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 primary function of white blood cells?

• A. To carry oxygen
• B. To fight infection
• C. To transport nutrients
• D. To transport waste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "To fight infection." White blood cells are primarily responsible for fighting infections and foreign invaders in the body, making them a critical component of the immune system. Choice A, "To carry oxygen," is incorrect as red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport. Choice C, "To transport nutrients," is incorrect as this function is mainly attributed to blood plasma and other specialized cells. Choice D, "To transport waste," is also incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by the kidneys and the lymphatic system, not white blood cells.

3. What phenomenon is responsible for the mirage effect seen in deserts?

• A. Diffraction
• B. Refraction
• C. Interference
• D. Polarization

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another of different density. In deserts, the temperature gradient causes light to bend, creating the mirage effect where distant objects appear distorted or displaced. Diffraction refers to the bending of light around obstacles or apertures, not the cause of mirages. Interference involves the superposition of two or more waves, which is not the mechanism behind mirages. Polarization refers to the orientation of light waves in a specific plane and is not responsible for the mirage effect in deserts. Therefore, the correct answer is refraction.

4. Which element's neutral atom has 2 electrons in the first shell and 6 electrons in the second shell of the electron cloud?

• A. Beryllium
• B. Carbon
• C. Helium
• D. Oxygen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Oxygen. Oxygen has a total of 8 electrons, with 2 in the first shell and 6 in the second shell. This configuration matches the description provided in the question. Choice A, Beryllium, has 2 electrons in total, so it cannot have 2 in the first shell and 6 in the second. Choice B, Carbon, has 6 electrons in total, so it also does not match the given electron distribution. Choice C, Helium, has only 2 electrons in total and therefore does not fit the electron configuration described in the question.

5. During photosynthesis, plants capture sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This is an example of a:

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: This is an example of a synthesis reaction because simpler substances (water and carbon dioxide) are combined to form a more complex substance (glucose) in the presence of sunlight. Choice A (Decomposition reaction) involves breaking down a compound into simpler substances, which is the opposite of what happens in photosynthesis. Choice B (Combustion reaction) typically involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light, not the formation of glucose and oxygen from simpler substances. Choice D (Double displacement reaction) involves an exchange of ions between two compounds, which is not what occurs in photosynthesis.

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