Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Optical fibers can transmit light signals around bends primarily due to refraction. Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, such as from air to glass in an optical fiber. This bending allows the light signals to travel through the fiber even around bends, making optical fibers an efficient means of transmitting light signals over long distances. Reflection (Choice A) occurs when light bounces off a surface, which is not the primary mechanism allowing light to travel around bends in optical fibers. Diffraction (Choice C) refers to the bending of light waves around obstacles or openings, but it is not the main reason light signals can traverse bends in optical fibers. Polarization (Choice D) is the orientation of light waves in a specific plane, but it does not play a significant role in enabling light to navigate bends in optical fibers.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The wavelength of a wave represents the distance between two successive identical points on a wave, such as two crests or two troughs. It is typically measured in meters and is a fundamental characteristic of a wave, influencing its properties and behavior. Wavelength is crucial in wave physics, affecting phenomena like interference, diffraction, and the wave's speed in a medium. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position, frequency is the number of complete oscillations a wave makes in a given time, and period is the time it takes for a wave to complete one full cycle. These properties are different from wavelength and serve distinct purposes in describing waves.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Keratin is the correct answer as it is the hard, protective protein that comprises hair and nails. Collagen is a different type of protein found in connective tissues, providing structure and support. Elastin imparts elasticity to tissues, allowing them to stretch and recoil. Fibrin is a protein involved in the blood clotting process and is not related to the structure of hair and nails. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect in the context of the question.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Sodium chloride (table salt) is typically a good conductor of electricity when dissolved in water because it dissociates into ions (sodium cations and chloride anions) that can carry an electric current. Sugar (choice A), olive oil (choice C), and oxygen gas (choice D) do not dissociate into ions in water and therefore are not good conductors of electricity. Sugar does not dissociate into ions in water, so it cannot conduct electricity. Olive oil and oxygen gas are nonpolar substances and do not ionize in water, making them poor conductors of electricity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Thermal energy is the correct answer as it is associated with the random motion of particles in a substance. When particles move randomly, they generate heat energy, which is a form of thermal energy. Potential energy is stored energy that can be converted into other forms when released, such as kinetic energy. Mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energy in an object, which is not directly related to the random motion of particles. Chemical energy is energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds and is not specifically related to the motion of particles.