how does the stability of an atoms nucleus influence its radioactive decay

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

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.

2. Which structure contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell?

A. Cytoplasm
B. Nucleus
C. Cell wall (only present in plant cells)
D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nucleus is the organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell. It acts as the control center of the cell, regulating gene expression and coordinating cellular activities. The cytoplasm is the fluid-filled space within the cell where organelles are suspended, but it does not contain the genetic material. The cell wall is a rigid structure found in plant cells that provides support and protection, but it does not house the DNA. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins for secretion, but it does not contain the genetic material of the cell.

3. What does antidiuretic hormone (ADH) help the kidneys regulate?

A. Acid-base balance
B. Blood pressure
C. Urine output by controlling water reabsorption
D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) helps the kidneys regulate urine output by controlling water reabsorption. ADH acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of water, leading to a decrease in urine output. This helps the body conserve water and maintain proper fluid balance. ADH primarily affects urine output by controlling water reabsorption and does not directly regulate acid-base balance or blood pressure. Therefore, choices A and B are incorrect because ADH does not directly influence acid-base balance or blood pressure.

4. What is the medical term for an ingrown hair?

A. Folliculitis
B. Hirsutism
C. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
D. Alopecia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Folliculitis. Folliculitis is the medical term for the inflammation of hair follicles, which can be caused by ingrown hairs. Hirsutism refers to excessive hair growth, pseudofolliculitis barbae is a condition where shaving causes ingrown hairs, and alopecia is hair loss. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically refer to ingrown hairs.

5. Which of the following correctly lists the normal blood flow through the heart?

A. Left ventricle, left atrium, body, right ventricle, right atrium, lungs
B. Left atrium, left ventricle, lungs, right atrium, right ventricle, body
C. Right atrium, right ventricle, lungs, left atrium, left ventricle, body
D. Right ventricle, right atrium, body, left atrium, left ventricle, lungs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order of normal blood flow through the heart is as follows: from the body, blood flows into the right atrium, then to the right ventricle, followed by the lungs through the pulmonary artery for oxygenation. Oxygenated blood then returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins into the left atrium, then moves into the left ventricle before being pumped out to the body. Choice B correctly depicts this sequential flow of blood through the heart. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not follow the typical path of blood flow through the heart.