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. The endocrine system communicates through chemical messengers called:

• A. Enzymes
• B. Hormones
• C. Antibodies
• D. Neurons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hormones. The endocrine system communicates through hormones, which are chemical messengers produced by glands and released into the bloodstream to target specific cells or organs in the body. Enzymes are biological molecules that catalyze biochemical reactions, antibodies are part of the immune system, and neurons are cells that transmit nerve impulses. In this context, enzymes, antibodies, and neurons do not play roles in the endocrine system's communication process, making them incorrect choices.

3. What is the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands?

• A. Insulin
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands is parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body by increasing calcium levels in the blood through various mechanisms, such as promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels, calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland and helps lower blood calcium levels, and thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands.

4. What are the two main types of nuclear decay, and what differentiates them?

• A. Fission and fusion, based on the size of the nucleus
• B. Alpha and beta decay, based on the emitted particle
• C. Spontaneous and induced decay, based on the trigger
• D. Isotope decay and chain reactions, based on the stability of the nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The two main types of nuclear decay are alpha and beta decay, which are differentiated based on the emitted particle. In alpha decay, an alpha particle (consisting of two protons and two neutrons) is emitted from the nucleus, while in beta decay, a beta particle (either an electron or a positron) is emitted. These decay types are distinguished by the particles they emit, not by the size of the nucleus, trigger, or stability of the nucleus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because fission, fusion, spontaneous, induced, isotope decay, and chain reactions are different processes in nuclear physics and do not represent the two main types of nuclear decay based on emitted particles.

5. How is inertia related to Newton's first law?

• A. Objects in motion stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
• B. Objects at rest stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force.
• C. An object's resistance to a change in its state of motion.
• D. The force required to lift an object.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inertia is an object's resistance to a change in its state of motion, as described by Newton's first law. This means that an object will maintain its current state, whether it is stationary or moving at a constant velocity, unless it experiences an external force. Choices A and B illustrate specific instances of inertia where objects in motion or at rest continue as such without external interference. Option D refers to the force necessary to elevate an object, which is not directly linked to the concept of inertia.

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