Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following describes how atomic radius varies across the periodic table?

• A. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table.
• B. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and right to left on the periodic table.
• C. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the halogens on the periodic table.
• D. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the noble gases on the periodic table.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atomic radius tends to increase from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table. This is because as you move down a group (top to bottom), new energy levels are added, increasing the distance of the outer electrons from the nucleus and thus increasing the size of the atom. On the other hand, as you move from left to right across a period, the number of protons and electrons increases, leading to a stronger nuclear charge that attracts the electrons closer to the nucleus, resulting in smaller atomic radii. Choice B is incorrect as atomic radius does not increase from right to left. Choices C and D are incorrect as they incorrectly associate the trend with specific groups of elements (halogens and noble gases) rather than the general trend observed on the periodic table.

2. What correction should the student make to the hypothesis: Lengthening the string of the pendulum increases the time it takes the ball to make one complete period?

• A. Turn it into an 'if-then' statement.
• B. Change 'will increase' to 'increases.'
• C. Switch the order of the sentence so that the phrase about the period comes first.
• D. No corrections are needed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A hypothesis should be structured as an 'if-then' statement for clarity. This format helps to clearly establish the relationship between the variables and the expected outcome. In this case, the student should frame the hypothesis in a way that if a specific action is taken (lengthening the string), then a specific outcome is expected (increasing the time it takes for the ball to make one complete period). 'If-then' statements are fundamental in hypothesis construction as they clearly define the cause and effect relationship being tested. Choice B is incorrect because changing 'will increase' to 'increases' does not address the structural issue of the hypothesis. Choice C is incorrect as switching the order of the sentence does not fundamentally alter the clarity of the hypothesis. Choice D is incorrect as the hypothesis structure can be improved for better understanding and testing, making correction necessary.

3. What is the process of separating a mixture based on the different boiling points of its components called?

• A. Filtration
• B. Chromatography
• C. Distillation
• D. Centrifugation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Distillation is the process of separating a mixture based on the different boiling points of its components. During distillation, the mixture is heated to vaporize the component with the lowest boiling point first. The vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid, allowing for the collection of fractions with different boiling ranges. This technique is effective for separating components that have significantly different boiling points. Filtration (Choice A) is a method used to separate solids from liquids or gases using a filter medium. Chromatography (Choice B) is a technique used to separate components of a mixture based on their differential affinities to a stationary phase and a mobile phase. Centrifugation (Choice D) is a process of separating particles from a solution based on differences in size, shape, density, and viscosity by spinning the mixture at high speeds.

4. Which of the following best describes the process of osmosis?

• A. Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient
• B. Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane
• C. Movement of water and solutes together
• D. Movement of large molecules through a membrane

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Osmosis is the process where water moves across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. Choice A is incorrect because osmosis does not involve movement against the concentration gradient. Choice C is incorrect because osmosis primarily involves the movement of water, not water and solutes together. Choice D is incorrect as osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, not large molecules, through a membrane.

5. If a scientist finds that the results of her experiment seem to contradict her hypothesis, what is the best course of action?

• A. Publish the results anyway, acknowledging that her hypothesis seems to have been incorrect.
• B. Keep trying the experiment until the results match her hypothesis.
• C. Publish the results, retroactively changing the hypothesis.
• D. None of the above; this cannot occur. The experimental results cannot contradict the hypothesis, by definition.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best course of action is to publish the results anyway, acknowledging that her hypothesis seems to have been incorrect. Science relies on accurate reporting and transparency, even if the results do not align with the original hypothesis. This allows for further discussion, analysis, and potentially new hypotheses to be developed based on the findings. It is essential in scientific research to report both positive and negative results to contribute to the body of knowledge and advance understanding in the field. Choice B is incorrect because persisting with the same experiment to force results to align with the hypothesis goes against scientific integrity and may lead to biased conclusions. Choice C is incorrect as changing the hypothesis after obtaining results is not scientifically sound and undermines the credibility of the research. Choice D is incorrect because science embraces the possibility of experimental results contradicting hypotheses, as this provides valuable insights for refining theories and expanding scientific knowledge.

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