1. Tight junctions are specialized regions between animal cells that perform which function?

A. Communication between cells
B. Anchorage between cells
C. Selective passage of materials
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Tight junctions are specialized structures between animal cells that serve multiple functions. They facilitate communication between cells by allowing signaling molecules to pass through. Additionally, tight junctions provide anchorage between cells, helping to maintain tissue structure and integrity. Moreover, tight junctions regulate the selective passage of materials across cell layers, acting as a barrier to prevent the free diffusion of substances. Therefore, all the functions mentioned in the options are performed by tight junctions, making 'All of the above' the correct choice.

2. A ball is thrown upwards. At the peak of its trajectory, which of the following forces is acting on the ball?

A. Gravity only
B. Gravity and air resistance only
C. Neither gravity nor air resistance
D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At the peak of its trajectory, the ball has momentarily stopped moving upwards and has not yet started to fall back down. Therefore, there is no longer a net force acting on the ball at that instant. Gravity is acting downwards, but since the ball is not moving, the force of gravity is balanced by an equal and opposite force, resulting in a net force of zero. Similarly, air resistance only affects the ball when it is in motion, so at the peak where the ball momentarily stops, there is no air resistance force. Therefore, at the peak of its trajectory, neither gravity nor air resistance is acting on the ball, making option C the correct answer.

3. The author's attitude towards history seems to be

A. indifferent and neutral, presenting it as an objective field of study.
B. critical and dismissive, questioning its practical applicability in the present.
C. enthusiastic and optimistic, highlighting its potential to guide the future.
D. pessimistic and cautious, emphasizing the risk of repeating past mistakes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage's overall tone highlights the value and utility of history, showcasing its potential to inspire and guide us, suggesting an optimistic and encouraging view.

4. What happens to the momentum of an object when there is no external force acting upon it?

A. Momentum increases
B. Momentum decreases
C. Momentum remains constant
D. Momentum becomes zero

Correct answer: c

Rationale: In the absence of external forces, momentum remains constant due to the conservation of momentum.

5. Which element has the highest melting point of any element?

A. Tungsten
B. Iron
C. Platinum
D. Carbon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diamond's strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms make it incredibly resistant to heat and pressure, giving it the highest melting point.

6. How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?

A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic mass of an element is the average mass of all the isotopes of that element. Since isotopes have different numbers of neutrons, they also have slightly different masses. This variation in mass is what causes the atomic mass of an element to be a decimal number, rather than a whole number.