Nursing Elites

1. Why are elements in Group 18 (Noble gases) generally unreactive?

• A. They have high atomic masses
• B. They lack valence electrons
• C. Their outermost electron shells are completely filled
• D. They exist as single atoms, not molecules

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elements in Group 18 (Noble gases) are generally unreactive because their outermost electron shells are completely filled. This results in high stability and low reactivity since they have achieved a full valence shell configuration, making them less likely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other atoms. The full valence shell configuration leads to a minimal tendency for these elements to form chemical bonds, hence exhibiting low reactivity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because high atomic masses, lack of valence electrons, and existing as single atoms do not directly contribute to the unreactivity of noble gases. It is the full valence shell configuration that is the primary reason for their inert nature.

2. What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

• A. To fight infection
• B. To transport oxygen
• C. To regulate body functions through hormones
• D. To break down food

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To regulate body functions through hormones.' The endocrine system is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that help regulate various body functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. It does not primarily function to fight infection (A), transport oxygen (B), or break down food (D). While the immune system fights infection, the respiratory system transports oxygen, and the digestive system breaks down food, the main role of the endocrine system is to maintain homeostasis by coordinating and controlling bodily functions through the release of hormones.

3. What is the difference between a germline mutation and a somatic mutation?

• A. Germline mutations are passed to offspring, while somatic mutations are not.
• B. Germline mutations occur in reproductive cells, while somatic mutations occur in body cells.
• C. Germline mutations only affect genes, while somatic mutations can affect any DNA.
• D. Germline mutations are always beneficial, while somatic mutations are always harmful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: - Germline mutations are changes in the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) and can be passed on to offspring, affecting all cells in the resulting organism. - Somatic mutations are changes in the DNA of non-reproductive cells (body cells) and are not passed on to offspring. These mutations only affect the cells that arise from the mutated cell. - Option A is incorrect because somatic mutations are not passed to offspring. - Option C is incorrect because both germline and somatic mutations can affect any DNA. - Option D is incorrect because the effects of mutations, whether germline or somatic, can be beneficial, harmful, or have no significant impact.

4. What property of matter explains why ice floats on water?

• A. Viscosity
• B. Density
• C. Buoyancy
• D. Surface tension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, buoyancy. Ice floats on water due to buoyancy, a property of matter. When water freezes into ice, it becomes less dense than liquid water, causing it to float. This phenomenon occurs because the molecules in ice are more spread out compared to liquid water, resulting in ice being less dense and able to float on the surface. Choice A, viscosity, is incorrect because viscosity refers to a fluid's resistance to flow, not its ability to float. Choice B, density, is incorrect because while ice being less dense than water is the reason it floats, this choice does not explain the specific property that causes this phenomenon. Choice D, surface tension, is incorrect as it pertains to the cohesive forces between molecules at the surface of a liquid, not the reason why ice floats on water.

5. If the mass of an object remains constant and its velocity doubles, how does its momentum change?

• A. Momentum doubles
• B. Momentum halves
• C. Momentum quadruples
• D. Momentum remains the same

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Momentum is calculated as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. When the mass remains constant and the velocity doubles, the momentum will increase by a factor of 2 (doubling) due to the increase in velocity. Therefore, the momentum will quadruple (2 x 2 = 4) when the velocity doubles. This relationship between momentum and velocity showcases the direct proportionality of momentum to velocity, given a constant mass. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Momentum does not simply double or halve when the velocity doubles; it quadruples as it is directly proportional to the velocity. Hence, the correct answer is C, where momentum quadruples in this scenario.

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