Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid because it completely ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions, leading to a high concentration of H⁺ ions in solution. This characteristic makes it a strong acid. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), citric acid, and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) are weak acids as they only partially ionize in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H⁺ ions compared to strong acids. Therefore, hydrochloric acid is the correct choice as a strong acid.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers. This principle directly influences the structure of the atom by defining the maximum number of electrons allowed in each energy level. As a result, it helps determine the electron configuration and the arrangement of electrons in different orbitals within an atom. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the Pauli exclusion principle's specific impact on the electron distribution within an atom.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Flat bone. The kneecap (patella) is classified as a flat bone. Flat bones are thin, flattened bones that provide protection and offer a broad surface for muscle attachment. The patella fits this description as it is a flat, triangular bone located in front of the knee joint, protecting the knee and providing attachment points for muscles like the quadriceps. Choice A, long bone, is incorrect as long bones are typically found in the arms and legs, not in the knee area. Choice B, short bone, is incorrect as short bones are cube-shaped and are not characteristic of the patella. Choice D, irregular bone, is incorrect as irregular bones have complex shapes and do not apply to the flat, triangular structure of the patella.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Chromatic dispersion in optical fibers refers to the spreading of light pulses due to different colors (wavelengths) traveling at slightly different speeds. This phenomenon can cause the different components of a light pulse to arrive at the receiver at slightly different times, leading to signal distortion. Choice A is incorrect because total internal reflection refers to the phenomenon where light is reflected back into the medium it originated from when hitting the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the principle of light being guided within an optical fiber through total internal reflection at the core-cladding interface. Choice D is incorrect as the absorption of light by the fiber material does not relate to chromatic dispersion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sweat glands play a vital role in regulating body temperature by releasing a watery fluid that evaporates from the skin's surface. This evaporation process helps cool the body down by dissipating heat, which is essential for maintaining a stable internal temperature. Choice A is incorrect because sweat glands do not produce sebum but rather a watery fluid. Choice B is incorrect because sweating itself does not involve the constriction of blood vessels; instead, it promotes heat loss through evaporation. Choice D is incorrect as sweat glands do not thicken the epidermis for insulation but rather facilitate the cooling process through sweat evaporation.