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 part of the brain regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst?

A. Cerebellum
B. Hypothalamus
C. Thalamus
D. Medulla oblongata

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a crucial part of the brain that regulates various essential functions to maintain homeostasis. It controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, and plays a key role in the autonomic nervous system. The cerebellum is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, and the medulla oblongata is responsible for vital functions like breathing and heart rate. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not govern the specific functions mentioned in the question.

3. Which statement accurately describes the electron cloud model of the atom?

A. Electrons precisely orbit the nucleus in defined paths.
B. Electrons occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities.
C. Electrons are clustered tightly within the nucleus.
D. Electrons move randomly throughout the entire atom.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The electron cloud model of the atom describes electrons as occupying specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities. This model does not suggest that electrons precisely orbit in defined paths as stated in option A. It acknowledges the wave-like behavior of electrons and their uncertainty in position, which is not accounted for in options C and D. Option C is incorrect as electrons are not clustered tightly within the nucleus but exist in the space surrounding the nucleus. Option D is incorrect as electrons do not move randomly throughout the entire atom but have specific probabilities of being found in different regions based on their energy levels. Therefore, option B is the most accurate description of the electron cloud model of the atom.

4. Which of the following correctly orders the layers of the epidermis from most superficial to deepest?

A. S. spinosum, S. basale, S. corneum, S. granulosum, S. lucidum
B. S. corneum, S. lucidum, S. granulosum, S. spinosum, S. basale
C. S. corneum, S. spinosum, S. basale, S. granulosum, S. lucidum
D. S. basale, S. spinosum, S. granulosum, S. lucidum, S. corneum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order of the layers of the epidermis from most superficial to deepest is: Stratum corneum, Stratum lucidum, Stratum granulosum, Stratum spinosum, Stratum basale. Choice B, 'S. corneum, S. lucidum, S. granulosum, S. spinosum, S. basale,' provides the accurate layering from the outermost to the innermost layer of the epidermis. Choice A is incorrect as it starts with Stratum spinosum, which is not the most superficial layer. Choice C is incorrect as it places Stratum spinosum before Stratum basale. Choice D is incorrect as it starts with Stratum basale, which is the deepest layer of the epidermis.

5. What is the name of a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues?

A. Allergy
B. Autoimmune disease
C. Immunodeficiency
D. Sepsis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy body tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. This results in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes. Allergies, on the other hand, involve an exaggerated immune response to harmless substances like pollen or certain foods. Immunodeficiency refers to a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Sepsis is a severe systemic response to an infection, leading to organ dysfunction and potentially life-threatening complications.