When ice melts, it undergoes a...

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When ice melts, it undergoes a physical change, transitioning from a solid state to a liquid state. This change does not involve altering the chemical composition of the ice, making it a physical change rather than a chemical change, nuclear change, or radioactive decay. Choice A, 'Chemical change,' is incorrect because a chemical change involves a rearrangement of atoms resulting in new substances. Choice C, 'Nuclear change,' is incorrect as it refers to changes in the nucleus of an atom, not the phase transition of ice. Choice D, 'Radioactive decay,' is incorrect as it involves the spontaneous disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus, which is not the process occurring when ice melts.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mixing.' When substances are combined, a heterogeneous mixture is formed where the components are physically distinguishable. 'Dissolving' (Choice A) is the process of a solute becoming uniformly dispersed in a solvent to form a solution, not a heterogeneous mixture. 'Diluting' (Choice B) refers to reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution. 'Reacting' (Choice D) involves a chemical change where substances interact to form new products, rather than just physically mixing to form a heterogeneous mixture.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a person throws a ball horizontally, the initial force that propels the ball forward is the force of throwing (A). However, the force that changes the direction of the ball's motion is the gravitational force (B). Gravitational force acts vertically downward, causing the ball to follow a curved path. Air resistance (C) and normal force from the ground (D) do not directly change the direction of the ball's motion in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The frequency of oscillations in a spring-mass system is determined by the stiffness of the spring (spring constant) and the mass of the object. The stiffness of the spring affects how quickly the system oscillates back and forth, while the mass of the object influences the inertia and therefore the frequency. The initial displacement of the object does not impact the frequency of oscillations. Choice A is incorrect because while the mass of the object affects the frequency, it is not the sole determining factor. Choice C is incorrect as the initial displacement affects the amplitude of oscillations, not the frequency. Choice D is incorrect as not all factors listed determine the frequency, making it an incorrect choice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A) Mutations in genes can introduce new genetic variations into a population, which can be acted upon by natural selection. B) Differential survival and reproduction based on traits is a key component of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics, also known as Lamarckism, is not a mechanism of evolution by natural selection. Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime (such as strong muscles from working out) are not passed on to offspring. D) Competition for resources in an environment can drive natural selection by favoring individuals with traits that help them better compete for limited resources. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Inheritance of acquired characteristics (like strong muscles from working out), as it is not a mechanism that can directly cause evolution by natural selection.