what is the difference between alpha decay and beta decay

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What is the difference between alpha decay and beta decay?

A. Both release the same type of particle.
B. Alpha decay releases a helium nucleus, while beta decay releases an electron or positron.
C. Alpha decay is more common than beta decay.
D. They both convert one element into another, but in different ways.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alpha decay involves the release of a helium nucleus, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. In contrast, beta decay releases an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay). This significant distinction in the particles emitted during the decay processes distinguishes alpha decay from beta decay. Choice A is incorrect because alpha and beta decay release different types of particles. Choice C is incorrect as beta decay is more common than alpha decay in many cases. Choice D is incorrect as it does not specifically address the particles released during alpha and beta decay.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of unsaturated fatty acids?

A. They are solid at room temperature.
B. They contain only single bonds.
C. They have a higher melting point.
D. They contain double or triple bonds.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Unsaturated fatty acids are characterized by the presence of double or triple bonds in their carbon chain. These bonds introduce kinks in the chain, preventing tight packing, and resulting in a lower melting point compared to saturated fatty acids. Choice A is incorrect because unsaturated fatty acids are typically liquid at room temperature due to their kinked structure. Choice B is incorrect because unsaturated fatty acids contain double or triple bonds, not only single bonds. Choice C is incorrect as unsaturated fatty acids have a lower melting point compared to saturated fatty acids.

3. Which part of the heart is responsible for generating the QRS complex on an ECG?

A. Sinoatrial node (SA node)
B. Atrioventricular node (AV node)
C. Bundle of His
D. Ventricular muscle cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The QRS complex on an ECG represents ventricular depolarization. This electrical activity is generated by the ventricular muscle cells. While the SA node generates the P wave, the AV node delays the impulse, and the Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers assist in rapidly conducting the impulse through the ventricles, it is the ventricular muscle cells that specifically create the QRS complex. Therefore, choice D, Ventricular muscle cells, is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are primarily involved in initiating and coordinating the electrical impulses in the heart but do not directly generate the QRS complex on an ECG.

4. What are enzymes?

A. Building blocks of muscle
B. Biological catalysts
C. Energy source
D. Antibodies

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts, not building blocks of muscle. They speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. Enzymes are not an energy source or antibodies. They play a crucial role in various biological processes by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, thereby increasing the rate of the reaction.

5. Differentiate between genotype and phenotype in the context of gene expression.

A. Genotype refers to the physical manifestation of a trait, while phenotype represents its underlying genetic makeup.
B. Genotype encompasses the spectrum of possible traits encoded by an organism's genes, while phenotype signifies the specific trait observed.
C. Genotype denotes the presence of dominant alleles, while phenotype reflects the influence of recessive alleles.
D. There is no distinction; both terms are interchangeable.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, including all the genes and alleles it possesses. - Phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the observable physical characteristics or traits of an organism, which result from the interaction between its genotype and the environment. - While genotype represents the genetic potential or range of traits that an organism can express, phenotype reflects the actual expression of specific traits. - Therefore, option B correctly captures the distinction between genotype and phenotype in the context of gene expression.