Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A concentrated solution of a strong electrolyte is most likely to conduct electricity well. Strong electrolytes completely dissociate into ions in solution, allowing for the flow of electric current. This high concentration of ions in the solution enhances its conductivity, making it a better conductor compared to other options. A saturated solution, although containing dissolved ions, may not have a high enough concentration to conduct electricity effectively. A dilute solution of a weak acid is a poor conductor as weak acids only partially dissociate into ions. A mixture of a neutral compound and water does not contain free ions necessary for conducting electricity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, play a crucial role in the cardiovascular system by primarily transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs. This essential function is carried out through the interaction of hemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the body's tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Red blood cells are not actively involved in fighting infections, regulating blood clotting, or eliminating waste products from the body.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: 1. Boiling point elevation: When a solute is added to a solvent, it raises the boiling point of the solution compared to the pure solvent. This phenomenon is known as boiling point elevation. 2. Van't Hoff factor: The extent of boiling point elevation depends on the number of particles the solute dissociates into in the solution. NaCl dissociates into two ions (Na+ and Cl-) in water, while glucose does not dissociate into ions. Therefore, NaCl has a higher Van't Hoff factor than glucose. 3. Colligative properties: Boiling point elevation is a colligative property, meaning it depends on the concentration of the solute particles, not the identity of the solute. Since both NaCl and glucose are 1 M solutions, the NaCl solution will have a higher boiling point due to its higher Van't Hoff factor. 4. Conclusion: The NaCl solution

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decomposition reaction. When sugar is heated, it undergoes a decomposition reaction where it breaks down into simpler substances, carbon, and water vapor. In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This process is the opposite of a combination reaction where two or more substances combine to form a new compound. Choice A, Combination reaction, is incorrect because a combination reaction involves the combination of two or more substances to form a new compound, which is the opposite of what happens when sugar breaks down. Choices C and D, Double displacement reaction and Single displacement reaction, are incorrect as they involve different mechanisms where the atoms or ions of the reactants are exchanged, which is not the case in the breakdown of sugar into carbon and water vapor.