Nursing Elites

1. What does half-life refer to?

• A. Radioactive intensity to completely disappear
• B. The number of neutrons in a nucleus to double
• C. The number of protons in a nucleus to change
• D. An isotope to decay by half of its initial quantity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. This means that after one half-life, half of the initial quantity of the radioactive substance will have decayed. Choice A is incorrect because radioactive intensity doesn't completely disappear during half-life. Choice B is incorrect as half-life doesn't refer to the number of neutrons doubling. Choice C is incorrect as half-life doesn't relate to the number of protons changing.

2. What happens during a physical change in matter?

• A. A new substance with different properties is formed
• B. The chemical composition of the substance changes
• C. The original substance can be recovered by physical means
• D. Energy is either released or absorbed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a physical change in matter, the original substance undergoes a change in its physical state or appearance without any change in its chemical composition. This means that the original substance can be recovered by physical means, such as melting, freezing, boiling, or condensing. No new substance is formed (option A), the chemical composition remains the same (option B), and energy changes can occur but are not a defining characteristic of a physical change (option D). The ability to recover the original substance by physical means distinguishes physical changes from chemical changes.

3. When sugar is heated, it breaks down into carbon and water vapor. This is an example of a:

• A. Combination reaction
• B. Decomposition reaction
• C. Double displacement reaction
• D. Single displacement reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decomposition reaction. When sugar is heated, it undergoes a decomposition reaction where it breaks down into simpler substances, carbon, and water vapor. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a combination reaction where two or more substances combine to form a new compound. Choice A, Combination reaction, is incorrect because a combination reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a new compound, which is the opposite of what happens when sugar breaks down. Choices C and D, Double displacement reaction and Single displacement reaction, are incorrect as they involve different mechanisms where the atoms or ions of the reactants are exchanged, which is not the case in the breakdown of sugar into carbon and water vapor.

4. During normal breathing, which muscle is the primary driver of inhalation by contracting and flattening to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal muscles
• C. Abdominal muscles
• D. Pectoral muscles

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for inhalation during normal breathing. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating a negative pressure that allows air to flow into the lungs. Intercostal muscles also play a role in expanding the chest cavity during inhalation, but the diaphragm is the main driver of the process. Abdominal muscles are primarily involved in exhalation by pushing the diaphragm upward to expel air from the lungs. Pectoral muscles are involved in movements of the arms and shoulders, not in breathing, making them incorrect choices for this question.

5. Which part of the brain is responsible for higher brain functions, such as thought and action?

• A. Amygdala
• B. Brain stem
• C. Cerebellum
• D. Cerebrum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cerebrum is the correct answer as it is responsible for higher brain functions like thought and action. The amygdala (Choice A) is involved in emotions and emotional responses, not higher brain functions. The brain stem (Choice B) controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate, not higher brain functions. The cerebellum (Choice C) is mainly responsible for motor control and coordination, not higher brain functions like thought and action.

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