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 process of a gas changing into a liquid called?

• A. Evaporation
• B. Boiling
• C. Condensation
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Condensation is the process where gas particles release energy, slow down, and come together to form a liquid. This phase change occurs when the temperature of the gas decreases, causing the particles to lose energy and transition into the liquid state. In condensation, the gas loses heat energy, leading to a decrease in kinetic energy, which allows the particles to come closer together and form a liquid. This transformation is commonly observed when water vapor in the air cools down and turns into liquid water droplets, seen as dew or fog. Evaporation (choice A) is the opposite process where a liquid changes into a gas. Boiling (choice B) is the rapid phase change from liquid to gas that occurs at a specific temperature. Sublimation (choice D) is the direct transition of a substance from the solid phase to the gas phase without passing through the liquid phase.

3. Which property of a substance resists a change in its shape?

• A. Density
• B. Mass
• C. Inertia
• D. Elasticity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elasticity refers to a material's ability to resist deformation and return to its original shape after stress is applied. It is the property that resists a change in shape. Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. Viscosity, not mentioned in the question, is the resistance of a fluid to flow, not shape change.

4. What is the measure of the total amount of space occupied by an object?

• A. Mass
• B. Density
• C. Weight
• D. Volume

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Volume is the measure of the total amount of space occupied by an object. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, density is the mass per unit volume, and weight is the force of gravity acting on an object. When determining the space occupied by an object, volume is the appropriate measurement to consider. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly indicate the total amount of space occupied by an object. Mass, density, and weight are relevant in different contexts and measurements compared to volume.

5. A ball is thrown horizontally off a cliff with a speed of 10 m/s. What is the horizontal distance the ball travels before hitting the ground?

• A. 10 m
• B. 20 m
• C. 30 m
• D. Cannot be determined without knowing the height of the cliff

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a ball is thrown horizontally, its horizontal velocity remains constant throughout its motion. The horizontal distance traveled by the ball is determined by the horizontal velocity and the time taken to hit the ground. In this case, the horizontal distance is calculated as distance = velocity × time. Since the horizontal velocity is 10 m/s, the horizontal distance traveled by the ball is 10 m/s × time. The time taken to hit the ground is determined by the vertical motion, which is independent of the horizontal velocity. Therefore, without knowing the height of the cliff, we can still determine the horizontal distance traveled by the ball. The horizontal distance is solely dependent on the horizontal velocity and the time of flight, which are not influenced by the height of the cliff. Hence, the correct answer is 30 m. Choice A, 10 m, is incorrect as it does not consider the time of flight. Choice B, 20 m, is incorrect as it does not account for the constant horizontal velocity. Choice D, 'Cannot be determined without knowing the height of the cliff,' is incorrect because the horizontal distance can be calculated independently of the height of the cliff.

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