Primary FRCA Course Physics Exam Prep Questions

Question 1

The following statements apply to equations of lines and curves:

The line y = 3 - 2x meets the y-axis at y = - 3

Answer 1

False. It is at y = 3. It meets the y-axis when x = 0, and feeding this into the equation gives y = 3 - 2(0) = 3.

Question 2

The following statements apply to equations of lines and curves

In the parabola y = 4x^2 + 1, y is always positive

Answer 2

True. Since x^2 is always positive (or zero), y = 4x^2 + 1 will always be positive.

Question 3

The following statements apply to equations of lines and curves

The parabola y = 4x^2 + 3 cuts the y-axis at x = 3

Answer 3

False. It cuts the y-axis at y = 3, which is the point at which x = 0.

Question 4

The following statements apply to equations of lines and curves

An example of a rectangular hyperbola is Pressure x Volume = constant

Answer 4

True. Rectangular hyperbola are drawn when xy = 1

Question 5

The following statements apply to equations of lines and curves

If y = 2x + 3, then x = (y - 3)/2

Answer 5

True. y = 2x + 3, therefore y - 3 = 2x and (y - 3)/2 = x.

Question 6

More questions on mathematics

A minimum point on a curve y = f(x) is defined by dy/dx = 0

Answer 6

True. At both maximum and minimum points, the slope of the curve is 0.

Question 7

More questions on mathematics

The value of e in y = ex depends on the units used to measure x

Answer 7

False. e is a mathematical constant (approximate value 2.71828) and doesn’t change.

Question 8

More questions on mathematics

The calculation of cardiac output from a thermodilution curve is an application of differentiation

Answer 8

False. It is an example of integration

Question 9

More questions on mathematics

A picofarad is 10-9 Farad

Answer 9

False. It is 10^-12

Question 10

More questions on mathematics
For the exponential function C = Cmax.e^-kt, the time constant (tau) = 0.693/k

Answer 10

False. This is the expression for the half-life (t1/2). The time constant (tau) = 1/k.

Question 11

The following statements apply to units of physical quantities

Velocity is rate of change of distance in m/s^2

Answer 11

False. m/s

Question 12

The following statements apply to units of physical quantities

Force = mass x acceleration

Answer 12

True. Newton’s second law of motion

Question 13

The following statements apply to units of physical quantities

Energy = force x velocity

Answer 13

False. Energy = force x distance

Question 14

The following statements apply to units of physical quantities

Units of work are Joules

Answer 14

True

Question 15

The following statements apply to units of physical quantities

Electrical current I = charge Q x time

Answer 15

False. Q = I x t

Question 16

This question is about pressure

Pressure = force x area

Answer 16

False. P = F/A

Question 17

This question is about pressure

Absolute pressure = Gauge pressure + atmospheric pressure

Answer 17

True.

Question 18

This question is about pressure

Atmospheric pressure at sea level is 1.013 x 10^3 bar

Answer 18

False. It is 1.013 bar, or 1.013 x 10^5 N/m^2

Question 19

This question is about pressure

The Pascal is the unit of pressure

Answer 19

True.

Question 20

This question is about pressure

10 m water pressure is equivalent to 760 mmHg

Answer 20

True. They are both the value of atmospheric pressure at sea level. 10 m H2O = 1000 cm H2O.

Question 21

In considering energy and work

Frictional losses mean that kinetic energy recovered is always less than the original potential energy

Answer 21

True

Question 22

In considering energy and work

The units of energy are N/m

Answer 22

False. N.m

Question 23

In considering energy and work

The kinetic energy contained in 2 kg object moving at a velocity of 4 m/sec is 32 J

Answer 23

False.

