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. What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?

A. Transporting nutrients throughout the body
B. Removing excess fluids and waste products from tissues
C. Producing red blood cells
D. Regulating body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the lymphatic system is to remove excess fluids, waste products, and toxins from tissues. It maintains fluid balance and supports the immune system by transporting lymph, which contains white blood cells, throughout the body. Choice A is incorrect as nutrient transport is primarily handled by the circulatory system. Choice C is incorrect because red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, not the lymphatic system. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of body temperature is mainly controlled by the endocrine system and thermoregulatory mechanisms in the body. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

3. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

4. An FBI agent has spent her career studying individual serial killers. From this data, she creates a theory about the traits of these killers. What type of reasoning has she used?

A. Deductive Reasoning
B. Conductive Reasoning
C. Quantitative Reasoning
D. Inductive Reasoning

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inductive Reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves drawing a general conclusion from specific observations or data, which fits the scenario described where the FBI agent has studied individual serial killers and formulated a theory about their traits based on this specific data. Deductive reasoning (choice A) starts with general information and applies it to a specific case, which is not the case here. Conductive reasoning (choice B) and quantitative reasoning (choice C) are not relevant to the scenario provided.

5. Which structure in the skin is responsible for producing oil that keeps the skin and hair moisturized?

A. Sudoriferous gland
B. Sebaceous gland
C. Hair follicle
D. Melanocyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sebaceous gland. Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing oil (sebum) that keeps the skin and hair moisturized. Sudoriferous glands produce sweat, not oil, and are involved in temperature regulation. Hair follicles are responsible for hair growth and do not produce oil directly. Melanocytes are cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, and are not involved in oil production.