MCAT Physical : MCAT Physical Sciences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Physical

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Example Questions

Example Question #5 : Concentration, Dilution, And Units

If 0.02L of a 0.7N NaCl solution is diluted to 1L, what is the new concentration?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In this particular scenario, molarity can be used interchangeably with normality. The product of the initial normality and initial volume will be equal to the product of the final normality and final volume.

Our initial normality is 0.7N and our initial volume is 0.02L. We also know our final volume is 1L.

Solve for the final concentration.

Example Question #1 : Electrostatics

A neutral conducting sphere rests on an insulating styrofoam block. A student then places his hand on the sphere, maintaining this contact as a negatively charged plastic rod is brought near the sphere without touching. While the plastic rod is still nearby, the student removes his hand. Finally, the rod is also removed. Which of the following best describes the final charge on the sphere?

Possible Answers:

Net positive charge, and polarized

Zero net charge, but polarized 

Net negative charge, distributed evenly over the sphere

Net positive charge, distributed evenly over the sphere

Net negative charge, and polarized

Correct answer:

Net positive charge, distributed evenly over the sphere

Explanation:

The student's hand on the sphere "grounds" it, allowing charges to flow in or out. No charge flows through the styrofoam insulator. When the negatively charged rod is brought nearby, negative charges in the sphere are repelled and exit via the student's hand, giving the sphere a net positive charge. After the student removes his hand, no more charges can flow into or out from the sphere, so the net positive charge remains after the rod is removed. Since this is a conducting sphere, the charges will spread out evenly over the surface.

Example Question #2 : Electrostatics

How much energy is required by a  lightbulb running for  minutes?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Power is given in watts which is equal to 

Convert 10 minutes into seconds and then multiply the time in seconds with the number of watts to obtain the joules of energy required by the lightbulb.

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