Nursing Elites

1. Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 5 years. If you start with 20 g of cobalt-60, how much is left after 10 years?

• A. 15 g
• B. 10 g
• C. 5 g
• D. 2.5 g

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cobalt-60's half-life of 5 years means that after 5 years, half of the initial amount remains. Therefore, after 10 years, a quarter (half of a half) of the initial amount will remain. Starting with 20 g, after 10 years, 5 g of cobalt-60 will be left. Choice A (15 g) is incorrect because it assumes a linear decrease, not considering the exponential decay characteristic of radioactive substances. Choice B (10 g) is incorrect as it overlooks that after 10 years, more decay has occurred. Choice D (2.5 g) is incorrect as it represents only an eighth of the initial amount after 10 years, not a quarter.

2. What defines a balanced chemical equation?

• A. An equation where the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides
• B. An equation where there are more products than reactants
• C. An equation where the number of molecules is balanced
• D. An equation with equal masses on both sides

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A balanced chemical equation is one in which the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. This balance ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld, where the total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B is incorrect as a balanced equation has an equal number of products and reactants. Option C is incorrect as balancing refers to the number of atoms, not molecules. Option D is incorrect as balancing is based on the number of atoms, not masses. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it accurately describes a balanced chemical equation.

3. Where would you expect tap water to fall on the pH scale?

• A. Between 1 and 3
• B. Between 4 and 6
• C. Between 6 and 8
• D. Between 8 and 10

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tap water typically falls within the pH range of 6 to 8, making it slightly acidic to neutral. Most municipal water systems aim to provide water that is safe for consumption and falls within this pH range. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral, so tap water may vary slightly on either side of this number but typically remains within the 6 to 8 range to ensure it is safe for consumption. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tap water is not expected to have a pH as low as 1-3 (highly acidic) or as high as 8-10 (alkaline); it usually falls within the slightly acidic to neutral range, hence falling between 6 and 8 on the pH scale.

4. What are mixtures of 2 or more metals called?

• A. Solutions
• B. Alloys
• C. Compounds
• D. Suspensions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals, combining their properties to create materials with enhanced characteristics. Examples of alloys include bronze (copper and tin) and steel (iron and carbon). Alloys are commonly used in various industries due to their improved strength, durability, and other desirable qualities. Solutions (Choice A) refer to a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance is dissolved in another. Compounds (Choice C) are substances composed of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions. Suspensions (Choice D) are heterogeneous mixtures where particles are dispersed but can settle out over time.

5. What are negatively charged ions called?

• A. Neutrons
• B. Protons
• C. Anions
• D. Cations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Negatively charged ions are called anions. Anions gain electrons and carry a negative charge, which distinguishes them from cations that are positively charged and neutrons and protons that are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Choice A, Neutrons, are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice B, Protons, are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not negatively charged ions. Choice D, Cations, are positively charged ions that lose electrons, which is opposite to the behavior of negatively charged ions.

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