When is a solution considered saturated?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A solution is considered saturated when it has dissolved the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved at a given temperature. At this point, adding more solute will not result in further dissolution, indicating that the solution is saturated. The other choices are incorrect because the solvent evaporating or the solution becoming cloudy are not definitive indicators of a saturated solution. Additionally, reaching a specific temperature does not determine saturation, as the solubility of a solute can vary with temperature. Therefore, the correct answer is that more solute cannot be dissolved in a saturated solution.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a double-slit experiment based on the wave theory of light, the bright fringes are the result of constructive interference. Constructive interference occurs when light waves from the two slits arrive at a point in phase, reinforcing each other and creating a bright fringe. This reinforcement leads to the constructive addition of the wave amplitudes, resulting in a bright spot on the screen. Destructive interference, which would result in dark fringes, occurs when waves are out of phase and cancel each other out. Increased diffraction and total internal reflection are not related to the formation of bright fringes in a double-slit experiment. Therefore, the correct answer is constructive interference.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor is to absorb excess neutrons to control criticality. When inserted into the reactor core, control rods absorb neutrons, reducing the number available for sustaining the fission chain reaction. This action allows operators to manage the reactor power levels and prevent overheating or runaway reactions. Reflecting neutrons back into the core and moderating neutron velocity are not the primary functions of control rods in a nuclear reactor. Choice A is incorrect because control rods do not reflect neutrons back into the core but absorb them. Choice C is incorrect as the moderation of neutron velocity is typically achieved by other materials like a moderator (e.g., water, graphite) rather than control rods. Choice D is incorrect as control rods do not reflect neutrons or moderate neutron velocity, making it an incorrect option.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit used to quantify nuclear cross-section. Nuclear cross-section is a measure of the probability of a nuclear reaction occurring when an atomic nucleus interacts with a particle or another nucleus. The barn is a unit of area equal to 10^-28 square meters; it is commonly used to describe the cross-sectional area of atomic nuclei for nuclear reactions. Choice A, 'Energy,' is incorrect because a barn is not a unit for measuring energy; it is a unit of area. Choice B, 'Radioactivity,' is incorrect as radioactivity is typically measured in units like becquerels. Choice D, 'Half-life,' is also incorrect as half-life is a measure of the time it takes for half of a substance to decay, not related to the concept of a barn as a unit of nuclear cross-section.