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. During 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: During nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create an entirely new element. This process involves changing the number of protons in the nucleus, resulting in the creation of a different element. Options A and B are incorrect because nuclear transmutation leads to the formation of a new element, not a heavier or lighter isotope of the same element. Option D, a chain reaction of nuclear fission, is incorrect as nuclear transmutation involves the direct conversion of one element into another through bombardment with particles, not the initiation of a fission chain reaction.

3. Which statement accurately describes the electron cloud model of the atom?

• A. Electrons precisely orbit the nucleus in defined paths.
• B. Electrons occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities.
• C. Electrons are clustered tightly within the nucleus.
• D. Electrons move randomly throughout the entire atom.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The electron cloud model of the atom describes electrons as occupying specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities. This model does not suggest that electrons precisely orbit in defined paths as stated in option A. It acknowledges the wave-like behavior of electrons and their uncertainty in position, which is not accounted for in options C and D. Option C is incorrect as electrons are not clustered tightly within the nucleus but exist in the space surrounding the nucleus. Option D is incorrect as electrons do not move randomly throughout the entire atom but have specific probabilities of being found in different regions based on their energy levels. Therefore, option B is the most accurate description of the electron cloud model of the atom.

4. Which of the following factors would increase the solubility of a gas in a liquid?

• A. Decreasing temperature
• B. Increasing pressure
• C. Decreasing surface area
• D. Increasing particle size

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is increasing pressure. According to Henry's Law, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid. Therefore, increasing pressure would force more gas molecules into the liquid, leading to an increase in solubility. Conversely, decreasing temperature, decreasing surface area, and increasing particle size would not directly impact the solubility of a gas in a liquid. Decreasing temperature typically decreases solubility as gases are less soluble at lower temperatures. Decreasing surface area and increasing particle size are related to surface area and not the pressure above the liquid, thus not affecting solubility as pressure does.

5. Why are isotopes of the same element chemically similar?

• A. They have the same number of protons.
• B. They have the same number of electrons.
• C. Their chemical properties are identical.
• D. They share the same electron configuration.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isotopes of the same element are chemically similar because they have the same number of protons. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number, which is the defining characteristic of an element. Since chemical reactions primarily involve interactions between the electrons of atoms, having the same number of protons means the atoms have the same basic chemical properties. While isotopes may differ in the number of neutrons, it is the number of protons that dictates the element's identity and chemical behavior. Therefore, choice A is correct because the number of protons directly influences an element's chemical properties, making isotopes of the same element chemically similar despite potentially having different numbers of neutrons. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because isotopes of the same element can have different numbers of electrons, their chemical properties are not identical due to potential differences in neutron numbers, and although they may have similarities in electron configurations, it is the number of protons that is the key factor determining chemical behavior.

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