which of the following is best identified as a hypothesis

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Test Science

1. Which of the following is best identified as a hypothesis?

A. The environmental temperature can affect the growth of a plant's root.
B. Plants need light to grow.
C. A colder environment produces longer roots.
D. Plants need 60 days to grow their roots.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the best example of a hypothesis as it presents a testable statement regarding the impact of environmental temperature on plant root growth. A hypothesis should be specific and capable of being tested through experimentation, which is demonstrated in choice A. Choice B is a general statement rather than a testable hypothesis. Choice C lacks specificity and does not clearly state a cause-and-effect relationship to be tested. Choice D provides a specific time frame but does not address a relationship that can be tested through experimentation, making it less suitable as a hypothesis compared to choice A.

2. In nuclear physics, the term 'magic number' refers to specific numbers of protons or neutrons that contribute to:

A. Increased nuclear instability
B. Enhanced radioactive decay rates
C. Exceptional stability of the nucleus
D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear physics, the term 'magic number' refers to specific numbers of protons or neutrons that lead to exceptional stability of the nucleus. These 'magic numbers' correspond to completely filled nuclear energy levels, resulting in increased stability rather than instability. Choice A, 'Increased nuclear instability,' is incorrect as magic numbers actually contribute to stability. Choice B, 'Enhanced radioactive decay rates,' is also incorrect as magic numbers do not affect decay rates but rather stability. Therefore, the correct answer is choice C, as magic numbers contribute to the exceptional stability of the nucleus.

3. What is the main purpose of biological classification?

A. To create a rigid and unchanging system for labeling organisms
B. To understand the diversity and interconnectedness of life
C. To simplify nature into neat and tidy categories
D. To assign organisms to specific ecological niches

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Biological classification, also known as taxonomy, is the science of categorizing and organizing living organisms based on shared characteristics. The main purpose of biological classification is not to create a rigid and unchanging system (option A) or to simplify nature into neat and tidy categories (option C). Instead, it aims to help us understand the diversity of life on Earth and how different organisms are related to each other. By classifying organisms into groups based on their evolutionary relationships, we can gain insights into the interconnectedness of life and better appreciate the complexity and beauty of the natural world. Assigning organisms to specific ecological niches (option D) is more related to ecological studies rather than biological classification.

4. A ball is thrown upwards. Which of the following statements is TRUE about its potential energy and kinetic energy at the peak of its trajectory?

A. Both potential and kinetic energy are zero.
B. Potential energy is maximum and kinetic energy is minimum.
C. Potential energy is minimum and kinetic energy is maximum.
D. Both potential and kinetic energy remain constant.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: At the peak of its trajectory, the ball momentarily stops moving before falling back down. This means its kinetic energy is at a minimum because it has come to a stop. At the same time, its potential energy is at a maximum because it is at the highest point in its trajectory, where it has the most potential to fall and convert that potential energy into kinetic energy as it descends. Choice A is incorrect because at the peak, the ball still has potential energy due to its height. Choice C is incorrect because kinetic energy is at a minimum when the ball is momentarily at rest. Choice D is incorrect because the energy conversion between potential and kinetic energy occurs at different points in the trajectory.

5. What happens to the force of gravity between two objects when the distance between them is doubled?

A. The force increases by a factor of 2
B. The force increases by a factor of 4
C. The force decreases by a factor of 2
D. The force decreases by a factor of 4

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the law of universal gravitation, the force of gravity between two objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. When the distance is doubled, the force decreases by a factor of 2 squared, which is 4. Therefore, the force decreases by a factor of 4. Choice A is incorrect because the force doesn't increase when the distance is doubled. Choice B is incorrect as the force doesn't increase but actually decreases. Choice C is incorrect as the force decreases by a factor of 4, not 2.