Which of the following is NOT an example of an intermolecular force?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ionic bonding is not considered an intermolecular force but an intramolecular force. Intermolecular forces occur between different molecules, while intramolecular forces act within a molecule. Hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces are intermolecular forces. Hydrogen bonding involves a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom, dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules, and London dispersion forces are temporary attractions between nonpolar molecules.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The gravitational force from the Earth is responsible for keeping the satellite in its circular orbit. This force provides the necessary centripetal force required to maintain the circular motion of the satellite. The gravitational force acts as the centripetal force, pulling the satellite towards the center of the Earth, thereby keeping it in its circular path. Choices B, C, and D do not provide the necessary force to keep the satellite in its circular path. Thrust from the satellite's engine would change the speed or direction of the satellite, not maintain its circular path. Friction between the satellite and the atmosphere would act as a resistive force, slowing down the satellite rather than maintaining its orbit. The normal force from the Earth's surface is perpendicular to the surface and does not contribute to the circular motion of the satellite. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as the gravitational force acts as the centripetal force to keep the satellite in its circular path around the Earth.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Friction between the tires and the road. When a car travels along a curved road, the friction between the tires of the car and the road provides the necessary centripetal force required to keep the car moving in the curved path. This friction allows the tires to grip the road and prevent the car from sliding off the curve due to inertia or momentum. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because gravitational force, normal force from the road, and air resistance do not play a significant role in keeping a car moving along a curved road. While these forces may have other effects on the car's motion, they are not the primary force responsible for maintaining the car's trajectory along a curve.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A) Punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by long periods of stability, rather than gradual change over time in response to environmental pressures. B) Gradualism is the process by which species evolve through slow and continuous changes over time in response to environmental pressures. This gradual change can lead to the development of new traits and adaptations. C) Founder effect is a type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation compared to the original population. It does not specifically describe the gradual change in a species over time. D) Adaptive radiation is the rapid diversification of a species into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, but it does not specifically refer to the gradual change in response to environmental pressures. Therefore, the term that best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures is 'Gradualism.'

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Biogeography is the scientific discipline that focuses on studying the geographical distribution of organisms and the factors that influence their patterns of distribution. This field investigates the reasons behind why species are located where they are, taking into account historical events, ecological interactions, and physical geography. Paleontology (option A) specifically deals with the study of fossils and the history of life on Earth, mainly focusing on extinct organisms. Taxonomy (option B) is the science that involves classifying and naming organisms based on their characteristics. Population genetics (option D) is concerned with the study of genetic variation and evolutionary processes within populations of organisms. Therefore, in the context of studying the distribution of organisms across space and time, biogeography is the most appropriate choice.