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 is the space between the lungs?

A. Mediastinum
B. Pericardial cavity
C. Pleural cavity
D. Thoracic space

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, mediastinum. The mediastinum is the space between the lungs in the chest that contains the heart, major blood vessels, esophagus, trachea, and other structures. This area separates the lungs into right and left cavities. Choice B, pericardial cavity, is incorrect as it refers to the space that surrounds the heart. Choice C, pleural cavity, is not the correct answer as it is the space between the layers of the pleura surrounding each lung. Choice D, thoracic space, is a vague term and not specific to the space between the lungs.

3. During swallowing, what is the role of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located near the base of the tongue?

A. Initiates the swallowing reflex
B. Grinds food into smaller pieces
C. Covers the trachea to prevent food aspiration
D. Stores saliva for lubrication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis plays a crucial role during swallowing by covering the trachea to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway, which could lead to aspiration. By acting as a lid over the trachea, it ensures that food passes down the esophagus to the stomach, preventing it from entering the lungs. Choice A is incorrect as the swallowing reflex is a coordinated muscular action involving the tongue and throat muscles. Choice B is incorrect as grinding food into smaller pieces is primarily the function of the teeth and the initial stages of digestion. Choice D is incorrect as the storage of saliva for lubrication is not a function of the epiglottis, but rather involves salivary glands.

4. What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?

A. Transcribes DNA into mRNA
B. Decodes the genetic code on mRNA
C. Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes
D. Modifies the structure of proteins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Transcribes DNA into mRNA: This is the function of RNA polymerase, not transfer RNA (tRNA). tRNA is involved in protein synthesis, not transcription. B) Decodes the genetic code on mRNA: This is the function of tRNA during translation. tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids and recognize the codons on mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. C) Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes: This is the primary role of tRNA in protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule is specific for a particular amino acid and carries it to the ribosome, where it is added to the growing protein chain. D) Modifies the structure of proteins: This is not a function of tRNA. Protein modification can occur after translation is complete and involves other cellular processes and molecules.

5. What type of lens is thinner at the center than at the edges and causes light rays to diverge?

A. Convex lens
B. Concave lens
C. Diverging lens
D. Plano-convex lens

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A concave lens is thinner at the center than at the edges, causing light rays to diverge when passing through it. This type of lens is also known as a diverging lens because it causes light rays to spread out. Concave lenses are used in various optical devices to correct vision problems and in scientific instruments to diverge light rays for specific purposes. The other choices are incorrect. A convex lens is thicker at the center and converges light rays, while a plano-convex lens has one flat surface and one convex surface, converging light. Diverging lens is a general term that can refer to concave or plano-concave lenses, but in this context, the specific type being referred to is a concave lens.