Nursing Elites

1. What determines the defining characteristic of an element?

• A. Neutrons in its nucleus
• B. Electrons surrounding the nucleus
• C. Protons in its nucleus
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The defining characteristic of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, which is referred to as the atomic number. The number of protons uniquely identifies an element. The correct answer is choice C because the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom defines its elemental identity, as different elements have a unique number of protons. Neutrons and electrons do play essential roles in the atom, but they do not determine the defining characteristic of an element. Neutrons contribute to the stability of the nucleus and isotopes of an element, while electrons are involved in chemical bonding and the reactivity of an atom.

2. Which organelle is responsible for controlling the activities of the cell?

• A. Golgi apparatus
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Nucleus
• D. Ribosomes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nucleus is the organelle responsible for controlling the activities of the cell. It contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and serves as the command center of the cell, regulating gene expression and directing cellular activities. The nucleus plays a crucial role in cell growth, metabolism, and reproduction. While the Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, the mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, none of these organelles have the primary function of controlling the activities of the cell like the nucleus does. Therefore, the correct answer is the nucleus.

3. What does 'monophyletic' mean in the context of classification?

• A. A group with a single representative organism
• B. A group with diverse and unrelated members
• C. A group with similar functions but different origins
• D. A group descended from a common ancestor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of classification, 'monophyletic' refers to a group that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants. This group shares a single evolutionary origin and forms a complete branch on a phylogenetic tree. Monophyletic groups are considered natural and valid taxonomic units because they reflect evolutionary relationships accurately. Option D is the correct choice as it accurately defines the term 'monophyletic' in the context of classification. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because 'monophyletic' does not refer to a group with a single representative organism but rather a group descended from a common ancestor. Choice B is incorrect as a monophyletic group consists of related, not diverse and unrelated, members. Choice C is incorrect as a monophyletic group includes descendants from a common ancestor, not just organisms with similar functions but different origins.

4. What is the control, if any, in this experiment?

• A. There is no control in this experiment
• B. The control is the water
• C. The control is the diet soda
• D. The control is the amount of sunlight provided to the plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The control is the water.' In a scientific experiment, the control group is used as a baseline comparison to evaluate the effects of the variables being tested. Here, the water serves as the control group against which the effects of other substances like diet soda or different amounts of sunlight can be compared. Choice A is incorrect as every experiment should have a control group for comparison. Choice C and D are incorrect as they are not the standard control in this scenario.

5. What happens to the potential energy of an object as it falls freely near the Earth's surface?

• A. Potential energy decreases
• B. Potential energy increases
• C. Potential energy remains constant
• D. Potential energy becomes zero

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As an object falls freely near the Earth's surface, its potential energy decreases. This decrease occurs because the gravitational potential energy is being converted into kinetic energy as the object accelerates due to gravity. According to the law of conservation of energy, the total mechanical energy (the sum of potential and kinetic energy) remains constant in the absence of non-conservative forces like air resistance. Choice B ('Potential energy increases') is incorrect because the object's potential energy is being converted into kinetic energy, leading to a decrease. Choice C ('Potential energy remains constant') is incorrect as the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy results in a decrease in potential energy. Choice D ('Potential energy becomes zero') is incorrect because potential energy is not reduced to zero but is transformed into kinetic energy as the object falls.

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