KE = 1/2mv2 = 16 J

Question 24

In considering energy and work

The work done in compressing a ventilator bellows of cross sectional area A, through a pressure differential P through a displacement d is Pd/A

Answer 24

False. P.A.d

Question 25

In considering energy and work The work done in compressing a gas between two pressures and two volumes is proportional to the slope of the P-V curve between those two points

Answer 25

False. Area under P-V curve

Question 26

This question is about heat exchange Units of heat energy are Joules

Answer 26

True. Heat is a form of energy, so the units are those of energy

Question 27

This question is about heat exchange When a substance changes state it does so without changing its temperature

Answer 27

True. The change of state requires energy, latent heat, without any temperature change, in contrast to energy changes with no change of state

Question 28

This question is about heat exchange Condensation is the main form of heat loss in patients

Answer 28

False. it is radiation.

Question 29

This question is about heat exchange Temperature ˚K = ˚C + 273

Answer 29

True. eg 1˚C = 274 ˚K

Question 30

This question is about heat exchange The triple point of water occurs at 1 bar pressure and 273.16 K

Answer 30

False. It occurs at 0.006 bar and 273.16 K.

Question 31

More questions on heat and temperature In adiabatic energy exchange in a gas, the temperature remains constant

Answer 31

False. No temperature change is an isothermal process; adiabatic implies no heat supplied or lost.

Question 32

More questions on heat and temperature There is a span of 212˚ Fahrenheit between the ice point and boiling points of water.

Answer 32

False. Ice point at 32˚F, boiling point at 212˚ F, span 180˚ F.

Question 33

More questions on heat and temperature The critical temperature of water is 273.16 ˚C

Answer 33

False. It is 364.1˚C

Question 34

More questions on heat and temperature Water boils at a temperature which depends on ambient pressure

Answer 34

True. As boiling occurs when SVP = ambient pressure.

Question 35

More questions on heat and temperature Compression of a gas with work W raises its heat energy content by Q where Q=W

Answer 35

False. Second law of thermodynamics suggests Q. A simple statement of the law is that heat always flows spontaneously from hotter to colder regions of matter (or 'downhill' in terms of the temperature gradient).

Question 36

In gases V directly proportional to T is Charles' Law

Answer 36

True

Question 37

In gases The Pressure-Temperature curve for a perfect gas crosses the Temp axis at 273.16˚K

Answer 37

False. This occurs at 0˚K [-273˚C].

Question 38

In gases Boyle's Law written as P.V = nRT represents an isothermal energy change

Answer 38

True.

Question 39

In gases P1xV1 = P2xV2 is a form of Gay-Lussac's law

Answer 39

False. It is a form of Boyle's law.

Question 40

In gases P.Vy = nRT, where y = ratio of specific heat capacities at constant P and at constant V, represents an adiabatic energy change.

Answer 40

True. Adiabatic implies a process or condition in which heat does not enter or leave the system concerned.

Question 41

More on gases The critical temperature for oxygen is -180˚C

Answer 41

False. It is -116˚C

Question 42

More on gases The kinetic theory of gases takes account of forces of attraction between neighbouring molecules

Answer 42

False. It assumes perfectly elastic collisions between molecules.

Question 43

More on gases A vapour is a substance above its critical temperature

Answer 43

False. A substance above its critical temperature can be considered a gas.

Question 44

More on gases Nitrous oxide can exist as a liquid in temperate climates.

Answer 44

True. Its critical temperature is 36.40C

Question 45

More on gases The critical pressure of a gas is the pressure required to liquefy it above its critical temperature

Answer 45

False. A gas must be below its critical temperature to liquefy it.

Question 46

In vapours Saturated vapour pressure (SVP) is proportional to ambient pressure

Answer 46

False. SVP is related to temperature and not pressure

Question 47

In vapours Boiling of a liquid occurs when SVP = ambient pressure

Answer 47

True.

Question 48

In vapours In an uncompensated vaporiser the output falls with continued use

Answer 48

True. Vaporisation requires energy which is drawn from the liquid itself, whose temperature therefore falls.

Question 49

In vapours The output from a vaporiser at altitude decreases

Answer 49

False. The output increases.

Question 50

In vapours The high SVP of Desflurane makes it a potent agent

Answer 50

False. Potency is related to lipid solubility.

Question 51

In considering humidity Absolute humidity is measured in mg/L

Answer 51

True.

Question 52

In considering humidity Air at 100% humidity carries 47 mg H2O/L

Answer 52

False. 44 mg/ml.

