What does the term 'electron configuration' refer to in relation to an atom?
- A. The arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals.
- B. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
- C. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
- D. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The electron configuration of an atom refers to the arrangement of electrons in the atom's orbitals. This arrangement determines the atom's chemical properties and behavior. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus (option B) is known as the atomic number, which defines the element. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus (option C) contributes to the atom's mass number. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell (option D) is important for understanding the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, but the electron configuration specifically refers to how electrons are distributed among the different orbitals in an atom.
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Which of the following organelles is responsible for protein production in the cell?
- A. Ribosomes
- B. Golgi apparatus
- C. Mitochondria
- D. Lysosomes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ribosomes. Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis in the cell. They can be found either freely floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. The Golgi apparatus (Choice B) is involved in processing and packaging proteins, not protein production. Mitochondria (Choice C) are responsible for energy production, not protein synthesis. Lysosomes (Choice D) are involved in digestion and waste removal, not protein production.
What happens to the internal energy of a system when it performs work on its surroundings?
- A. It increases.
- B. It decreases.
- C. It remains the same.
- D. Insufficient information.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a system performs work on its surroundings, it loses energy in the form of work done. This results in a decrease in the internal energy of the system. Work done by the system is considered as negative work, leading to a decrease in internal energy. Therefore, the correct answer is that the internal energy decreases when a system performs work on its surroundings. Choice A is incorrect as the internal energy decreases, not increases. Choice C is incorrect because the internal energy changes due to the work done. Choice D is incorrect because the information provided is sufficient to determine the change in internal energy.
What impact would the removal of a keystone species have in an ecosystem?
- A. Lead to a decrease in competition among other species
- B. Cause a slight increase in primary productivity
- C. Have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure
- D. Disrupt the food web and cause cascading effects on other populations
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.
What type of lens is thinner at the center than at the edges and causes light rays to diverge?
- A. Convex lens
- B. Concave lens
- C. Diverging lens
- D. Plano-convex lens
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A concave lens is thinner at the center than at the edges, causing light rays to diverge when passing through it. This type of lens is also known as a diverging lens because it causes light rays to spread out. Concave lenses are used in various optical devices to correct vision problems and in scientific instruments to diverge light rays for specific purposes. The other choices are incorrect. A convex lens is thicker at the center and converges light rays, while a plano-convex lens has one flat surface and one convex surface, converging light. Diverging lens is a general term that can refer to concave or plano-concave lenses, but in this context, the specific type being referred to is a concave lens.
What is a mutation?
- A. A change in the DNA sequence
- B. A type of protein
- C. A normal part of the DNA replication process
- D. A harmless variation in DNA
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A mutation is defined as a change in the DNA sequence, which can occur due to various factors such as errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagens (e.g., chemicals, radiation), or spontaneous changes. These alterations can lead to modifications in the genetic information carried by an organism, resulting in effects that can range from harmless variations to causing genetic disorders or diseases. Mutations play a crucial role in genetic diversity and evolution. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately define what a mutation is. Option B is incorrect because mutations are not a type of protein but rather changes in DNA. Option C is incorrect because while mutations can occur during DNA replication, they are not considered a 'normal' part of the process as they can lead to genetic variations. Option D is incorrect because mutations can have a wide range of effects and are not always harmless variations.