Nursing Elites

1. Carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes. What do they have in common?

• A. Number of nuclear particles
• B. Number of protons
• C. Number of neutrons
• D. Mass number

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons (which determines the element) but different numbers of neutrons. Both carbon-12 and carbon-14 have 6 protons (hence they are both carbon atoms) but different numbers of neutrons: carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while carbon-14 has 8 neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer is the number of neutrons. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because isotopes may have different numbers of nuclear particles (protons + neutrons), protons, and mass numbers, respectively.

2. Beta radiation is the product of the decomposition of which particle?

• A. Proton
• B. Neutron
• C. Electron
• D. Photon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Beta radiation is the result of the decomposition of a neutron. During beta decay, a neutron in an atom's nucleus is transformed into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Neutron.' Choice A, 'Proton,' is incorrect because beta decay does not involve the decomposition of a proton. Choice C, 'Electron,' is incorrect because electrons are actually produced during beta decay. Choice D, 'Photon,' is incorrect as beta radiation does not involve the decomposition of photons.

3. 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.

4. What is the oxidation state of the chlorine atom in the compound HCl?

• A. +1
• B. -1
• C. +2
• D. -2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the compound HCl (hydrochloric acid), the hydrogen atom has an oxidation state of +1 based on the rules of assigning oxidation states. Since the overall compound is neutral, the oxidation state of chlorine must be -1 to balance the charge. Chlorine typically has an oxidation state of -1 in binary compounds with nonmetals, such as HCl. Therefore, the correct answer is -1. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the oxidation state of chlorine in HCl is -1, not +1, +2, or -2.

5. Which substance is a product of photosynthesis?

• A. Carbon dioxide
• B. Oxygen
• C. Water
• D. Glucose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During photosynthesis, plants and other organisms convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Glucose is a carbohydrate produced by plants as a result of photosynthesis, serving as their main source of energy. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process, while carbon dioxide and water are the raw materials used to produce glucose. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Glucose,' making it a vital product of the photosynthesis process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as carbon dioxide and water are the reactants needed for photosynthesis, and oxygen is released as a byproduct.

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