Nursing Elites

1. In nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create:

• A. A heavier isotope of the same element
• B. A lighter isotope of the same element
• C. An entirely new element
• D. A chain reaction of nuclear fission

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create an entirely new element. During this process, the target nucleus absorbs the incoming particle, resulting in changes to its atomic number and sometimes its mass number. These changes can lead to the creation of a different element altogether. This is a fundamental concept in nuclear chemistry and is used in various applications, including the creation of new isotopes for research or medical purposes. Options A and B are incorrect because transmutation involves creating a different element, not just a heavier or lighter isotope of the same element. Option D, a chain reaction of nuclear fission, is also incorrect as it refers to a different process where a nucleus splits into smaller fragments, releasing energy and more neutrons to sustain the chain reaction.

2. A blog post criticizes a scientific study due to the author's political views. Is this a valid critique?

• A. Yes, if the author identifies specific flaws in the methodology.
• B. Yes, if the author disagrees with the study's conclusions.
• C. o, scientific evaluation should be based on evidence, not personal beliefs.
• D. No, unless the author has scientific expertise themselves.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Criticism in science should focus on methodology, data analysis, and evidence, not personal agendas or political opinions.

3. Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

• A. Walking down the street, a bird swooped down from a tree.
• B. Having finished the report, it was time for lunch.
• C. Reading the book, I learned a lot about ancient history.
• D. Exhausted from the hike, the tent was a welcome sight.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C places the participle phrase "Reading the book" in front of the subject "I," eliminating the dangling modifier.

4. What is kwashiorkor, a protein deficiency disease, characterized by?

• A. Muscle wasting
• B. Night blindness
• C. Scurvy
• D. Rickets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Kwashiorkor is a type of severe acute malnutrition caused by a deficiency of dietary protein. It is characterized by symptoms such as edema (swelling due to fluid retention), skin lesions, an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates, and muscle wasting. Muscle wasting is a key feature of kwashiorkor due to the body breaking down muscle tissue to obtain essential amino acids for vital functions. Night blindness (option B) is a symptom of vitamin A deficiency, scurvy (option C) is caused by a lack of vitamin C, and rickets (option D) is a condition resulting from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

5. In which medium does light propagate at its highest speed?

• A. Air
• B. Water
• C. Glass
• D. Diamond

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Air.' Light propagates at its highest speed in a vacuum, which is nearly the same as in air. In a vacuum, light travels at its maximum speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second. When light enters a medium like air, water, glass, or diamond, its speed decreases due to interactions with atoms and molecules in the medium. Among the options given, air is the closest medium to a vacuum in terms of light speed. Water, glass, and diamond have higher refractive indices than air, causing light to travel slower in these mediums. This is why air allows light to propagate at its highest speed compared to water, glass, and diamond.

6. The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determines its:

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Isotope
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number (Z) equals the number of protons in the nucleus and uniquely identifies an element. Mass number (A) includes both protons and neutrons, isotopes have different neutron numbers, and valence electrons are involved in bonding, not atomic identity.

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