Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between crystalline and amorphous solids?

Accepted Answer

Crystalline solids have atoms arranged in a regular array, while amorphous solids do not.

Question 2

Which type of atomic bond is the weakest in solids?

Accepted Answer

Van der Waals

Question 3

A block of aluminum has a mass of $$2\ \mathrm{kg}$$ and a volume of $$0.00075\ \mathrm{m}^3. $$What is its density?

Accepted Answer

$$2667\ \mathrm{kg/m}^3$$

Question 4

Which of the following statements about density is correct?

Accepted Answer

Density depends on the mass of the atoms and the spacing between them.

Question 5

A spring stretches $$0.05\ \mathrm{m}$$ when a force of $$10\ \mathrm{N} is $$applied. What is the spring constant $$k$$ according to Hooke's Law?

Accepted Answer

$$200\ \mathrm{N/m}$$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the behavior of an I-beam in construction?

Accepted Answer

The top is under tension, the bottom is under compression, and the middle has the least material because it is under the least stress.

Question 7

Why are arches used in stone bridges and buildings instead of flat beams?

Accepted Answer

Arches take advantage of stone's ability to withstand compression, increasing structural strength.

Question 8

If the linear size of a cube is doubled, by what factor does its volume increase?

Accepted Answer

8

Question 9

A chain hangs between two points, forming a natural curve. What is the name of this curve, and what structure is based on its shape?

Accepted Answer

Catenary; the arch (e.g., St. Louis Arch)

Question 10

Which of the following is true about the surface area to volume ratio as an object increases in size?

Accepted Answer

The ratio decreases as size increases.

Question 11

A steel rod is compressed at one end and stretched at the other when a force is applied. What is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Tension and compression

Question 12

Which material property is most important for a bungee cord used in jumping?

Accepted Answer

Elasticity

Question 13

A stone arch bridge is able to support heavy loads primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Stone is strong under compression, and the arch shape directs forces into compression.

Question 14

If the density of a material is $$5000\ \mathrm{kg/m}^3$$ and the acceleration due to gravity is $$9.8\ \mathrm{m/s}^2$$, what is the weight density?

Accepted Answer

$$49,000\ \mathrm{N/m}^3$$

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects the density of a material?

Accepted Answer

The gravitational field strength

Question 16

A material that does not return to its original shape after a deforming force is removed is called:

Accepted Answer

Inelastic

Question 17

If a steel beam is made three times as long, how does its weight compare to the original?

Accepted Answer

It is 27 times heavier.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why large animals have proportionally thicker legs than small animals?

Accepted Answer

Strength increases with the square of size, but weight increases with the cube of size.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world application of Hooke's Law?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the force exerted by a spring scale

Study Notes: Solids (Conceptual Physics, Chapter 12)

Study Guide - Practice Questions