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. If fifty-six kilograms of a radioactive substance has a half-life of 12 days, how many days will it take the substance to decay naturally to only 7 kilograms?

• A. 8
• B. 12
• C. 36
• D. 48

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To decay from 56 kg to 7 kg, the substance needs to go through 3 half-lives (56 kg ÷ 2 ÷ 2 ÷ 2 = 7 kg). Since each half-life is 12 days, the total time required is 12 days per half-life x 3 half-lives = 36 days. Choice A is incorrect because it does not consider the concept of half-lives. Choice B is incorrect because it represents the duration of a single half-life, not the total time required for the decay. Choice D is incorrect as it does not account for the multiple half-lives needed for the substance to decay from 56 kg to 7 kg.

3. What is the simplest form of a substance that is represented by a letter or letters?

• A. Compound
• B. Mixture
• C. Element
• D. Molecule

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Element.' An element is the most basic form of a substance that cannot be broken down further by chemical reactions. Each element is represented by a unique symbol, typically consisting of one or two letters. Choice A, 'Compound,' is incorrect as compounds are formed by the combination of two or more elements. Choice B, 'Mixture,' is also incorrect as mixtures are composed of two or more substances physically combined. Choice D, 'Molecule,' refers to the smallest unit of a compound that retains the chemical properties of that compound, not the simplest form of a substance represented by a symbol.

4. How many amino acids are essential for human life?

• A. 22
• B. 20
• C. 18
• D. 24

Correct answer: B

Rationale: There are 20 essential amino acids required for human life. These amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. They play crucial roles in various physiological functions and are necessary for protein synthesis and overall health. Choice A is incorrect because there are not 22 essential amino acids. Choice C is incorrect as there are more than 18 essential amino acids. Choice D is incorrect as there are not 24 essential amino acids for human life.

5. Which of the following pH values is most likely for lemon juice?

• A. 3
• B. 5
• C. 7
• D. 9

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lemon juice is highly acidic with a pH around 2-3, making it more acidic than neutral substances. A pH of 5 is too high for lemon juice, indicating less acidity. Similarly, pH 7 is neutral, and pH 9 would be alkaline, which is not characteristic of lemon juice. Therefore, the correct answer is option A (pH 3).

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