Nursing Elites

1. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

• A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
• B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
• C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
• D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

2. What is the net ionic equation for the reaction: 2HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)2(aq) → 2H2O(l) + BaCl2(aq)?

• A. 2H+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l)
• B. 2HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)2(aq) → BaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)
• C. 2H+(aq) + Ba2+(aq) → Ba2+(aq) + 2H+(aq)
• D. Ba(OH)2(aq) + HCl(aq) → BaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the given reaction, the complete ionic equation is: 2H+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + Ba2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l) + Ba2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq). Spectator ions (Ba2+ and Cl-) do not participate in the net ionic equation, which simplifies to: 2H+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l). This equation represents the significant species involved in the reaction, showcasing the formation of water from the combination of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, resulting in the production of water molecules.

3. When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) reacts with vinegar (acetic acid), what type of reaction occurs?

• A. Combustion
• B. Double displacement
• C. Decomposition
• D. Synthesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) reacts with vinegar (acetic acid), a double displacement reaction occurs. In this reaction, the positive ions in baking soda switch places with the positive ions in vinegar to form water, carbon dioxide, and a salt. Combustion involves a reaction with oxygen to produce heat and light energy. Decomposition is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, which is not the case in the given reaction. Synthesis is the combination of substances to form a more complex compound, which is also not the type of reaction observed when baking soda and vinegar react.

4. Which of the following is an example of a commensal relationship between a microorganism and a human?

• A. Salmonella causing food poisoning
• B. taphylococcus aureus causing skin infections
• C. coli living in the gut
• D. Rabies virus causing neurological disease

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A commensal relationship is a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits, while the other is neither harmed nor benefited. In this case, E. coli living in the gut is an example of a commensal relationship because it can benefit from the environment in the gut without causing harm to the human host. Option A, Salmonella causing food poisoning, is an example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host. Option B, Staphylococcus aureus causing skin infections, is also an example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host. Option D, Rabies virus causing neurological disease, is another example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host.

5. Which of the following factors does not strengthen a scientific argument?

• A. Lack of bias
• B. Extensive use of qualitative research and data
• C. Able to be reproduced and repeated by others
• D. Withstands the test of time

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. While qualitative data can provide valuable insights, it does not inherently strengthen a scientific argument to the same extent as quantitative data. Quantitative data is generally more precise, measurable, and easier to verify, making it a stronger basis for scientific arguments. Choices A, C, and D all contribute to strengthening a scientific argument. Lack of bias ensures objectivity and reliability, reproducibility by others validates the findings, and standing the test of time indicates the enduring validity and reliability of the argument.

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