When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes a(n):

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. Gaining or losing electrons alters the atom's electron count and charge, creating a positively or negatively charged ion. A molecule is formed when two or more atoms are chemically bonded. An isotope is a variation of an element with a different number of neutrons. A compound consists of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Reflection.' Reflection is the term used to describe the bouncing back of waves after striking a surface or boundary. Diffraction, on the other hand, refers to the bending of waves around obstacles. Refraction is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another. Interference involves the combination of two or more waves that results in a new wave pattern. Therefore, in this context, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically relate to the bouncing back of waves after striking a surface or boundary.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Storage and processing of nutrients. The liver plays a crucial role in processing nutrients absorbed from the small intestine, storing glycogen, vitamins, and minerals, and regulating blood sugar levels by releasing or storing glucose as needed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the physical breakdown of food primarily occurs in the mouth and stomach, the production of digestive enzymes is mainly carried out by the pancreas and small intestine, and the elimination of waste products is primarily managed by the large intestine and kidneys, not the liver.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Constructive interference occurs when two identical waves are perfectly aligned and reinforce each other. This results in an increase in the overall amplitude of the wave. Refraction refers to the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another, reflection is the bouncing back of waves when they encounter a boundary, and diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and openings. In this scenario, the waves are not changing direction or bending but rather combining to produce a wave with a larger amplitude, which is characteristic of constructive interference.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the lymphatic system is to carry waste products away from tissues. Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid, waste materials, and toxins from the body's tissues and transport them to the bloodstream for elimination. Choice A is incorrect because transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells is mainly the function of the circulatory system. Choice C is incorrect as regulating body temperature is primarily done by the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms. Choice D is incorrect because the production of red blood cells occurs in the bone marrow, not in the lymphatic system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The production of digestive enzymes is not a function of the integumentary system. The integumentary system is responsible for regulating body temperature, protecting the body from pathogens, and synthesizing vitamin D. Digestive enzymes are produced by organs in the digestive system, such as the pancreas and stomach, and not by the integumentary system.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands is parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body by increasing calcium levels in the blood through various mechanisms, such as promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels, calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland and helps lower blood calcium levels, and thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: - The immune response can be broadly categorized into two main branches: the humoral immune response and the cellular immune response. - The humoral immune response involves the production of antibodies by B cells and is primarily responsible for defending against extracellular pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in the bloodstream and tissues. - The cellular immune response involves the activation of T cells, which can directly kill infected cells or help coordinate the immune response. This branch is crucial for combating intracellular pathogens like viruses and some bacteria. - Options B, C, and D do not accurately represent the main branches of the immune response and are therefore incorrect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: As the pendulum swings back and forth, it undergoes a continuous conversion between potential energy (at the highest point of the swing) and kinetic energy (at the lowest point of the swing). At the highest point, the pendulum has maximum potential energy due to its height above the ground. As it swings down, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. At the lowest point of the swing, the pendulum has maximum kinetic energy and minimal potential energy. The process repeats as the pendulum swings back in the opposite direction, demonstrating the conversion between potential and kinetic energy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the energy conversion in a swinging pendulum primarily involves changes between potential and kinetic energy, not thermal, chemical, electrical, nuclear, or radiant energy.