is a molecule, what is true about a compound, can an electrical insulator be made a conductor, and what are the worst and best conductors. This quiz will teach you basic physics. Good luck.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The atomic number of an element is determined by
- A.
The number of neutrons.
- B.
The number of protons.
- C.
The number of neutrons plus the number of protons.
- D.
The number of electrons.
Correct Answer
B. The number of protons.Explanation
The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It is a unique identifier for each element and determines its position on the periodic table. The number of neutrons can vary in different isotopes of the same element, but the number of protons remains constant. The number of electrons can also vary, but it is equal to the number of protons in a neutral atom. Therefore, the correct answer is the number of protons.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The atomic weight of an element is approximately determined by
- A.
The number of neutrons.
- B.
The number of protons.
- C.
The number of neutrons plus the number of protons.
- D.
The number of electrons.
Correct Answer
C. The number of neutrons plus the number of protons.Explanation
The atomic weight of an element is determined by the combined mass of its protons and neutrons in the nucleus. The number of protons gives the atomic number, which identifies the element, while the number of neutrons contributes to the atomic mass. Therefore, the atomic weight is approximately determined by the number of neutrons plus the number of protons.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Suppose there is an atom of oxygen, containing eight protons and eight neutrons in thenucleus, and two neutrons are added to the nucleus. What is the resulting atomic weight?
- A.
8
- B.
10
- C.
16
- D.
18
Correct Answer
D. 18Explanation
When two neutrons are added to the nucleus of an oxygen atom, the atomic weight increases. The atomic weight is determined by the sum of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Since the nucleus originally contained eight protons and eight neutrons, the atomic weight was 16. By adding two more neutrons, the resulting atomic weight becomes 18.Rate this question:
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- 4.
An ion
- A.
Is electrically neutral.
- B.
Has positive electric charge.
- C.
Has negative electric charge.
- D.
Can have either a positive or negative charge.
Correct Answer
D. Can have either a positive or negative charge.Explanation
An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge. This means that ions can have either a positive or negative charge, depending on whether they have gained or lost electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is that an ion can have either a positive or negative charge.Rate this question:
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- 5.
An isotope
- A.
Is electrically neutral.
- B.
Has positive electric charge.
- C.
Has negative electric charge.
- D.
Can have either a positive or negative charge.
Correct Answer
D. Can have either a positive or negative charge.Explanation
Isotopes are atoms that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. While the number of protons determines the element's identity, the number of neutrons can vary, resulting in different isotopes. The charge of an atom depends on the balance between the number of protons and electrons. Since isotopes have the same number of protons, they can have different numbers of electrons, leading to a positive or negative charge. Therefore, isotopes can have either a positive or negative charge.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A molecule
- A.
Can consist of a single atom of an element.
- B.
Always contains two or more elements.
- C.
Always has two or more atoms.
- D.
Is always electrically charged.
Correct Answer
A. Can consist of a single atom of an element.Explanation
A molecule can consist of a single atom of an element because some elements, such as hydrogen or oxygen, can exist as individual atoms and do not need to bond with other atoms to be stable. These single-atom molecules are called diatomic molecules.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In a compound,
- A.
There can be a single atom of an element.
- B.
There must always be two or more elements.
- C.
The atoms are mixed in with each other but not joined.
- D.
There is always a shortage of electrons.
Correct Answer
B. There must always be two or more elements.Explanation
The correct answer is "there must always be two or more elements." This is because a compound is formed when two or more different elements chemically combine in a fixed ratio. A single atom of an element does not constitute a compound as it lacks the presence of multiple elements. The other options, such as atoms being mixed but not joined or a shortage of electrons, do not define compounds but rather describe other concepts like mixtures or electron deficiencies.Rate this question:
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- 8.
An electrical insulator can be made a conductor
- A.
By heating it.
- B.
By cooling it.
- C.
By ionizing it.
- D.
By oxidizing it.
Correct Answer
C. By ionizing it.Explanation
When an electrical insulator is ionized, it means that it is being transformed into a material that can conduct electricity. Ionization occurs when atoms or molecules gain or lose electrons, resulting in the formation of charged particles called ions. This process creates a pathway for the flow of electric current through the previously insulating material. Heating, cooling, and oxidizing an insulator do not have the same effect of enabling conductivity.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Of the following substances, the worst conductor is
- A.
Air.
- B.
Copper.
- C.
Iron.
- D.
Salt water.
Correct Answer
A. Air.Explanation
Air is the worst conductor among the given substances. This is because air is a poor conductor of heat and electricity due to its low density and lack of free electrons. Unlike copper and iron, which are metals and have a high number of free electrons that can easily carry heat or electricity, air molecules are widely spaced and do not have many free electrons available for conduction. Similarly, salt water contains ions that can conduct electricity, making it a better conductor than air.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Of the following substances, the best conductor is
- A.
Air.
- B.
Copper.
- C.
Iron.
- D.
Salt water.
Correct Answer
B. Copper.Explanation
Copper is the best conductor among the given substances. Copper has a high electrical conductivity due to its atomic structure. It has free electrons that can easily move through the material, allowing for efficient flow of electric current. This makes copper widely used in electrical wiring and other applications where good conductivity is required. Air, iron, and salt water have lower conductivity compared to copper, making copper the best choice among the given options.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Movement of holes in a semiconductor
- A.
Is like a flow of electrons in the same direction.
- B.
Is possible only if the current is high enough.
- C.
Results in a certain amount of electric current.
- D.
Causes the material to stop conducting.
