Nursing Elites

1. What is the name of the bond formed when two atoms share electrons?

• A. Covalent bond
• B. Ionic bond
• C. Metallic bond
• D. Hydrogen bond

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons, creating a stable electron configuration. This sharing allows both atoms to achieve a full outer shell of electrons, leading to a stable molecule. In contrast, an ionic bond involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of ions with opposite charges. Metallic bonds are formed between metal atoms and involve a 'sea of electrons' that are delocalized and free to move. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force, not a true chemical bond, and occur between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen.

2. What can stop the penetration of alpha particles?

• A. Aluminum foil
• B. Glass
• C. Piece of paper
• D. Plastic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alpha particles can be stopped by a piece of paper due to their low penetration power. The paper acts as a shield, effectively blocking the alpha particles from passing through. In contrast, materials like aluminum foil, glass, and plastic are not as effective as a simple piece of paper in stopping alpha particles. Aluminum foil is more effective against beta particles, gamma rays, and x-rays due to its higher density. Glass and plastic also provide some protection against beta particles and gamma rays, but they are less effective than a piece of paper against alpha particles.

3. Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 5 years. If you start with 20 g of cobalt-60, how much is left after 10 years?

• A. 15 g
• B. 10 g
• C. 5 g
• D. 2.5 g

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cobalt-60's half-life of 5 years means that after 5 years, half of the initial amount remains. Therefore, after 10 years, a quarter (half of a half) of the initial amount will remain. Starting with 20 g, after 10 years, 5 g of cobalt-60 will be left. Choice A (15 g) is incorrect because it assumes a linear decrease, not considering the exponential decay characteristic of radioactive substances. Choice B (10 g) is incorrect as it overlooks that after 10 years, more decay has occurred. Choice D (2.5 g) is incorrect as it represents only an eighth of the initial amount after 10 years, not a quarter.

4. What is atomic mass?

• A. Number of protons in an atom
• B. Sum of protons and neutrons
• C. Number of neutrons in an atom
• D. Average weight of an element

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atomic mass, also known as atomic weight, is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom. It represents the average mass of an atom of an element, taking into account the different isotopes and their relative abundance. Neutrons contribute to the atomic mass alongside protons, while the number of neutrons alone is not the definition of atomic mass. Choice A is incorrect because it refers only to the number of protons, not the complete atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the number of neutrons, excluding the contribution of protons. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions the 'average weight of an element,' which is related to atomic mass but does not encapsulate the specific definition of atomic mass as the sum of protons and neutrons.

5. If oxygen is in a compound, what would its oxidation number be?

• A. 2
• B. -2
• C. 0
• D. -1

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2 in compounds because it tends to gain electrons. This is due to its high electronegativity, which leads to oxygen attracting electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. Choice A (2) is incorrect because oxygen doesn't have a +2 oxidation number in compounds. Choice C (0) is incorrect as oxygen rarely has an oxidation number of 0 in compounds. Choice D (-1) is incorrect as oxygen's oxidation number in compounds is typically -2, not -1.

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