Which of the following is the smallest part of an element that can still be recognized as that element?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the chemical properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons that orbit the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus defines the atomic number of the element, and the number of neutrons determines the isotope of the element. While electrons, protons, and neutrons are fundamental particles, an atom as a whole is the smallest part of an element that maintains its unique identity. Electrons are negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus, protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus, and neutrons are neutral particles in the nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: Atom.'

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During the S phase of interphase, DNA replication takes place. DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides in a complementary manner to the template strand. It plays a pivotal role in accurately replicating the entire genome. While helicase unwinds the double-stranded DNA for replication, topoisomerase relieves the tension in the DNA strands, and ligase joins the Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand. However, DNA polymerase directly participates in the synthesis of new DNA strands during replication, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Ionic bond. Ionic bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of cations and anions. This transfer leads to the creation of strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions. Covalent bonds, on the other hand, involve the sharing of electrons between atoms to achieve stability. Metallic bonds are formed in metals, where a sea of delocalized electrons surrounds positively charged metal ions, contributing to the metal's properties. Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces that occur between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen, not involving the complete transfer of electrons.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: - The atomic number (Z) of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus. In this case, the element has an atomic number of 11. - The mass number (A) of an element is the sum of its protons and neutrons. Given that the mass number is 23 and the atomic number is 11, we can calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 23 - 11 = 12. - Therefore, the element with atomic number 11 and mass number 23 has 12 neutrons.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.