what is the purpose of a catalyst

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. What is the purpose of a catalyst?

A. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the activation energy
B. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the temperature
C. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy
D. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of a catalyst is to increase a reaction's rate by decreasing the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly without being consumed in the process. The catalyst provides an alternate mechanism with a lower activation energy, making it easier for the reactants to convert into products. Choice A is incorrect because a catalyst lowers, not increases, the activation energy. Choice B is incorrect because a catalyst does not affect the temperature directly but provides an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur more easily. Choice D is incorrect because a catalyst does not lower the temperature but facilitates the reaction by lowering the activation energy barrier. Therefore, the correct answer is C, 'To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy.'

2. What is the formula to calculate work?

A. Work = Force × Distance
B. Work = Mass × Velocity
C. Work = Power × Time
D. Work = Energy ÷ Time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Work is defined as the product of the force applied to an object and the distance over which the force is applied. The formula to calculate work is represented by Work = Force × Distance, where force is the applied force on an object and distance is the displacement over which the force is applied. Therefore, the correct formula to calculate work is Work = Force × Distance. Choice B, 'Work = Mass × Velocity,' is incorrect because work involves force and distance, not mass and velocity. Choice C, 'Work = Power × Time,' is incorrect because work is not directly calculated using power and time. Choice D, 'Work = Energy ÷ Time,' is incorrect because work is not typically calculated by dividing energy by time; rather, it involves the product of force and distance.

3. Which of the following describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A. Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells don't.
B. Eukaryotic cells are simpler in structure than prokaryotic cells.
C. Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells don't.
D. Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells lack these.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus that contains the genetic material, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus. Eukaryotic cells also have membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which are absent in prokaryotic cells.

4. Which of the following is considered an extensive property?

A. Weight
B. Density
C. Conductivity
D. Malleability

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weight is correctly identified as an extensive property. Extensive properties are dependent on the amount of the substance present. Weight is directly proportional to the quantity of the substance, making it an extensive property. In contrast, density, conductivity, and malleability are intensive properties, which remain constant regardless of the amount of substance. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Weight' as it changes with the quantity of the substance, aligning with the definition of an extensive property.

5. What type of joint is found at the shoulder and hip, allowing for a wide range of motion?

A. Hinge joint
B. Ball-and-socket joint
C. Pivot joint
D. Saddle joint

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ball-and-socket joint. A ball-and-socket joint, like the ones found at the shoulder and hip, allows for a wide range of motion. These joints provide multidirectional movement due to the rounded end of one bone fitting into the cup-like socket of another bone, enabling flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. Choice A, Hinge joint, is incorrect because hinge joints allow movement in one plane, like a door hinge, and do not provide the wide range of motion seen at the shoulder and hip. Choice C, Pivot joint, is incorrect because pivot joints allow rotation around a single axis, such as the neck, and do not provide the same range of motion as ball-and-socket joints. Choice D, Saddle joint, is incorrect as saddle joints allow movement in multiple directions but are not as versatile or allow as wide a range of motion as ball-and-socket joints.