Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following distinguishes the isotopes of an element?

• A. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different ionic charges.
• B. Isotopes are atoms of elements within the same group on the periodic table.
• C. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
• D. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different electron configurations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their nucleus but different numbers of neutrons. This leads to variations in atomic mass for isotopes of an element. The different number of neutrons in isotopes results in differences in their atomic mass and properties while still belonging to the same element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do not have different ionic charges, they have the same chemical properties. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes are not atoms of elements within the same group on the periodic table; they are variants of the same element. Choice D is incorrect because isotopes of an element have the same electron configuration, differing only in the number of neutrons in the nucleus.

2. Elements tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve stable electron configurations like those of noble gases. Their group number often indicates the number of electrons gained/lost and the resulting ionic charge, providing a good starting point for prediction.

• A. Ionic bonds involve electron sharing, while metallic bonds involve electron transfer.
• B. Ionic bonds are weak and directional, while metallic bonds are strong and non-directional.
• C. Ionic bonds exist between metals and non-metals, while metallic bonds exist only between metals.
• D. Ionic bonds form discrete molecules, while metallic bonds form extended structures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ionic bonds typically form between metals and non-metals, where one atom donates electrons (cation) and the other accepts electrons (anion). This results in the transfer of electrons. Metallic bonds, on the other hand, occur between metal atoms where electrons are shared among a sea of delocalized electrons, leading to the characteristic properties of metals like malleability and conductivity. Choice A is incorrect because ionic bonds involve electron transfer, not sharing. Choice B is incorrect as ionic bonds are strong, not weak, and are non-directional, while metallic bonds are strong and non-directional. Choice D is incorrect as ionic bonds do not form discrete molecules but rather a lattice structure, whereas metallic bonds form extended structures.

3. Which type of cell division is responsible for sexual reproduction?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Amitosis
• D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Meiosis is the type of cell division responsible for sexual reproduction. During meiosis, a single cell undergoes two rounds of division to produce four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This reduction in chromosome number is essential for sexual reproduction as it ensures that when two gametes (sperm and egg) combine during fertilization, the resulting zygote will have the correct number of chromosomes. Mitosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that produces two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell and is involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Amitosis is a rare form of cell division that does not involve the typical processes of mitosis or meiosis. Cytokinesis is the process of dividing the cytoplasm of a cell after mitosis or meiosis.

4. According to the Law of Conservation of Energy, what happens to the total amount of energy in a closed system?

• A. Increases over time.
• B. Decreases over time.
• C. Remains constant.
• D. Depends on the temperature of the system.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to the Law of Conservation of Energy, the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant. This principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed within the system but can only be transformed from one form to another. Therefore, the total energy within the system is conserved and does not change over time. Choice A is incorrect because the total energy in a closed system does not increase over time, as it remains constant. Choice B is incorrect as the total energy does not decrease over time within a closed system. Choice D is incorrect as the conservation of energy is not dependent on the temperature of the system, but rather on the transformation and conservation of energy within the system. Understanding this concept is fundamental for understanding the behavior of energy in various physical systems and processes.

5. What is the difference between mass and weight?

• A. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, whereas weight is the force of gravity acting on an object.
• B. Mass is a measure of inertia, whereas weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object.
• C. Mass is measured in pounds, whereas weight is measured in kilograms.
• D. Mass is a vector quantity, whereas weight is a scalar quantity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mass is the amount of matter in an object and is a scalar quantity, whereas weight is the force of gravity acting on an object and is a vector quantity. Mass remains constant regardless of the location, while weight can vary depending on the strength of gravity at different locations. Answer choice A correctly defines the difference between mass and weight, making it the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because mass is not a measure of inertia. Choice C is incorrect as mass is typically measured in kilograms, not pounds. Choice D is incorrect as mass is a scalar quantity, and weight is a vector quantity.

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