Question 53

In considering humidity Relative humidity is the amount of water carried by a gas sample at temperature T compared to how much it can carry at room temperature

Answer 53

False. Relative humidity is amount of water actually carried at temp T compared to the max it could carry at T.

Question 54

In considering humidity A fall in ambient temperature produces condensation because the air carries more water vapour

Answer 54

False. Condensation produced because it carries less water vapour

Question 55

In considering humidity Fully saturated air at 21˚C has a saturated vapour pressure of 6.3 kPa.

Answer 55

False. 2.5 kPa. It is 6.3kPa at body temperature.

Question 56

The following question concerns aspects of partial pressure of gases and vapours and diffusion If the output from a vaporiser changes due to a change of ambient P it does not need recalibrating because the partial pressure of the volatile from the vaporiser is unchanged

Answer 56

True. It is the partial pressure of the agent which is pharmacologically important. If the pressure halves, the amount vaporised will double. This will mean that the partial pressure remains constant.

Question 57

The following question concerns aspects of partial pressure of gases and vapours and diffusion The partial pressure in the alveolus of nitrous oxide at 50% concentration in a gas mixture is about 70 kPa

Answer 57

False. It is about 50% of 101 kPa ie approximately 50kPa

Question 58

The following question concerns aspects of partial pressure of gases and vapours and diffusion The law by which we may calculate partial pressures from fractional concentrations is Henry's law

Answer 58

False. This is Dalton's law

Question 59

The following question concerns aspects of partial pressure of gases and vapours and diffusion Diffusion hypoxia is due to the partial pressure difference of nitrogen between the alveolus and the blood

Answer 59

False. While this partial pressure difference plays its part, the real cause of diffusion hypoxia is due to the difference in solubility in plasma between nitrogen and nitrous oxide.

Question 60

The following question concerns aspects of partial pressure of gases and vapours and diffusion Graham's law of diffusion states that, for a given partial pressure difference, the rate of diffusion of a substance is inversely proportional to the square root of density

Answer 60

True.

Question 61

In considering osmotic pressure Equimolar solutions of sodium chloride and glucose exert similar osmotic pressure

Answer 61

False. Since NaCl dissociates into two osmotically active particles, it exerts twice the osmotic pressure of glucose

Question 62

In considering osmotic pressure One mole of any substance in 22.4 L water exerts an osmotic pressure of 1 bar

Answer 62

True.

Question 63

In considering osmotic pressure The addition of a solute to a solvent lowers its freezing point

Answer 63

True.

Question 64

In considering osmotic pressure The addition of a solute to a solvent lowers its SVP in relation to its osmotic pressure

Answer 64

True.

Question 65

In considering osmotic pressure The most osmotically active component in plasma are Na+ and Cl -ions

Answer 65

False. These cross capillary walls easily and do not act osmotically; albumin stays in the capillaries and exerts significant osmotic pressure.

Question 66

In fluid mechanics Laminar flow is the most efficient form of fluid transport

Answer 66

True. Less energy lost in eddies and noise.

Question 67

In fluid mechanics Laminar flow is more likely in viscous fluids

Answer 67

True. Increased viscosity reduces Reynolds' number. Re = ρuL / η where: ρ = density u = flow velocity L = length η = viscosity

Question 68

In fluid mechanics For a given pressure drop, the flowrate in a pipe is more likely to increase if the diameter is doubled than if the length is halved

Answer 68

True. The Hagen-Poiseuille equation shows a fourth power relationship to diameter but a linear relationship to length

Question 69

In fluid mechanics Turbulent flow is less likely in fluids of high density

Answer 69

False. Reynolds number shows a direct relationship with density, and as Re increases, so does the likelihood of turbulence

Question 70

In fluid mechanics A venturi device can be used to measure flow rate

Answer 70

True.

Question 71

In a simple electric circuit Voltage drop is proportional to current flowing

Answer 71

True. This is Ohm's law

Question 72

In a simple electric circuit In a series circuit, currents add together

Answer 72

False. The same current flows all through the circuit, the voltage drops across different elements varies

Question 73

In a simple electric circuit In a parallel circuit, the total equivalent resistance of the circuit is the sum of all component resistances

Answer 73

False. The inverse of the total resistance is the sum of the inverse component resistances.

