what is the atomic number

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. What is the atomic number of an atom?

A. The number of protons in an atom
B. The number of neutrons in an atom
C. The number of electrons in an atom
D. The sum of protons and neutrons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The atomic number of an atom is the number of protons in its nucleus. This number uniquely identifies the element, as each element has a distinct number of protons. Neutrons and electrons play roles in the atom's structure and stability, but the atomic number specifically refers to the number of protons. Choice B (The number of neutrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it only represents the number of protons. Choice C (The number of electrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons, which can vary in different atomic configurations. Choice D (The sum of protons and neutrons) is incorrect because it refers to the mass number of an atom, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, not just the protons.

2. Which of the following statements describes a chemical property of water?

A. Water has a pH of 1.
B. A water molecule contains 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.
C. A water molecule contains 2 oxygen atoms and 1 hydrogen atom.
D. The chemical formula for water is HO.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, which is a fundamental chemical property of water. The pH of water is not a property of the water molecule itself but rather a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a different molecule, not water. Choice D provides an incorrect chemical formula for water, which is H2O.

3. What is the name of the curved bone in the back that provides support and attachment for muscles?

A. Sternum
B. Scapula
C. Clavicle
D. Vertebral column

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is the curved bone in the back that provides support and attachment for muscles. It consists of individual vertebrae stacked on top of each other, forming a flexible and protective structure for the spinal cord. The sternum, scapula, and clavicle are bones in the chest and shoulder regions, not in the back where the vertebral column is located. Therefore, the correct answer is the vertebral column (Option D). Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they are bones situated in the chest and shoulder areas, not in the back where the vertebral column is found.

4. How does the structure of centromeres contribute to chromosome movement during mitosis?

A. The centromere provides a binding site for spindle fibers, allowing chromosomes to be attached and manipulated.
B. The centromere serves as a dividing point between sister chromatids, ensuring their separation during anaphase.
C. The centromere maintains chromosome stability by preventing chromosomal breaks and rearrangements.
D. The centromere plays a role in DNA replication, ensuring accurate copying of the genetic material.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) The centromere provides a binding site for spindle fibers, which are microtubules that help move chromosomes during cell division. This attachment allows the chromosomes to be pulled towards opposite poles of the cell during mitosis. Therefore, the structure of centromeres directly contributes to chromosome movement during mitosis by facilitating the attachment and manipulation of chromosomes by the spindle fibers. B) While the centromere does serve as a dividing point between sister chromatids, ensuring their separation during anaphase, this function is more related to the segregation of chromosomes rather than their movement. C) The centromere does play a role in maintaining chromosome stability by ensuring proper chromosome segregation, but it is not primarily responsible for preventing chromosomal breaks and rearrangements. D) The centromere is not directly involved in DNA replication. Its main function is

5. Which of the following statements is true about the dependent variable?

A. A factor that remains constant during the experiment
B. A factor with data typically plotted on the x-axis
C. A factor that is measured during an experiment
D. A factor with data typically plotted on the y-axis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The dependent variable is the factor that is being measured or observed in an experiment. It is the outcome that is affected by changes in the independent variable. In graphical representations, the dependent variable is usually plotted on the y-axis, not the x-axis. Choice A is incorrect because a factor that remains constant is referred to as a constant, not a dependent variable. Choice B is incorrect as the independent variable's data is typically plotted on the x-axis. Choice D is incorrect because the dependent variable's data is usually plotted on the y-axis. Therefore, choice C accurately describes the dependent variable.