Q: A $$2 \ \mathrm{kg}$$ block slides down a frictionless incline of height $$5 \ \mathrm{m}. $$What is its speed at the bottom? (Use $$g = 9.8 \ \mathrm{m/s^2$})$$

$$v = \sqrt{2gh} = \sqrt{2 \times 9.8 \times 5} \approx 9.9 \ \mathrm{m/s}$$

Q: A person stands on a scale in an elevator accelerating upward at $$2 \ \mathrm{m/s^2$}. If $$their mass is $$70 \ \mathrm{kg}$$, what does the scale read? (Use $$g = 9.8 \ \mathrm{m/s^2$})$$

$$N = m(g + a) = 70 \times (9.8 + 2) = 826 \ \mathrm{N}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'scaling' in physics as it applies to biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Scaling describes how physical properties such as strength, metabolic rate, or surface area change with the size of an organism, often following power laws.

Question 2

A cheetah accelerates from rest to a speed of $$30 \ \mathrm{m/s} in$$ $$3$$ seconds. What is its average acceleration?

Accepted Answer

$$a = \dfrac{30}{3} = 10 \ \mathrm{m/s^2$}$$

Question 3

Which equation correctly expresses Newton's Second Law of Motion?

Accepted Answer

$$F = m \cdot a$$

Question 4

A student drops a ball from a height of $$20 \ \mathrm{m}. $$Ignoring air resistance, how long does it take to hit the ground? (Use $$g = 9.8 \ \mathrm{m/s^2$})$$

Accepted Answer

$$t = \sqrt{\dfrac{2h}{g}} = \sqrt{\dfrac{40}{9.8}} \approx 2.02 \ \mathrm{s}$$

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why large animals have disproportionately thicker bones compared to smaller animals?

Accepted Answer

Bone strength depends on cross-sectional area, which scales with the square of length, while weight scales with the cube of length.

Question 6

A car travels in a circle of radius $$r at $$constant speed $$v. $$What is the magnitude of its centripetal acceleration?

Accepted Answer

$$a_c = \dfrac{v^2$}{r}$$

Question 7

Which statement about static equilibrium is correct?

Accepted Answer

An object in static equilibrium must have zero net force and zero net torque acting on it.

Question 8

A spring with spring constant $$k is $$stretched by a distance $$x. $$What is the force exerted by the spring?

Accepted Answer

$$F = -k x$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct statement about energy, work, and power?

Accepted Answer

Power is the rate at which work is done, given by $$P = \dfrac{W}{t}.$$

Question 10

A $$2 \ \mathrm{kg}$$ block slides down a frictionless incline of height $$5 \ \mathrm{m}. $$What is its speed at the bottom? (Use $$g = 9.8 \ \mathrm{m/s^2$})$$

Accepted Answer

$$v = \sqrt{2gh} = \sqrt{2 	imes 9.8 	imes 5} \approx 9.9 \ \mathrm{m/s}$$

Question 11

Which formula gives the period $$T of a $$simple harmonic oscillator with mass $$m$$ and spring constant $$k$$?

Accepted Answer

$$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\dfrac{m}{k}}$$

Question 12

A person stands on a scale in an elevator accelerating upward at $$2 \ \mathrm{m/s^2$}. If $$their mass is $$70 \ \mathrm{kg}$$, what does the scale read? (Use $$g = 9.8 \ \mathrm{m/s^2$})$$

Accepted Answer

$$N = m(g + a) = 70 	imes (9.8 + 2) = 826 \ \mathrm{N}$$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the center of gravity of an object?

Accepted Answer

It is the point where the entire weight of the object can be considered to act.

Question 14

A $$0.5 \ \mathrm{kg}$$ mass attached to a spring oscillates with an amplitude of $$0.1 \ \mathrm{m}$$ and a period of $$0.8 \ \mathrm{s}. $$What is the maximum speed of the mass?

Accepted Answer

$$v_{max} = \dfrac{2\pi A}{T} = \dfrac{2\pi 	imes 0.1}{0.8} \approx 0.785 \ \mathrm{m/s}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is true about mechanical waves?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical waves require a medium to propagate.

Question 16

A fluid flows through a pipe that narrows from area $$A_1 to$$ $$A_2. If $$the flow is steady and incompressible, which equation relates the velocities $$v_1$$ and $$v_2 at $$the two sections?

Accepted Answer

$$A_1$$ $$v_1$$ = $$A_2$$ $$v_2$$

Question 17

A person jumps from a height and lands on a soft mat, which compresses to stop them. Which concept best explains why the mat reduces injury?

Accepted Answer

The mat increases the time over which the person's momentum changes, reducing the force experienced.

Question 18

A standing wave is formed on a string fixed at both ends. If the length of the string is $$L$$ and the wavelength of the fundamental mode is $$\lambda$$, what is the relationship between $$L$$ and $$\lambda$$?

Accepted Answer

$$L = \dfrac{\lambda}{2}$$

PHYS 1501 Introductory Physics for Life Sciences – Syllabus and Core Concepts

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards