Nursing Elites

1. Isotopes are variants of a single element that differ in:

• A. Having the same number of protons but varying numbers of neutrons
• B. Having the same number of neutrons but varying numbers of protons
• C. Having the same mass but different atomic numbers
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isotopes are variants of a single element that have the same number of protons, the defining characteristic of an element. They differ in the number of neutrons they possess, leading to isotopes having different atomic masses while retaining the same chemical properties. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of neutrons and differ in the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses due to varying numbers of neutrons, not different atomic numbers. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes do differ in the number of neutrons they possess.

2. What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope, and how does it relate to its decay rate?

• A. The time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay.
• B. The time it takes for all of the sample to decay.
• C. The rate at which new isotopes are created.
• D. The energy released during decay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay. After one half-life, half of the radioactive atoms have decayed. The decay rate, however, refers to the rate at which radioactive atoms decay, which is not directly related to the half-life. Choice B is incorrect because it does not correctly define the half-life. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the creation of new isotopes, not the decay process. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the energy released during decay, which is not the same as the concept of half-life.

3. Which of the following scenarios represents an example of static friction?

• A. Sliding a heavy box across the floor
• B. A car moving around a curve
• C. Pushing a stationary object
• D. Braking a car to stop

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Static friction occurs when two surfaces are in contact but not moving relative to each other. Pushing a stationary object involves static friction as you apply a force to overcome the friction keeping the object stationary. Choices A, B, and D involve kinetic friction, which occurs when two surfaces are moving relative to each other. Option A involves moving the box across the floor, which is an example of kinetic friction. Option B involves the movement of a car around a curve, which also relates to kinetic friction due to the relative movement between the tires and the road. Option D describes braking a car to stop, where the moving car's wheels interact with the road, creating kinetic friction to slow down and stop the car.

4. A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is not harmed is called:

• A. Mutualism
• B. Commensalism
• C. Parasitism
• D. Predation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B) Commensalism: In commensalism, one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This is the relationship described in the question. The correct answer is Commensalism because it specifically fits the scenario where one organism benefits without affecting the other. A) Mutualism: In mutualism, both organisms involved benefit from the relationship. C) Parasitism: In parasitism, one organism benefits at the expense of the other organism, which is harmed. D) Predation: In predation, one organism (predator) kills and consumes another organism (prey) for food.

5. The neutral theory of molecular evolution proposes that:

• A. Most mutations in DNA are selectively neutral and do not affect an organism's fitness.
• B. All mutations are beneficial and contribute to the adaptation of a population.
• C. The rate of evolution is primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures.
• D. Genetic drift plays a negligible role in shaping genetic variation within populations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A) The neutral theory of molecular evolution, proposed by Motoo Kimura in the 1960s, suggests that the majority of mutations that occur in DNA are selectively neutral, meaning they do not have a significant impact on an organism's fitness. These neutral mutations are not subject to natural selection and are allowed to accumulate in populations over time. This theory helps explain the high levels of genetic variation observed within populations. B) Option B is incorrect because not all mutations are beneficial. Mutations can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial, and the neutral theory specifically focuses on the idea that many mutations are neutral in their effects. C) Option C is incorrect because the neutral theory suggests that evolution is not primarily driven by strong directional selection pressures. Instead, it emphasizes the role of genetic drift and the accumulation of neutral mutations in shaping genetic variation. D) Option D is incorrect because

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