Nursing Elites

1. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

• A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
• B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
• C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
• D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a key factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, leading to an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. Stable nuclei, on the other hand, are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they have a balanced number of protons and neutrons.

2. What term describes the phenomenon of two waves canceling each other out when they meet?

• A. Refraction
• B. Diffraction
• C. Destructive interference
• D. Constructive interference

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet and their amplitudes are such that they cancel each other out, resulting in a wave with a smaller amplitude or no wave at all. This is in contrast to constructive interference, where two waves combine to produce a wave with a larger amplitude. Refraction and diffraction are phenomena related to the bending of waves as they pass through different mediums or obstacles, respectively.

3. What mineral is essential for muscle function and nerve transmission?

• A. Calcium
• B. Iron
• C. Sodium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium. Calcium is essential for muscle function and nerve transmission. Muscles require calcium to contract properly, and nerve cells use calcium ions to transmit signals throughout the body. Without an adequate amount of calcium, muscle cramps and nerve dysfunction can occur. Iron is important for oxygen transport in the blood, sodium and potassium are electrolytes important for fluid balance and nerve function, but they are not primarily responsible for muscle function and nerve transmission like calcium.

4. Distinguish between the digestive and respiratory systems.

• A. Mouth
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: - The mouth, stomach, and small intestine are all parts of the digestive system, responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. - The lungs are part of the respiratory system, responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment through breathing. - While the digestive system processes food for energy and nutrients, the respiratory system is focused on the exchange of gases necessary for cellular respiration.

5. A rocket blasts off from Earth. What is the main force propelling the rocket upwards?

• A. Gravitational force
• B. Air resistance
• C. Thrust from the rocket engine
• D. Normal force from the launchpad

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thrust from the rocket engine. This force is produced by the action-reaction principle and pushes the rocket upwards against the exhaust gases.

6. In a food chain, which trophic level captures energy from the sun?

• A. Decomposers
• B. Carnivores
• C. Producers
• D. Omnivores

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Producers, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, are the organisms in a food chain that capture energy from the sun through the process of photosynthesis. They convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is then passed on to other organisms in the food chain. Producers are at the base of the food chain and form the foundation for all other trophic levels to obtain energy. Decomposers (option A) break down organic matter, carnivores (option B) consume other animals, and omnivores (option D) consume both plants and animals, but they do not directly capture energy from the sun.

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