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 hormone is produced by the thyroid gland?

A. Insulin
B. Thyroxine
C. Adrenaline
D. Cortisol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroxine. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine, a hormone essential for regulating metabolism. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for the 'fight or flight' response. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex in response to stress, not by the thyroid gland.

3. Which of the following terms refers to the degeneration of nerve tissue?

A. Potentiation
B. Demyelination
C. Reuptake
D. Neurogenesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Demyelination specifically refers to the degeneration of the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers. When demyelination occurs, nerve function and communication can be impaired. Potentiation involves the strengthening of synaptic connections, reuptake is the reabsorption process of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic neuron, and neurogenesis is the generation of new neurons. Therefore, the correct term for the degeneration of nerve tissue among the options provided is demyelination.

4. What is the difference between the atomic number and the mass number of an atom?

A. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
B. The atomic number is the number of electrons in an atom, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
C. The atomic number is the number of neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and electrons in an atom.
D. The atomic number is the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of electrons in an atom.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of an atom represents the number of protons in its nucleus, which defines the element's identity. On the other hand, the mass number corresponds to the total sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the key distinction between the atomic number and the mass number lies in the fact that the atomic number specifically counts the protons, whereas the mass number encompasses both protons and neutrons. Choice B is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons but rather to the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because the atomic number is not the number of neutrons but the number of protons. Choice D is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it is solely the number of protons.

5. Which of the following is responsible for regulating body temperature?

A. Hypothalamus
B. Cerebellum
C. Pituitary gland
D. Thyroid gland

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, and maintaining overall homeostasis in the body. It receives input from temperature receptors in the skin and internal organs and helps initiate responses to maintain a stable internal body temperature. Acting as the body's thermostat, the hypothalamus adjusts responses to ensure the body's temperature remains within a narrow range, despite external conditions. The Cerebellum (Choice B) is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, not regulating body temperature. The Pituitary gland (Choice C) is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that regulate various bodily functions but not directly involved in body temperature regulation. The Thyroid gland (Choice D) plays a role in metabolism and hormone regulation but is not the primary regulator of body temperature.