TEAS Physics: Key Concepts for Exam Success

ATI TEAS 7

Physics

1. Photons, the basic unit of light, are:

A. Charged particles
B. Packets of energy with wave-particle duality
C. Electromagnetic waves only
D. Always absorbed by matter

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Packets of energy with wave-particle duality. Photons are the smallest discrete amount of electromagnetic radiation and exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. While photons do not have a charge, they do carry energy and momentum. This dual nature of photons is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics. Photons can travel as both waves and particles, and their behavior is described by the wave-particle duality principle. Therefore, option B accurately describes the nature of photons as packets of energy with wave-particle duality.

2. What is the scientific term for a broken bone?

A. Osteoporosis
B. Fracture
C. Sprain
D. Dislocation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Fracture.' A fracture is the scientific term used to describe a broken bone. Osteoporosis (A) is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. A sprain (C) is an injury to a ligament, not a bone. A dislocation (D) occurs when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal position, but it is not the term for a broken bone.

3. Reactions requiring light energy to proceed are classified as:

A. Combustion reactions
B. Endothermic reactions
C. Photochemical reactions
D. Double displacement reactions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Photochemical reactions." Photochemical reactions are a type of chemical reaction that requires light energy to proceed. During a photochemical reaction, light energy is absorbed by a substance, leading to changes in its chemical structure or properties. This process is different from combustion reactions (A), which involve the rapid combination of a fuel with oxygen to release heat and light energy. Endothermic reactions (B) absorb heat energy, not light energy, to proceed. Double displacement reactions (D) involve the exchange of ions between reactants, but do not specifically require light energy to occur. Therefore, the most appropriate classification for reactions requiring light energy is photochemical reactions.

4. Nuclear binding energy represents the energy required to:

A. Separate an electron from its atom
B. Separate protons and neutrons within a nucleus
C. Cause nuclear fission
D. Induce nuclear fusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to hold the protons and neutrons within a nucleus together. This energy is necessary to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons in the nucleus. Option A, separating an electron from its atom, is related to ionization energy, not nuclear binding energy. Option C, causing nuclear fission, involves splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy but not directly related to the binding energy. Option D, inducing nuclear fusion, involves combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, also not directly related to the energy required to hold protons and neutrons together within a nucleus.

5. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets and destroys which type of immune cell?

A. Neutrophils
B. Macrophages
C. Helper T cells
D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Helper T cells. HIV targets and destroys Helper T cells, which are a crucial component of the immune system responsible for coordinating the immune response. Neutrophils and macrophages are also important immune cells, but they are not the primary target of HIV. Memory B cells are responsible for mounting a rapid response upon re-exposure to a pathogen but are not the main target of HIV. Thus, HIV primarily affects Helper T cells, leading to the weakening of the immune system and the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).