which structure in the lungs is the site of gas exchange

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which structure in the lungs is the site of gas exchange?

A. Trachea
B. Alveoli
C. Bronchioles
D. Diaphragm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide from the blood is released into the alveoli to be exhaled. The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that carries air to and from the lungs, but it is not involved in gas exchange. Bronchioles (Choice C) are small air passages within the lungs that branch off from the bronchi, leading air to the alveoli but not directly involved in gas exchange. The diaphragm (Choice D) is a muscle below the lungs that helps in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity, but it is not the site of gas exchange.

2. An uncharged atom has an electron configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 and a mass number of 14. How many protons does it have?

A. 14
B. 6
C. 8
D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (6 protons). The electron configuration provided corresponds to the element carbon, which has 6 protons. The mass number does not affect the number of protons in an atom, so despite the mass number of 14, the atom still contains 6 protons. Choice A (14) is incorrect because the mass number does not determine the number of protons. Choices C (8) and D (12) are incorrect as they do not match the number of protons in a carbon atom.

3. What is the main function of valence electrons in chemical bonding?

A. They are responsible for holding the nucleus together.
B. They are involved in forming bonds with other atoms.
C. They determine the element's physical properties.
D. They play no role in chemical reactions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom. These electrons are involved in forming bonds with other atoms, which is crucial for chemical bonding. By participating in bonding, valence electrons determine an atom's ability to form compounds and engage in chemical reactions. Therefore, the primary function of valence electrons is to facilitate the formation of bonds between atoms, making option B the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because valence electrons primarily influence chemical bonding by participating in the formation of bonds between atoms, rather than holding the nucleus together, determining physical properties, or having no role in chemical reactions.

4. What is the Aufbau principle?

A. The principle that electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy.
B. The principle that electrons cannot occupy the same orbital with the same spin.
C. The principle that the maximum number of electrons in an orbital is 2n^2, where n is the energy level of the orbital.
D. The principle that the attractive force between an electron and the nucleus is inversely proportional to the distance between them.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Aufbau principle states that electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy. This principle helps to explain the electron configuration of atoms and how electrons are distributed within the energy levels and sublevels of an atom. By following the Aufbau principle, one can determine the electron configuration of an atom by sequentially adding electrons to orbitals in order of their increasing energy levels, starting with the lowest energy level. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same four quantum numbers. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the formula for calculating the maximum number of electrons that can occupy an energy level. Choice D is incorrect as it relates to Coulomb's law, which describes the electrostatic interaction between charged particles.

5. Which of the following organs belongs to the digestive system?

A. Spine
B. Lungs
C. Brain
D. Stomach

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Stomach. The stomach is an organ of the digestive system. Its main function is to break down and digest food, allowing the nutrients to be absorbed into the body. The stomach secretes digestive enzymes and acids to help in the digestion process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as the spine, lungs, and brain are not part of the digestive system. The spine is part of the skeletal system, the lungs belong to the respiratory system, and the brain is part of the nervous system.