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. How does polarization affect the intensity of light passing through a polarizing filter?

• A. All light passes through regardless of polarization.
• B. Light with the same polarization as the filter passes through, while others are blocked.
• C. Light with higher intensity passes through, while weaker light is blocked.
• D. The intensity is reduced for all light, regardless of polarization.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A polarizing filter only allows light waves with a specific orientation (polarization) to pass through while blocking light waves with different orientations. Therefore, light with the same polarization as the filter will pass through, while light with different polarizations will be blocked. This results in a reduction in intensity for light passing through the polarizing filter. Choice A is incorrect because a polarizing filter selectively filters light based on its polarization. Choice C is incorrect as the intensity of light passing through is determined by its polarization, not solely its intensity. Choice D is incorrect because a polarizing filter affects light based on its polarization, not uniformly reducing the intensity for all light passing through.

3. The 'fight-or-flight' response is triggered by the hormone released from the:

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Adrenal glands
• C. Pituitary gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The 'fight-or-flight' response is triggered by the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine from the adrenal glands. These hormones prepare the body to either confront or flee from a perceived threat or stressor. The adrenal glands are crucial in initiating this rapid physiological response. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism and energy levels, the pituitary gland controls other endocrine glands but does not directly trigger the 'fight-or-flight' response, and the pancreas is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon, not for triggering the 'fight-or-flight' response.

4. How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?

• A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
• B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
• C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
• D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, the presence of isotopes causes the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly. This variation occurs because different isotopes have different masses due to their varying numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass is affected by the abundance of each isotope, leading to a slight fluctuation in the overall atomic mass of the element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do influence the atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses, affecting the overall atomic mass. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes typically do not cause a significant variation in atomic mass, but rather a slight fluctuation.

5. What is the correct way to represent 8,600,000,000,000 in scientific notation with two significant figures?

• A. 8.6 x 10^12
• B. 8.6 x 10^-12
• C. 8.6 x 10^11
• D. 8.60 x 10^12

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to represent 8,600,000,000,000 in scientific notation with two significant figures is 8.6 x 10^12. Scientific notation involves expressing a number as a decimal (with one non-zero digit before the decimal point) multiplied by a power of 10. In this case, 8,600,000,000,000 is correctly written as 8.6 x 10^12 to maintain two significant figures and the appropriate magnitude. Choice B (8.6 x 10^-12) is incorrect as it represents a very small number due to the negative exponent. Choice C (8.6 x 10^11) is incorrect as it does not account for the magnitude of the original number. Choice D (8.60 x 10^12) is incorrect because it unnecessarily adds a zero after the decimal point, which is not warranted by the original number's precision.

Similar Questions