What describes the change in direction of light when it passes through different mediums, such as air and water?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Refraction is the change in direction of light as it moves from one medium to another, such as air to water or glass. This change occurs due to variations in the speed of light in each medium, causing the light rays to bend. When light passes through different mediums, it changes its path, a phenomenon known as refraction. Choice A, Diffraction, refers to the bending of waves around obstacles and the spreading of waves when passing through small openings, not the change in direction of light when moving between mediums. Choice B, Reflection, is the bouncing back of light rays from a surface into the same medium, not the change in direction when transitioning between different mediums. Choice D, Dispersion, involves the separation of light into its constituent colors based on their different wavelengths, not the change in direction of light when passing through different mediums.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transmutation. Transmutation is the correct term to describe the process by which one element changes into another element through radioactive decay. In transmutation, the atomic structure of the element is altered, leading to a change in the element's identity. Choice B, Fission, refers to the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei. Choice C, Fusion, involves the merging of lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. Choice D, Oxidation, is not related to the process of one element changing into another through radioactive decay.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alpha decay involves the release of a helium nucleus, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. In contrast, beta decay releases an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay). This significant distinction in the particles emitted during the decay processes distinguishes alpha decay from beta decay. Choice A is incorrect because alpha and beta decay release different types of particles. Choice C is incorrect as beta decay is more common than alpha decay in many cases. Choice D is incorrect as it does not specifically address the particles released during alpha and beta decay.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ionic bonds involve electron transfer, where one atom completely donates an electron to another, resulting in discrete molecules. On the other hand, metallic bonds are non-directional and strong, formed by a 'sea' of delocalized electrons shared among all metal atoms. This shared electron cloud allows for strong bonding throughout the entire material, making metallic bonds non-directional and strong compared to the directional and weaker nature of ionic bonds. Choice A is incorrect because metallic bonds do not involve electron sharing but rather the sharing of a sea of delocalized electrons. Choice C is incorrect as metallic bonds can also exist between metal atoms, not just between metals and non-metals. Choice D is incorrect because metallic bonds do not form discrete molecules but rather extended structures due to the sharing of electrons among all metal atoms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Helium (C). Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a bond. Helium, as a noble gas, has a very low electronegativity because its outer electron shell is already full and stable, resulting in minimal attraction for additional electrons. Oxygen (A), Fluorine (B), and Chlorine (D) are all non-noble gas elements that have higher electronegativity values compared to Helium due to their electron configurations and tendencies to attract electrons.