Nursing Elites

1. What is the chemical reaction that involves breaking down a compound into component parts?

• A. Decomposition
• B. Synthesis
• C. Combustion
• D. Single replacement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Decomposition is the correct answer because in a decomposition reaction, a compound is broken down into simpler substances. This type of reaction involves the splitting of a compound into its component parts, often through the use of heat, light, or electricity. Synthesis (choice B) is the opposite process where simpler substances are combined to form a more complex compound. Combustion (choice C) is a reaction involving rapid oxidation often accompanied by heat and light. Single replacement (choice D) is a reaction where one element replaces another in a compound.

2. What are negatively charged ions called?

• A. Neutrons
• B. Protons
• C. Anions
• D. Cations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Negatively charged ions are called anions. Anions gain electrons and carry a negative charge, which distinguishes them from cations that are positively charged and neutrons and protons that are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Choice A, Neutrons, are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice B, Protons, are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice D, Cations, are positively charged ions that lose electrons, which is opposite to the behavior of negatively charged ions.

3. Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 5 years. If you start with 20 g of cobalt-60, how much is left after 10 years?

• A. 15 g
• B. 10 g
• C. 5 g
• D. 2.5 g

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cobalt-60's half-life of 5 years means that after 5 years, half of the initial amount remains. Therefore, after 10 years, a quarter (half of a half) of the initial amount will remain. Starting with 20 g, after 10 years, 5 g of cobalt-60 will be left. Choice A (15 g) is incorrect because it assumes a linear decrease, not considering the exponential decay characteristic of radioactive substances. Choice B (10 g) is incorrect as it overlooks that after 10 years, more decay has occurred. Choice D (2.5 g) is incorrect as it represents only an eighth of the initial amount after 10 years, not a quarter.

4. In which state of matter are particles packed tightly together in a fixed position?

• A. Liquid
• B. Solid
• C. Gas
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a 'solid' state, particles are tightly packed in fixed positions, maintaining a definite shape and volume. This arrangement allows solids to maintain a rigid structure. Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past each other, giving them the ability to flow and take the shape of their container. Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely, leading to their ability to expand to fill any container. Plasma is an ionized gas where particles have high energy levels and are not packed tightly together, making it an uncommon state of matter on Earth.

5. What is the main component of air?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Argon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nitrogen is the main component of air, constituting approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and argon are also present in smaller amounts, but nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the air. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A, oxygen, is essential for respiration but makes up only about 21% of the atmosphere. Choice C, carbon dioxide, is vital for photosynthesis but exists in trace amounts in the air. Choice D, argon, is a noble gas found in relatively small quantities in the atmosphere.

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