Nursing Elites

1. Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine. What kind of half-life would a medical isotope probably have?

• A. Seconds-long
• B. Days-long
• C. Years-long
• D. Many years long

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Medical isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment need to have a relatively short half-life to minimize radiation exposure to patients. If the half-life were too long (such as many years) or even years-long, the radiation would persist for too long and could be harmful to the patient. Seconds-long half-lives would not provide enough time for the isotope to be effective. Days-long half-lives strike a balance between providing enough time for the isotope to be used effectively and minimizing radiation exposure.

2. Which of the following elements is a noble gas?

• A. Hydrogen
• B. Fluorine
• C. Argon
• D. Nitrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Argon. Argon is a noble gas, part of Group 18 in the periodic table. Noble gases are colorless, odorless, and typically non-reactive under normal conditions. Other elements in this group include helium, neon, krypton, xenon, and radon. Argon finds wide applications in welding, lighting, and scientific research. Choices A, B, and D are not noble gases. Hydrogen is a non-metal, Fluorine is a halogen, and Nitrogen is a diatomic non-metal gas.

3. A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. How many grams of a 6-gram sample will remain after 40 years?

• A. 8
• B. 6
• C. 3
• D. 1.5

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the original sample to decay. After each half-life period, half of the initial sample remains. In this case, after the first 20 years, half of the 6-gram sample (3 grams) will remain. After another 20 years (total of 40 years), half of the remaining 3 grams will remain, which is 1.5 grams. Therefore, 3 grams will be left after 40 years. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't consider the concept of half-life and incorrectly suggests an increase in the sample. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes no decay over time. Choice D is incorrect as it miscalculates the remaining amount after two half-life periods.

4. What is the chemical reaction that involves breaking down a compound into component parts?

• A. Decomposition
• B. Synthesis
• C. Combustion
• D. Single replacement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Decomposition is the correct answer because in a decomposition reaction, a compound is broken down into simpler substances. This type of reaction involves the splitting of a compound into its component parts, often through the use of heat, light, or electricity. Synthesis (choice B) is the opposite process where simpler substances are combined to form a more complex compound. Combustion (choice C) is a reaction involving rapid oxidation often accompanied by heat and light. Single replacement (choice D) is a reaction where one element replaces another in a compound.

5. Why does the diffusion rate increase as a substance is heated?

• A. The kinetic energy of particles increases.
• B. The space between particles increases.
• C. The density of particles decreases.
• D. The size of particles increases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When a substance is heated, the kinetic energy of particles increases, causing them to move faster. This increased movement allows the particles to spread out more rapidly, leading to a higher diffusion rate. Choice B is incorrect because heating does not directly affect the space between particles. Choice C is incorrect because heating does not necessarily lead to a decrease in the density of particles. Choice D is incorrect because the size of particles does not necessarily increase when a substance is heated. Therefore, the correct explanation for the increase in diffusion rate is the rise in kinetic energy of particles.

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