Nursing Elites

1. What does the term 'electron configuration' refer to in relation to an atom?

• A. The arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals.
• B. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
• C. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
• D. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron configuration of an atom refers to the arrangement of electrons in the atom's orbitals. This arrangement determines the atom's chemical properties and behavior. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus (option B) is known as the atomic number, which defines the element. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus (option C) contributes to the atom's mass number. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell (option D) is important for understanding the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, but the electron configuration specifically refers to how electrons are distributed among the different orbitals in an atom.

2. Which property of a substance remains constant regardless of changes in its shape or size?

• A. Mass
• B. Weight
• C. Volume
• D. Density

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mass.' Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of changes in its shape or size. Weight, volume, and density can all change depending on the conditions, but mass remains the same. Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity, which can change based on the gravitational pull. Volume is the amount of space an object occupies, which can change if the shape or size of the object changes. Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume, which can change if either the mass or volume changes. Therefore, in this scenario, mass is the property that remains constant regardless of changes in shape or size.

3. In which medium does light propagate at its highest speed?

• A. Air
• B. Water
• C. Glass
• D. Diamond

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Light travels at its highest speed in a vacuum. However, among the options provided, air is the closest medium to a vacuum, making it the correct answer. In general, light travels slower in denser mediums due to interactions with atoms and molecules in the medium. Water, glass, and diamond are denser mediums compared to air, causing light to propagate at slower speeds in these materials, hence making them incorrect choices.

4. What happens to the speed of a sound wave when it travels from air to water?

• A. It increases because water is denser.
• B. It decreases because water is denser.
• C. It remains the same.
• D. Speed depends on the frequency, not the medium.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a sound wave travels from air to water, the speed of sound decreases because sound travels faster in denser mediums. Water, being denser than air, causes the speed of sound to slow down. Choice A is incorrect because sound travels faster in denser mediums, so the speed would not increase. Choice C is incorrect because the speed of sound changes when transitioning between different mediums. Choice D is incorrect because while frequency does affect sound, the medium it travels through also plays a significant role in determining the speed of sound.

5. What is the atomic number of an atom?

• A. The number of protons in an atom
• B. The number of neutrons in an atom
• C. The number of electrons in an atom
• D. The sum of protons and neutrons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The atomic number of an atom is the number of protons in its nucleus. This number uniquely identifies the element, as each element has a distinct number of protons. Neutrons and electrons play roles in the atom's structure and stability, but the atomic number specifically refers to the number of protons. Choice B (The number of neutrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it only represents the number of protons. Choice C (The number of electrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons, which can vary in different atomic configurations. Choice D (The sum of protons and neutrons) is incorrect because it refers to the mass number of an atom, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, not just the protons.

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