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What is the mass number of an element?
- A. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
- B. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
- C. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.
- D. The number of isotopes of an element.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. It specifically focuses on the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which contributes to the overall mass of the atom. Therefore, the mass number is not solely determined by the number of protons, electrons, or isotopes. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to the atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as the number of electrons in the valence shell is related to the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, not the mass number. Choice D is incorrect because the mass number does not represent the number of isotopes of an element, but rather the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Thus, option B, the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, is the correct choice.
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What is the main difference between a telescope and a microscope?
- A. Telescopes magnify distant objects, while microscopes magnify small objects.
- B. Telescopes use lenses, while microscopes use mirrors.
- C. Telescopes collect light, while microscopes emit light.
- D. They both magnify objects but serve different purposes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The main difference between a telescope and a microscope lies in their primary functions. Telescopes are specifically designed to magnify and observe distant objects like stars, planets, and galaxies, making them essential tools for astronomy. In contrast, microscopes are utilized to magnify and study small objects such as cells, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms in fields like biology and medicine. Therefore, the key distinction is that telescopes focus on magnifying distant objects, while microscopes are tailored for magnifying small objects. Choice B is incorrect because while some microscopes may use mirrors in certain designs, the primary component is typically lenses. Choice C is incorrect as telescopes collect and focus light for observation, while microscopes use light to illuminate and magnify objects. Choice D is incorrect because while both instruments magnify objects, their main purposes and the types of objects they focus on are distinctly different.
Imagine you have an element with atomic number 11 and mass number 23. How many neutrons does it have?
- A. 11
- B. 12
- C. 23
- D. 21
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: - The atomic number (Z) of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus. In this case, the element has an atomic number of 11.
- The mass number (A) of an element is the sum of its protons and neutrons. Given that the mass number is 23 and the atomic number is 11, we can calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 23 - 11 = 12.
- Therefore, the element with atomic number 11 and mass number 23 has 12 neutrons.
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.
The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:
- A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
- B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
- C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
- D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
What property of a substance refers to its ability to undergo a chemical change and form new substances?
- A. Density
- B. Mass
- C. Reactivity
- D. Volume
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reactivity is the property of a substance that describes its ability to undergo a chemical change and form new substances. Density (A), mass (B), and volume (D) are physical properties of a substance and do not directly relate to its ability to undergo chemical changes. Density is the measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume, mass is the amount of matter in an object, and volume is the amount of space an object occupies. Therefore, reactivity (C) is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the substance's ability to undergo chemical changes.