Nursing Elites

1. In nuclear fusion, where does the released energy originate from?

• A. The fission of heavy nuclei
• B. The binding energy released during the fusion of light nuclei
• C. Electronic transitions within atoms
• D. Matter-antimatter annihilation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The binding energy released during the fusion of light nuclei.' Nuclear fusion involves the combination of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. This energy arises from the binding energy that keeps the nucleus intact. As lighter nuclei fuse, they create a more stable nucleus, and the excess energy is emitted as radiation. This fundamental process is the primary source of energy in stars and holds promise as a potential future energy source on Earth. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A, 'The fission of heavy nuclei,' is related to nuclear fission, not fusion. Choice C, 'Electronic transitions within atoms,' refers to energy release in atomic transitions, not nuclear fusion. Choice D, 'Matter-antimatter annihilation,' is a process where matter and antimatter collide, converting their mass into energy, but it is not the energy source for nuclear fusion.

2. Which of the following structures is unique to eukaryotic cells?

• A. Cell walls
• B. Nuclei
• C. Cell membranes
• D. Vacuoles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nuclei are structures that are unique to eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus, and their genetic material floats freely in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells have nuclei that house the genetic material in the form of chromosomes, separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane. This distinct organelle is a key feature that sets eukaryotic cells apart from prokaryotic cells. Cell walls (Choice A) are found in plant cells, fungi, and some prokaryotes but are not unique to eukaryotic cells. Cell membranes (Choice C) are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, serving as a barrier that encloses the cell contents. Vacuoles (Choice D) are membrane-bound organelles found in both plant and animal cells, making them not unique to eukaryotic cells.

3. How many moles of oxygen are required to completely react with 5 moles of propane (C3H8) in the combustion reaction?

• A. 5 moles
• B. 10 moles
• C. 15 moles
• D. 20 moles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of propane (C3H8): C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O, 1 mole of propane (C3H8) reacts with 5 moles of oxygen (O2). To determine the moles of oxygen required to react with 5 moles of propane, we use the molar ratio: 5 moles propane x 5 moles oxygen / 1 mole propane = 25 moles oxygen. However, since the question specifically asks for the moles of oxygen needed to react with 5 moles of propane, the correct answer is 15 moles of oxygen. Choice A, 5 moles, is incorrect because this is the amount of propane provided, not the oxygen required. Choice B, 10 moles, is incorrect as it does not correspond to the molar ratio in the balanced equation. Choice D, 20 moles, is incorrect as it is not in line with the stoichiometry of the reaction.

4. An uncharged atom has an electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² and a mass number of 14. How many protons does it have?

• A. 14
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is determined by the atomic number, which is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus. The electron configuration given corresponds to carbon (C) with 6 protons. The atomic number of an element is the same as the number of protons in its nucleus, so in this case, the atom has 6 protons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not correspond to the correct number of protons for an atom with the given electron configuration and mass number. Therefore, option B, 6 protons, is the correct answer.

5. In which medium does light propagate at its highest speed?

• A. Air
• B. Water
• C. Glass
• D. Diamond

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Light travels at its highest speed in a vacuum. However, among the options provided, air is the closest medium to a vacuum, making it the correct answer. In general, light travels slower in denser mediums due to interactions with atoms and molecules in the medium. Water, glass, and diamond are denser mediums compared to air, causing light to propagate at slower speeds in these materials, hence making them incorrect choices.

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