Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes a chemical change?

• A. Melting ice to form water
• B. Dissolving sugar in water
• C. Burning wood to produce ash
• D. Crushing a can to reduce its size

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A chemical change involves a chemical reaction where new substances are formed. Burning wood to produce ash is an example of a chemical change because the wood undergoes a chemical reaction to form a new substance (ash). In this process, the chemical composition of wood changes to produce ash, which is a new substance. On the other hand, melting ice to form water, dissolving sugar in water, and crushing a can to reduce its size are examples of physical changes. In these instances, the substances may change their physical state or appearance but do not undergo a chemical reaction to form new substances. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it represents a chemical change, while choices A, B, and D represent physical changes.

2. What is the smallest unit that can encode for a trait?

• A. A codon
• B. A gene
• C. A nucleotide
• D. A chromosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - a gene. Genes are the smallest units that can encode for a trait as they contain the specific instructions for producing a particular characteristic or protein. While codons are sequences of nucleotides that code for specific amino acids in a protein, they are not the smallest unit that encodes for a trait. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins, containing many genes.

3. What do Newton's rings visually demonstrate?

• A. Diffraction
• B. Doppler effect
• C. Polarization
• D. Thin-film interference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Newton's rings are a series of concentric colored rings observed when light is reflected between a spherical surface and a flat surface. This phenomenon is a result of thin-film interference, where light waves reflecting off the two surfaces interfere with each other constructively or destructively, leading to the observed pattern of rings. Diffraction, polarization, and the Doppler effect are not related to the specific phenomenon of Newton's rings. Diffraction refers to the bending of waves around obstacles, polarization deals with the orientation of electromagnetic waves, and the Doppler effect relates to the change in frequency of waves due to motion. Therefore, the correct answer is thin-film interference, as it precisely describes the phenomenon observed in Newton's rings.

4. Which of the following is a special property of water?

• A. Water does not easily flow through phospholipid bilayers.
• B. A water molecule's oxygen atom does not allow fish to breathe.
• C. Water is highly cohesive, which explains its high melting point.
• D. Water cannot self-hydrolyze and decompose into hydrogen and oxygen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water is highly cohesive, meaning it is attracted to itself due to its hydrogen bonding properties. This cohesion is the reason why water has a high melting point compared to other liquids of similar molecular weight. It is crucial for the existence of life on Earth as it allows water to remain a liquid within a wide range of temperatures, providing a stable environment for biological processes to occur. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Water's cohesive property does not directly relate to its ability to flow through phospholipid bilayers, assist fish in breathing, or self-hydrolyze into hydrogen and oxygen.

5. Why is biodiversity important for healthy ecosystems?

• A. Increases stability and resilience to disturbances
• B. Provides stability and resilience to disturbances
• C. Slows down nutrient cycling
• D. Reduces the number of decomposers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular area. A diverse ecosystem is better able to withstand and recover from disturbances such as natural disasters, climate change, or human impacts. This is because different species play unique roles in the ecosystem, and a higher level of biodiversity means there are more species available to fulfill these roles. For example, if one species is negatively affected by a disturbance, other species may be able to compensate for its loss, maintaining the overall functioning of the ecosystem. Therefore, biodiversity provides stability and resilience to disturbances, making ecosystems healthier and more sustainable. Choice A is incorrect because biodiversity doesn't increase competition for resources but rather helps in maintaining a balance within the ecosystem. Choice C is incorrect as biodiversity does not slow down nutrient cycling; in fact, it enhances nutrient cycling by ensuring a variety of species involved in the process. Choice D is incorrect as biodiversity does not reduce the number of decomposers but instead supports a diverse community of decomposers that are essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.

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