which type of waves do not require a medium for propagation

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. Which type of waves do not require a medium for propagation?

A. Transverse waves
B. Longitudinal waves
C. Electromagnetic waves
D. Surface waves

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for propagation as they consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that can travel through a vacuum. This property allows electromagnetic waves, such as light, radio waves, and X-rays, to propagate through space. In contrast, transverse and longitudinal waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) for propagation. Transverse waves have vibrations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, while longitudinal waves have vibrations parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Surface waves, which are a combination of transverse and longitudinal waves, also need a medium for propagation. Understanding the distinction between these wave types is essential in various fields, including physics and communication technologies.

2. What is the process by which a solid changes directly into a liquid?

A. Melting
B. Condensation
C. Sublimation
D. Deposition

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Melting. Melting is the process through which a solid substance changes directly into a liquid. Choice B, Condensation, is the transition from gas to liquid. Choice C, Sublimation, refers to the direct change from solid to gas. Choice D, Deposition, is the direct transition from gas to solid, not from solid to liquid as in the question.

3. What does potency refer to in regards to cells?

A. The cell's ability to survive
B. The cell's ability to move
C. The cell's ability to divide rapidly
D. The cell's ability to differentiate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Potency refers to a cell's potential to differentiate into different cell types. It is not related to the cell's ability to survive (Choice A), move (Choice B), or divide rapidly (Choice C). Stem cells, for example, exhibit varying degrees of potency based on their capacity to give rise to various cell types. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it accurately defines the concept of potency in cells.

4. How does electron configuration relate to the periodic table?

A. Elements within the same period have identical electron configurations.
B. Elements within the same group share similar electron configurations in their outermost shell.
C. Electron configuration determines an element's position on the periodic table.
D. An element's group on the periodic table is determined by the number of electron shells it possesses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elements within the same group share similar electron configurations in their outermost shell. The periodic table is organized based on the number of electrons in the outermost energy level, known as valence electrons, which significantly influence an element's chemical properties. Elements within the same group have the same number of valence electrons, leading to comparable chemical behaviors. Choices A and D are incorrect because elements within the same period, not group, have identical electron configurations, and an element's group is primarily determined by the number of valence electrons and not the number of electron shells. Choice C is incorrect because while electron configuration is crucial for understanding an element's properties, it is not the sole factor determining its position on the periodic table.

5. What is the general formula for an alkyl halide?

A. CₙH₂ₙ
B. CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
C. CₙH₂ₙ₊₁X
D. CₙH₂ₙO

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is option C, 'CₙH₂ₙ₊₁X.' This is the general formula for an alkyl halide, where X represents a halogen atom (such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine), and the hydrocarbon chain is represented by CₙH₂ₙ₊₁. Option A, 'CₙH₂ₙ,' is incorrect because it does not account for the presence of a halogen atom. Option B, 'CₙH₂ₙ₊₂,' is incorrect as it represents an alkene, not an alkyl halide. Option D, 'CₙH₂ₙO,' is also incorrect as it suggests the presence of oxygen, which is not characteristic of alkyl halides.