Which skin condition is characterized by patches of inflamed, reddened skin and is often triggered by allergens or stress?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Eczema is the correct answer. It presents as patches of inflamed, reddened skin and can be triggered by allergens, stress, or other factors. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is characterized by red, scaly patches rather than inflamed and reddened skin. Acne manifests as pimples and blemishes, not patches of inflamed skin. Vitiligo is characterized by the loss of skin color in patches, which is distinct from the symptoms described in the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for propagation because they consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that can travel through a vacuum. In contrast, transverse and longitudinal waves are mechanical waves that require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) for propagation. Therefore, options A, B, and C are incorrect as they are all types of mechanical waves that necessitate a medium for transmission.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Solid.' Solids have a definite shape and volume, providing them with a strong resistance to changes in shape or size. Liquids and gases do not have a definite shape, making them prone to changing shape or size easily. Plasmas, on the other hand, are ionized gases with high energy levels and lack a definite shape or volume, which does not contribute to resistance against changes in shape or size. Therefore, the properties of solids make them best suited for resisting changes in shape or size compared to liquids, gases, and plasmas.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A polarizing filter only allows light waves with a specific orientation (polarization) to pass through while blocking light waves with different orientations. Therefore, light with the same polarization as the filter will pass through, while light with different polarizations will be blocked. This results in a reduction in intensity for light passing through the polarizing filter. Choice A is incorrect because a polarizing filter selectively filters light based on its polarization. Choice C is incorrect as the intensity of light passing through is determined by its polarization, not solely its intensity. Choice D is incorrect because a polarizing filter affects light based on its polarization, not uniformly reducing the intensity for all light passing through.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Fusion is the process by which lighter nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This process is the source of energy in stars, including our Sun. Fission, the process of splitting heavier nuclei into lighter nuclei, is not correct. Radioactivity involves the emission of particles or radiation from the nucleus of an unstable atom, which is different from fusion. A chain reaction is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction cause further reactions, which is unrelated to fusion.