1. Histamine, released during an allergic reaction, causes symptoms like:

A. Fever and fatigue
B. Runny nose and itchiness
C. Muscle aches and joint pain
D. Cough and shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Runny nose and itchiness.' Histamine is a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. It causes various symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. These symptoms are commonly associated with allergic reactions like hay fever or hives. Fever and fatigue (option A) are not directly caused by histamine release. Muscle aches and joint pain (option C) are not typical symptoms of histamine release during an allergic reaction. Cough and shortness of breath (option D) are more commonly associated with asthma or respiratory allergies rather than histamine release.

2. The primary function of the strong nuclear force is:

A. Binding electrons in atomic orbitals
B. Binding protons and neutrons within the nucleus
C. Mediating the attractive force between opposite charges
D. Mediating the repulsive force between like charges

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The strong nuclear force is responsible for binding protons and neutrons within the nucleus. This force is crucial for overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons in the nucleus, holding the nucleus together. Option A is incorrect as it refers to the role of the electromagnetic force in binding electrons in atomic orbitals. Option C describes the electromagnetic force that mediates the attraction between opposite charges, while option D refers to the electromagnetic force mediating the repulsion between like charges. Understanding the primary function of the strong nuclear force helps explain the stability and structure of atomic nuclei.

3. Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating various sensory inputs, regulating sleep, and maintaining wakefulness?

A. Cerebrum
B. Hypothalamus
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Reticular formation

Correct answer: d

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reticular formation. The reticular formation is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating consciousness, arousal, and sleep-wake transitions. It receives sensory inputs from various parts of the body and helps coordinate these inputs to maintain wakefulness and alertness. While the cerebrum is responsible for higher cognitive functions and the hypothalamus regulates various physiological processes like body temperature and hunger, the reticular formation specifically focuses on integrating sensory information and controlling wakefulness.

4. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize a key property of positrons for medical imaging. What is this property?

A. High mass
B. Positive charge
C. Extreme stability
D. Identical behavior to electrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Positive charge.' Positron emission tomography (PET) scans rely on the fact that positrons are positively charged particles. When a positron is emitted during radioactive decay, it quickly collides with an electron, resulting in annihilation and the release of two gamma rays in opposite directions. These gamma rays are detected by the PET scanner to create detailed images of the body's internal organs and tissues. The positive charge of positrons is crucial for this process to occur, making option B the correct choice.

5. What is the atomic number of an element?

A. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
B. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
C. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.
D. The number of isotopes of an element.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number of an element is a fundamental property that defines the identity of an element. It is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons determines the element's position in the periodic table and its chemical properties.

6. A car skids on a wet road. What is the main force preventing the car from stopping?

A. Friction
B. Gravitational force
C. Normal force from the road
D. Air resistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Friction opposes the motion of the car, trying to bring it to a stop. However, due to the wet surface, the friction force is not enough to overcome the car's inertia.