Correct Answer
C. Results in a certain amount of electric current.Explanation
When holes move in a semiconductor, it means that electrons are moving from one atom to another, leaving behind a positively charged "hole" in the atom. This movement of holes results in the flow of electric current. The movement of holes is similar to the flow of electrons, as both involve the movement of charged particles. However, it is important to note that the movement of holes does not require a high current; it can occur even with a low current. Therefore, the correct answer is that the movement of holes in a semiconductor results in a certain amount of electric current.Rate this question:
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- 12.
If a material has low resistance, then
- A.
It is a good conductor.
- B.
It is a poor conductor.
- C.
The current flows mainly in the form of holes.
- D.
Current can flow only in one direction.
Correct Answer
A. It is a good conductor.Explanation
If a material has low resistance, it means that it allows the flow of electric current with ease. A good conductor is characterized by low resistance, as it allows the free movement of electrons. Therefore, the statement "it is a good conductor" is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A coulomb
- A.
Represents a current of 1 ampere.
- B.
Flows through a 100-watt light bulb.
- C.
Is equivalent to 1 ampere per second.
- D.
Is an extremely large number of charge carriers.
Correct Answer
D. Is an extremely large number of charge carriers.Explanation
The correct answer is "is an extremely large number of charge carriers." A coulomb is a unit of electric charge, and it represents a large quantity of charge carriers. One coulomb is equal to the charge of approximately 6.242 × 10^18 electrons or other elementary charged particles. Therefore, it can be said that a coulomb represents an extremely large number of charge carriers.Rate this question:
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- 14.
A stroke of lightning
- A.
Is caused by a movement of holes in an insulator.
- B.
Has a very low current.
- C.
Is a discharge of static electricity.
- D.
Builds up between clouds.
Correct Answer
C. Is a discharge of static electricity.Explanation
A stroke of lightning is a discharge of static electricity. This occurs when there is a buildup of electrical charge in the atmosphere, typically between a cloud and the ground or between two clouds. When the electrical potential difference becomes high enough, it causes a rapid and visible discharge of electricity in the form of lightning. This discharge is often accompanied by a bright flash of light and a loud thunderclap. The movement of holes in an insulator, having a low current, or being caused by a buildup between clouds are not accurate explanations for a stroke of lightning.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The volt is the standard unit of
- A.
Current.
- B.
Charge.
- C.
Electromotive force.
- D.
Resistance.
Correct Answer
C. Electromotive force.Explanation
The volt is the standard unit of electromotive force. Electromotive force refers to the energy per unit charge that is provided by a source, such as a battery, to move electric charges in a circuit. It is commonly symbolized by the letter "V". The volt is used to measure the potential difference or voltage across a circuit component, indicating the amount of energy that can be transferred to the charges as they move through the circuit.Rate this question:
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- 16.
If an EMF of 1 volt is placed across a resistance of 2 ohms, then the current is
- A.
Half an ampere.
- B.
1 ampere.
- C.
2 amperes.
- D.
Impossible to determine.
Correct Answer
A. Half an ampere.Explanation
According to Ohm's Law, the current (I) flowing through a circuit is equal to the voltage (V) across the circuit divided by the resistance (R) of the circuit. In this case, the voltage is given as 1 volt and the resistance is given as 2 ohms. Therefore, the current is calculated as 1 volt divided by 2 ohms, which equals 0.5 amperes or half an ampere.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A backward-working electric motor, in which mechanical rotation is converted to electricity,is best described as
- A.
An inefficient, energy-wasting device.
- B.
A motor with the voltage connected the wrong way.
- C.
An electric generator.
- D.
A magnetic field.
Correct Answer
C. An electric generator.Explanation
An electric generator is the best description for a backward-working electric motor that converts mechanical rotation into electricity. This is because a generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It operates by using a magnetic field to induce an electric current in a conductor, thereby generating electricity.Rate this question:
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- 18.
In a battery, chemical energy can sometimes be replenished by
- A.
Connecting it to a light bulb.
- B.
Charging it.
- C.
Discharging it.
- D.
No means known; when a battery is dead, you must throw it away.
Correct Answer
B. Charging it.Explanation
When a battery is charged, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, allowing the battery to store energy for later use. This process involves reversing the chemical reactions that occur during discharging, restoring the battery's capacity to provide electrical power. Therefore, charging a battery replenishes its chemical energy and allows it to be reused.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A fluctuating magnetic field
- A.
Produces an electric current in an insulator.
- B.
Magnetizes the earth.
- C.
Produces a fluctuating electric field.
- D.
Results from a steady electric current.
Correct Answer
C. Produces a fluctuating electric field.Explanation
When a fluctuating magnetic field is present, it induces an electric field in the surrounding space. This induced electric field is also fluctuating in nature. This phenomenon is known as electromagnetic induction and is described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. According to this law, a changing magnetic field induces an electric field, which in turn can produce an electric current. Therefore, the correct answer is that a fluctuating magnetic field produces a fluctuating electric field.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Visible light is converted into electricity
- A.
In a dry cell.
- B.
In a wet cell.
- C.
In an incandescent bulb.
- D.
In a photovoltaic cell.
Correct Answer
D. In a photovoltaic cell.Explanation
A photovoltaic cell, also known as a solar cell, converts visible light into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This process involves the absorption of photons from sunlight, which excites electrons in the cell's semiconductor material, creating an electric current. Unlike dry cells and wet cells, which are used to produce electric current through chemical reactions, and incandescent bulbs, which convert electricity into light, a photovoltaic cell directly converts light energy into electrical energy. Therefore, the correct answer is in a photovoltaic cell.Rate this question:
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Nov 16, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Dec 18, 2010Quiz Created by
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