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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is found in the walls of blood vessels and helps regulate blood flow by contracting and relaxing to adjust the diameter of the vessels. Skeletal muscle, found attached to bones, is responsible for voluntary movements and is not typically found in blood vessel walls. Cardiac muscle is specific to the heart and responsible for pumping blood, not found in blood vessel walls. Striated muscle, another term for skeletal muscle, is characterized by its striped appearance under a microscope but is not present in blood vessel walls.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that provides support and flexibility to various parts of the body, such as joints and the ear. It is composed of cells called chondrocytes embedded in a matrix of collagen and proteoglycans. Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, muscle tissue is involved in movement, and nervous tissue transmits signals. The correct answer is connective tissue because cartilage serves a supportive function in the body.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Ionic bond. Ionic bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of cations and anions. This transfer leads to the creation of strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions. Covalent bonds, on the other hand, involve the sharing of electrons between atoms to achieve stability. Metallic bonds are formed in metals, where a sea of delocalized electrons surrounds positively charged metal ions, contributing to the metal's properties. Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces that occur between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen, not involving the complete transfer of electrons.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gluon. Gluons are the particles responsible for mediating the strong nuclear force between protons and neutrons. They are the carriers of this force. Choice A, Electron, is incorrect as electrons are negatively charged. Choice B, Photon, is incorrect as photons are chargeless particles of light. Choice D, Neutrino, is incorrect as neutrinos are neutral particles with minimal mass and weak interactions with matter, not involved in mediating the strong nuclear force between protons and neutrons.