Question 74

In a simple electric circuit Bridge circuits are used to amplify currents

Answer 74

False. Bridge circuits are used primarily to improve accuracy of current outputs when the inputs might be distorted.

Question 75

In a simple electric circuit In AC the voltage alternates between + 240V and - 240V

Answer 75

False. 240 V is the root mean square value; peak to peak is + 340 V to - 340 V

Question 76

In circuits containing capacitors In DC, the current initially flows then stops

Answer 76

True. A capacitor transmits current across the gap between its plates only when current is changing

Question 77

In circuits containing capacitors In a circuit containing a R and a C, the characteristic time constant = R.C

Answer 77

True

Question 78

In circuits containing capacitors Current is proportional to rate of change of voltage

Answer 78

True. I = C x dV/dt. Once the capacitor is fully charged, the rate of change of voltage is now zero, so the current flowing will also be zero.

Question 79

In circuits containing capacitors Current increases with frequency

Answer 79

True.

Question 80

In circuits containing capacitors A capacitor is used to store charge e.g. in a defibrillator

Answer 80

True.

Question 81

With regard to inductors The magnetic field induced in a coil induces a voltage which increases the driving voltage drop the coil.

Answer 81

False. The induced voltage opposes the driving voltage.

Question 82

With regard to inductors The time constant of a circuit containing L and R = L.R

Answer 82

False. L/R

Question 83

With regard to inductors Voltage is proportional to rate of change of current

Answer 83

True. V = L x dI/dt

Question 84

With regard to inductors Current is proportional to frequency

Answer 84

False. Voltage proportional to frequency.

Question 85

With regard to inductors In a transformer voltage change between primary and secondary windings is proportional to the windings ratio

Answer 85

True. V1/V2 = n1/n2

Question 86

Regarding lasers: Laser light is incoherent

Answer 86

False. It is coherent.

Question 87

Regarding lasers: Laser safety glasses should be marked with the wavelength and optical density for a specific type of laser

Answer 87

True.

Question 88

Regarding lasers: Laser safety glasses need only be worn by the operator

Answer 88

False. Should be worn by all those in the theatre.

Question 89

Regarding lasers: Helium Neon lasers are infra-red

Answer 89

False. It is a red light with a wavelength of 632.8 nm.

Question 90

Regarding lasers: CO2 laser light can be delivered by a fibre optic cable

Answer 90

False.

Question 91

More on lasers: Laser light is monochromatic

Answer 91

True.

Question 92

More on lasers: A Nd YAG laser is used to coagulate tissue

Answer 92

True.

Question 93

More on lasers: LASER stands for Light Attenuation by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Answer 93

Light AMPLIFICATION by stimulated emission of radiation

Question 94

More on lasers: All lasers in medical use produce light with wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm

Answer 94

False. Many have wavelengths above the visible light spectrum. CO2 lasers for example have wavelengths over 10,000 nm.

Question 95

More on lasers: Fibre optic cables exploit total internal refraction to transmit light from one end to the other

Answer 95

False. Total internal REFLECTION.

Question 96

In operational amplifiers They are designed to have a high output resistance

Answer 96

False. A high input resistance.

Question 97

In operational amplifiers A high common mode rejection ratio means that all but the smallest input currents are rejected

Answer 97

False. High CMRR means a rejection at the input of all signals common to both inputs of a differential input.

Question 98

In operational amplifiers Can be linked to appropriate R and C components to give suitable bandwidth

Answer 98

True.

Question 99

In operational amplifiers Can be used with single or double inputs

Answer 99

False. Single inputs mean the output is prone to noise. The whole point of a op-amp is to use double input to cancel out noise (ie the voltage arriving at both inputs) and amplify what's left.

Question 100

In operational amplifiers Similar op-amp circuitry can be used for ECG, EEG and EMG

Answer 100

False. These all have different amplitudes and frequencies.