Nursing Elites

1. A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 20 years. How many grams of a 6-gram sample will remain after 40 years?

• A. 8
• B. 6
• C. 3
• D. 1.5

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the original sample to decay. After each half-life period, half of the initial sample remains. In this case, after the first 20 years, half of the 6-gram sample (3 grams) will remain. After another 20 years (total of 40 years), half of the remaining 3 grams will remain, which is 1.5 grams. Therefore, 3 grams will be left after 40 years. Choice A is incorrect as it doesn't consider the concept of half-life and incorrectly suggests an increase in the sample. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes no decay over time. Choice D is incorrect as it miscalculates the remaining amount after two half-life periods.

2. What type of bond is present in sodium chloride?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ionic bonds are found in sodium chloride. In an ionic bond, one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions that are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction. Sodium chloride is a classic example of an ionic compound, where sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl), forming Na+ and Cl- ions that are attracted to each other, creating a crystal lattice structure. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which is not the case in sodium chloride. Metallic bonds occur in metals where electrons are delocalized and shared across a lattice, unlike the specific transfer seen in ionic bonds. Hydrogen bonds are a type of intermolecular force, not the primary bond type present in sodium chloride.

3. What can stop the penetration of gamma radiation?

• A. Aluminum foil
• B. Glass
• C. Several feet of concrete
• D. Piece of paper

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gamma radiation is highly penetrative and requires dense materials to block it effectively. While aluminum foil and glass are not sufficient to stop gamma radiation, several feet of concrete is needed due to its high density and ability to absorb gamma radiation effectively. A piece of paper is too thin and lacks the density required to block gamma radiation, making it an ineffective shield.

4. Which factor does not affect the reaction rate of a chemical reaction?

• A. Temperature
• B. Surface area
• C. Concentration of reactants
• D. Color of the reactants

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The color of reactants is not a factor that affects the rate of a chemical reaction. Temperature, surface area, and concentration of reactants are known factors that influence the reaction rate. Temperature plays a significant role in altering the reaction rate by affecting the kinetic energy of molecules. Surface area impacts the rate by providing more area for collisions to occur. Concentration affects the frequency of effective collisions. On the other hand, the color of reactants is a physical property that does not directly affect the speed of a chemical reaction.

5. What is a benefit of water's ability to make hydrogen bonds?

• A. Lack of cohesiveness
• B. Low surface tension
• C. Use as a nonpolar solvent
• D. High specific heat

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, high specific heat. Water's ability to form hydrogen bonds results in a high specific heat capacity, allowing it to absorb and release a large amount of heat energy with minimal temperature change. This property is essential for moderating temperature changes in organisms and maintaining stable environmental conditions for life processes. Choices A, lack of cohesiveness, and C, use as a nonpolar solvent, are incorrect. Water actually has high cohesiveness due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds, and it is a polar solvent, not nonpolar. Choice B, low surface tension, is also incorrect as water's hydrogen bonding contributes to its relatively high surface tension.

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