Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is the positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom?

• A. Electron
• B. Proton
• C. Neutron
• D. Quark

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proton. Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu) and a charge of +1. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines the atomic number of the element, which is a unique identifier for each element. Choice A, Electron, is incorrect as electrons are negatively charged particles found outside the nucleus. Choice C, Neutron, is incorrect as neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus. Choice D, Quark, is incorrect as quarks are elementary particles that combine to form protons and neutrons, but they are not the positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

2. Homologous structures are those that:

• A. Have the same function but different origins
• B. Have different functions but the same origin
• C. Are similar in appearance and function due to shared ancestry
• D. Are identical in both appearance and function

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Homologous structures are defined as anatomical features that are similar in appearance and function due to shared ancestry. This means that these structures are inherited from a common ancestor and may have evolved to fulfill different functions in different species. Option A, which mentions structures with the same function but different origins, describes analogous structures, not homologous ones. Option B, which refers to structures with different functions but the same origin, actually characterizes vestigial structures. Option D, stating that structures are identical in appearance and function, does not necessarily imply homology; such structures could result from convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry. Understanding homologous structures provides insights into the evolutionary relationships between different species and supports the concept of common descent.

3. Where does the nerve impulses send neurotransmitters across a synapse to a muscle cell to stimulate muscle contraction?

• A. sarcomere
• B. tendon
• C. myelin sheath
• D. neuromuscular junction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The neuromuscular junction is the specific area where nerve impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters that cross the synaptic gap to bind to receptors on the muscle cell membrane. This binding initiates muscle contraction by stimulating the muscle cell. The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit in a muscle fiber, not the location where nerve impulses communicate with muscle cells. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not involved in transmitting nerve impulses. The myelin sheath is a protective covering around nerve fibers but is not directly involved in transmitting neurotransmitters to muscle cells for muscle contraction.

4. Which of the following is NOT true about fossils?

• A. They can provide evidence for the order of appearance of different species
• B. They can be used to estimate the age of rocks and layers
• C. They can tell us about the behavior of extinct organisms
• D. They are always perfectly preserved

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) This statement is true. Fossils can provide evidence for the order of appearance of different species through the study of the fossil record. B) This statement is true. Fossils can be used to estimate the age of rocks and layers through relative dating methods such as stratigraphy and absolute dating methods like radiometric dating. C) This statement is true. Fossils can provide information about the behavior of extinct organisms through the study of their preserved remains and traces. D) This statement is NOT true. Fossils are not always perfectly preserved. In many cases, fossils are incomplete, fragmented, or altered over time due to geological processes. The level of preservation can vary depending on factors such as the type of organism, the environment in which it lived, and the processes involved in fossilization.

5. What is the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and chlorine to form sodium chloride?

• A. Na + Cl2 -> NaCl
• B. 2Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl
• C. Na2 + Cl -> 2NaCl
• D. Na + 2Cl -> NaCl2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a balanced chemical equation, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. When sodium (Na) reacts with chlorine (Cl2) to form sodium chloride (NaCl), we need to ensure the equation is balanced. There are 2 chlorine atoms in Cl2; hence, we need 2 sodium atoms on the left side to balance it. Therefore, the balanced chemical equation is 2Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl. Choice A is incorrect because it does not have the correct coefficients to balance the equation. Choice C is incorrect as it incorrectly represents the formula of sodium. Choice D is incorrect as it forms NaCl2, which is not the correct compound formed in this reaction.

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