how do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?

A. Isotopes have no effect on the atomic mass of an element.
B. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly.
C. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to be exactly the same for all isotopes of that element.
D. Isotopes cause the atomic mass of an element to vary greatly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, the presence of isotopes causes the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly. This variation occurs because different isotopes have different masses due to their varying numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass is affected by the abundance of each isotope, leading to a slight fluctuation in the overall atomic mass of the element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do influence the atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses, affecting the overall atomic mass. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes typically do not cause a significant variation in atomic mass, but rather a slight fluctuation.

2. What happens to the kinetic energy of an object when its velocity is doubled?

A. Kinetic energy remains the same
B. Kinetic energy is halved
C. Kinetic energy doubles
D. Kinetic energy quadruples

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of the velocity of an object according to the kinetic energy formula (KE = 0.5 * m * v^2). When the velocity is doubled, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four (2^2), which means it doubles. Therefore, when the velocity of an object is doubled, its kinetic energy also doubles. Choice A is incorrect because kinetic energy is not constant but dependent on velocity. Choice B is incorrect because halving the velocity would result in 1/4 of the original kinetic energy. Choice D is incorrect as quadrupling the kinetic energy would occur if the velocity is squared, not the kinetic energy.

3. What element has the atomic number 17?

A. Chlorine (Cl)
B. Nitrogen (N)
C. Sodium (Na)
D. Fluorine (F)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Chlorine (Cl). The atomic number of an element corresponds to the number of protons in its nucleus. Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, indicating it has 17 protons. Therefore, the element with atomic number 17 is Chlorine (Cl). Choice B, Nitrogen (N), has an atomic number of 7, Choice C, Sodium (Na), has an atomic number of 11, and Choice D, Fluorine (F), has an atomic number of 9. These elements do not match the atomic number 17, making them incorrect choices.

4. Which of the following enzymes is responsible for adding a nucleotide to a growing DNA chain?

A. Helicase
B. Ligase
C. Nuclease
D. Polymerase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Polymerase. Polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain during DNA replication. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix to separate the DNA strands for replication, Ligase joins DNA fragments together by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between them, and Nuclease cuts or degrades DNA strands. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain.

5. 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.