Which of the following is defined as the number of cycles of a wave that move past a fixed observation point per second?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Frequency is defined as the number of cycles of a wave that pass a fixed observation point per second. It is a fundamental characteristic of a wave and is measured in Hertz (Hz). The frequency of a wave determines its pitch in the case of sound waves and its color in the case of light waves. Choice A, 'Wave,' is incorrect because a wave refers to the disturbance or oscillation that travels through a medium. Choice B, 'Wavelength,' is incorrect as it represents the distance between two corresponding points on a wave (e.g., crest to crest). Choice D, 'Wavefunction,' is not the correct answer as it is a mathematical function used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of particles and systems.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Wavefunction. The wavefunction is a mathematical function that gives the amplitude of a wave as a function of position (and sometimes, as a function of time and/or electron spin). It is commonly used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of particles, particularly electrons, in atomic and molecular systems. The wavefunction provides information about the probability of finding a particle in a particular state or position. Wavelength (Choice A), Frequency (Choice B), and Wavenumber (Choice C) are properties of waves, but they do not directly represent the mathematical function that describes the wave's behavior as the wavefunction does.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the periodic table, the elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. This organization is based on the number of protons in the nucleus of each element. It provides a systematic way to classify elements and predict their properties. Knowing the atomic number of an element helps determine its placement in the periodic table and its characteristics. Therefore, the correct answer is the order of increasing atomic number as it is fundamental to the structure and properties of the elements. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Alphabetical order does not reflect any underlying property of the elements, metallic properties vary across the table, and neutron content alone is not the basis for the arrangement in the periodic table.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The statement that a molecule of water contains hydrogen and oxygen in a 1:8 ratio by mass is an example of the law of constant composition. This law states that all samples of a given chemical compound have the same elemental composition. In the case of water (H2O), no matter where you obtain a sample of water, it will always be composed of hydrogen and oxygen in a 1:8 ratio by mass. The law of multiple proportions deals with compounds that can be formed by the combination of elements in different ratios. The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Different isotopes of a particular element contain the same number of protons. Isotopes are defined by the number of neutrons they have, which can vary while the number of protons remains the same. This is because the number of protons in an atom determines its elemental identity. Choice B - Neutrons is incorrect because isotopes can have different numbers of neutrons. Choice C - Protons and neutrons is incorrect because the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes. Choice D - Protons, neutrons, and electrons is incorrect because electrons are not fixed and can vary in an atom, but the number of protons is what defines the element.