1. Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis?

A. High blood pressure
B. High levels of LDL cholesterol
C. Regular physical activity
D. Smoking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Regular physical activity is NOT a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis. In fact, engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis by improving cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure, and reducing LDL cholesterol levels. High blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol, and smoking are all known risk factors for atherosclerosis. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, narrowing the passageways and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Smoking is harmful to blood vessels, promoting inflammation and the formation of plaque. Therefore, regular physical activity is actually a protective factor against atherosclerosis rather than a risk factor.

2. What information can be obtained directly from the element's atomic number?

A. Its atomic mass
B. Its position on the periodic table
C. Its position on the periodic table
D. Its chemical properties

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number determines the element's unique identity and its position on the periodic table. The atomic mass (option A) is not directly determined by the atomic number but is a weighted average of the isotopes of an element. The position on the periodic table (option C) is directly related to the atomic number, as elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The chemical properties of an element (option D) are influenced by the number of protons in the nucleus, which is determined by the atomic number.

3. Which sentence uses strong verbs to create a more vivid image?

A. The car moved slowly down the street.
B. The car drove sluggishly down the road.
C. The car inched down the avenue.
D. The car traveled down the thoroughfare.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: "Inched" creates a stronger image of the car's slow movement compared to "moved" or "drove."

4. What disease is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting?

A. Muscular dystrophy
B. Myositis
C. Fibromyalgia
D. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting over time. It primarily affects skeletal muscles, leading to difficulties in movement and muscle function. Myositis is an inflammatory condition affecting the muscles, but it may not always result in progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, not necessarily progressive muscle weakness. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression neuropathy affecting the median nerve in the wrist, leading to symptoms like numbness and tingling in the hand, but it does not cause progressive muscle weakness and wasting like muscular dystrophy does.

5. What is the name for the change in enthalpy (heat) associated with a chemical reaction at constant pressure?

A. Entropy
B. Enthalpy
C. Gibbs free energy
D. Heat of reaction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Heat of reaction. The heat of reaction, also known as the enthalpy change, is the amount of heat absorbed or released during a chemical reaction at constant pressure. Entropy (A) is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system. Enthalpy (B) is the total heat content of a system. Gibbs free energy (C) is a measure of the energy available to do work in a system at constant temperature and pressure.

6. When magnesium metal reacts with hydrochloric acid, hydrogen gas is produced. What evidence suggests a chemical reaction is occurring?

A. A change in color
B. The formation of a gas
C. Dissolving in a liquid
D. No change in temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The formation of a gas.' When magnesium metal reacts with hydrochloric acid, hydrogen gas is produced as one of the products. The formation of a gas is a clear indicator of a chemical reaction taking place. This is known as a gas evolution reaction, where a gas is produced as a result of a chemical reaction. The other options do not specifically indicate a chemical reaction. A change in color or dissolving in a liquid could occur in physical changes as well, and no change in temperature does not necessarily rule out a chemical reaction as some reactions are endothermic or exothermic.