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. Which of the following basic mechanisms of evolution is described as the process where organisms with an advantageous trait survive more often and produce more offspring than organisms without the advantageous trait?

• A. gene flow
• B. genetic drift
• C. mutation
• D. natural selection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Natural selection is the basic mechanism of evolution that explains how organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce in a given environment. This leads to the passing on of these favorable traits to their offspring, causing these traits to become more common in the population over time, resulting in evolutionary change. Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures that support the survival and reproduction of individuals with specific traits. Gene flow refers to the movement of genes between populations, genetic drift is the change in allele frequencies due to random events, and mutation is the source of genetic variation but is not the process by which advantageous traits become more prevalent in a population.

3. What is the purpose of the periosteum, the tough outer layer of bone?

• A. Produces red blood cells
• B. Provides protection and nourishment to bone
• C. Forms the joint surface
• D. Stores minerals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The periosteum, the tough outer layer of bone, serves the purpose of providing protection to the bone and nourishing it through the blood vessels it contains. It acts as a protective layer for the bone structures. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the periosteum does not produce red blood cells (which is the function of bone marrow), form joint surfaces (which is typically the role of articular cartilage), or store minerals (which is primarily done by bone tissue itself and not the periosteum).

4. In the process of cellular respiration, glucose is broken down to produce energy. What is the main waste product released?

• A. Water
• B. Carbon dioxide
• C. Oxygen
• D. Protein

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During cellular respiration, glucose undergoes a series of reactions in the presence of oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP. The main waste product released in this process is carbon dioxide, which is eliminated from the body through exhalation. While water is also produced as a byproduct of cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is considered the primary waste product. Oxygen is not a waste product but is actually consumed during cellular respiration to aid in breaking down glucose. Protein is essential for various cellular functions but is not a waste product of cellular respiration; instead, proteins are broken down into amino acids for cellular processes.

5. In nuclear physics, the term 'magic number' refers to specific numbers of protons or neutrons that contribute to:

• A. Increased nuclear instability
• B. Enhanced radioactive decay rates
• C. Exceptional stability of the nucleus
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear physics, the term 'magic number' refers to specific numbers of protons or neutrons that lead to exceptional stability of the nucleus. These 'magic numbers' correspond to completely filled nuclear energy levels, resulting in increased stability rather than instability. Choice A, 'Increased nuclear instability,' is incorrect as magic numbers actually contribute to stability. Choice B, 'Enhanced radioactive decay rates,' is also incorrect as magic numbers do not affect decay rates but rather stability. Therefore, the correct answer is choice C, as magic numbers contribute to the exceptional stability of the nucleus.

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