Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy. This process is commonly used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons. It is a controlled chain reaction that generates energy. Option A, Nuclear fusion, is the process of combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. This process powers the sun and other stars. Option C, Radioactive decay, is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. Option D, Chain reaction, is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction event stimulate further reaction events. While chain reactions can occur in both nuclear fission and fusion, the specific process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller ones is known as nuclear fission.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The given electron configuration matches that of Argon, an element found in Group 18 of the periodic table. This element is in the third period, as indicated by the highest energy level (n=3) where electrons are present. Therefore, the correct answer is Group 18, Period 3. Choice A (Group 16, Period 3) corresponds to sulfur, not the given electron configuration. Choice B (Group 14, Period 3) corresponds to silicon, not the given electron configuration. Choice D (Group 17, Period 2) corresponds to chlorine, which is in Period 3 but not in Group 18, making it incorrect for the given electron configuration.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A) Introns do not code for protein sequences. Exons are the segments of DNA that code for proteins. B) While introns can indirectly influence gene regulation, their primary function is not directly involved in gene regulation. C) Introns are non-coding regions of DNA that are transcribed into pre-mRNA but are removed during mRNA processing through a process called splicing. This allows only the exons to be included in the mature mRNA that will be translated into proteins. D) While introns were once thought to be non-functional remnants of ancient DNA, research has shown that they can have regulatory functions and play a role in gene expression.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Isometric contractions occur when the muscle generates tension without changing its length, while isotonic contractions involve the muscle changing length to move a load. In isotonic contractions, the muscle shortens to move a load, whereas in isometric contractions, the muscle contracts to hold a position without movement. Choice A is incorrect because isometric contractions do not involve movement, while choice C is incorrect as isotonic contractions typically require more energy due to movement. Choice D is incorrect because the type of muscle involved (smooth or skeletal) is not the defining factor between isometric and isotonic contractions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Refraction occurs due to a change in wave speed when waves enter a new medium. As waves travel from one medium to another, their speed changes, causing them to bend. This change in speed is responsible for the bending of waves during refraction. It is not the change in wavelength or frequency that causes refraction, but rather the change in speed as waves move through different mediums. Therefore, the correct answer is the change in wave speed (Choice C). Choices A and B are incorrect as refraction is not primarily influenced by changes in wavelength or frequency, but by changes in wave speed. Choice D is also incorrect as there is a specific principle, which is the change in wave speed, behind the phenomenon of refraction.