Nursing Elites

1. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

• A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
• B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
• C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
• D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

2. Which of the following structures is responsible for producing insulin?

• A. Liver
• B. Pancreas
• C. Gallbladder
• D. Spleen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pancreas. The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by allowing cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream. The liver (choice A) plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels through glycogen storage and release but does not produce insulin. The gallbladder (choice C) stores bile produced by the liver to aid in digestion and has no direct involvement in insulin production. The spleen (choice D) is involved in immune function and blood storage but not in the production of insulin.

3. What is the process by which a large, unstable nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing neutrons and energy?

• A. Alpha decay
• B. Beta decay
• C. Gamma decay
• D. Nuclear fission

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nuclear fission is the correct answer. It is the process in which a large, unstable nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing neutrons and energy. Alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay involve the emission of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, respectively. These decay processes do not result in the splitting of a nucleus like nuclear fission does.

4. When sugar is heated, it breaks down into carbon and water vapor. This is an example of a:

• A. Combination reaction
• B. Decomposition reaction
• C. Double displacement reaction
• D. Single displacement reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decomposition reaction. When sugar is heated, it undergoes a decomposition reaction where it breaks down into simpler substances, carbon, and water vapor. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a combination reaction where two or more substances combine to form a new compound. Choice A, Combination reaction, is incorrect because a combination reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a new compound, which is the opposite of what happens when sugar breaks down. Choices C and D, Double displacement reaction and Single displacement reaction, are incorrect as they involve different mechanisms where the atoms or ions of the reactants are exchanged, which is not the case in the breakdown of sugar into carbon and water vapor.

5. Which of the following structures is responsible for preventing the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?

• A. Aortic valve
• B. Pulmonary valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Mitral valve. The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is situated between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Its primary function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. The other choices are incorrect because: A) The aortic valve prevents backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle. B) The pulmonary valve prevents backflow from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle. C) The tricuspid valve prevents backflow from the right ventricle into the right atrium.

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