within a nuclear reactor control rods serve the primary purpose of
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ATI TEAS 7

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1. What is the primary purpose of control rods within a nuclear reactor?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor is to absorb excess neutrons to control criticality. When inserted into the reactor core, control rods absorb neutrons, reducing the number available for sustaining the fission chain reaction. This action allows operators to manage the reactor power levels and prevent overheating or runaway reactions. Reflecting neutrons back into the core and moderating neutron velocity are not the primary functions of control rods in a nuclear reactor. Choice A is incorrect because control rods do not reflect neutrons back into the core but absorb them. Choice C is incorrect as the moderation of neutron velocity is typically achieved by other materials like a moderator (e.g., water, graphite) rather than control rods. Choice D is incorrect as control rods do not reflect neutrons or moderate neutron velocity, making it an incorrect option.

2. What is the process by which RNA molecules are modified after transcription but before translation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B) Splicing is the correct answer. Splicing is the process by which non-coding regions (introns) are removed from pre-mRNA, and the remaining coding regions (exons) are joined together to form mature mRNA. This modification occurs after transcription but before translation. A) Replication is incorrect as replication is the process by which DNA is copied to produce a new DNA molecule, not RNA modifications. C) Editing may involve RNA editing, but it is not commonly used to describe the modification of RNA molecules after transcription. D) Packaging is not the correct term as it refers to the condensation and organization of DNA into chromatin in eukaryotic cells, not the modification of RNA molecules.

3. What is the oxidation state of carbon in CH4?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In CH4 (methane), carbon is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. Hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1. Since the overall charge of CH4 is 0, the oxidation state of carbon must be -4 to balance the charges. Each hydrogen contributes an oxidation state of +1, resulting in a total of +4 from hydrogen atoms. To achieve a total oxidation state of 0 for the molecule, carbon must have an oxidation state of -4 to offset the contribution from hydrogen. Therefore, the correct answer is -4. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: +1 is the oxidation state of hydrogen, -1 is not the oxidation state of carbon in methane, and +2 is not the correct oxidation state of carbon in CH4.

4. Which element is used in fire extinguishers to smother flames by displacing oxygen?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbon dioxide is the correct answer. It is used in fire extinguishers because it displaces oxygen, which is necessary for combustion. When carbon dioxide is released onto a fire, it reduces the oxygen concentration around the flames, effectively smothering the fire. This disruption of oxygen availability interrupts the chemical reaction that sustains the fire. Nitrogen (Choice A), helium (Choice C), and argon (Choice D) are not typically used in fire extinguishers for smothering flames by displacing oxygen. Nitrogen is an inert gas that can displace oxygen but is not as effective as carbon dioxide in fire suppression.

5. What information can be obtained directly from the element's atomic number?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number determines the element's unique identity and its position on the periodic table. The atomic mass (option A) is not directly determined by the atomic number but is a weighted average of the isotopes of an element. The number of neutrons (option C) is not directly provided by the atomic number but can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass. The position on the periodic table (option B) is directly related to the atomic number, as elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The chemical properties of an element (option D) are influenced by the number of protons in the nucleus, which is determined by the atomic number.

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