During a healthy heartbeat, the P wave on an ECG represents

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The P wave on an ECG represents the depolarization of the atria. This electrical activity initiates the contraction of the atria, allowing blood to be pumped into the ventricles. The P wave is the first positive deflection seen on the ECG and signifies the beginning of atrial depolarization, which is a critical step in the cardiac cycle. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Option A (The repolarization of the ventricles) is represented by the T wave on the ECG. Option B (The electrical conduction through the AV node) is not represented by the P wave but rather by the PR interval on the ECG. Option C (The contraction phase of the ventricles (systole)) is more related to the QRS complex on the ECG, which represents ventricular depolarization and contraction.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The critical angle is the minimum angle of incidence in a denser medium at which light undergoes total internal reflection instead of refraction. This phenomenon occurs when light travels from a denser medium to a less dense medium, and the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle. Total internal reflection is a crucial concept in optics and is utilized in various applications such as fiber optics and prisms. Choice B, 'Continued refraction,' is incorrect as the critical angle specifically marks the point at which total internal reflection occurs, not continued refraction. Choice C, 'Specular reflection,' does not accurately describe the phenomenon associated with the critical angle. Choice D, 'Increased dispersion,' is unrelated to the concept of the critical angle and does not describe the behavior of light at this specific point.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Photons are not charged particles; they are packets of energy that exhibit wave-particle duality, meaning they can behave as both particles and waves. While photons are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, they are not electromagnetic waves themselves but rather discrete energy packets. They are not always absorbed by matter; they can be reflected, transmitted, or scattered.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize the property of positrons having a positive charge. Positrons are the antimatter counterpart of electrons, having the same mass but opposite charge. When a positron collides with an electron, they annihilate each other, producing gamma rays that can be detected by the PET scanner to create images of the body's internal structures and functions. Choice A is incorrect because positrons have the same mass as electrons. Choice C is incorrect as positrons are not extremely stable due to their tendency to annihilate when they encounter electrons. Choice D is incorrect as positrons exhibit different behavior than electrons due to their opposite charges.