how does the stability of an atoms nucleus influence its radioactive decay

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

2. Which of the following chambers of the heart receives blood returning from the lungs during pulmonary circulation?

A. left atrium
B. right atrium
C. left ventricle
D. right ventricle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the left atrium. During pulmonary circulation, oxygenated blood returns from the lungs to the heart and enters the left atrium through the pulmonary veins. The left atrium then contracts, pushing this oxygen-rich blood into the left ventricle. The left ventricle subsequently pumps this oxygenated blood out to the rest of the body through the aorta. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, the left ventricle receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium, and the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, respectively.

3. What is the author's likely purpose in writing this passage about Queen Victoria?

A. To persuade the reader to appreciate the accomplishments of Queen Victoria, especially when placed against the failures of her forebears.
B. To introduce the historical impact of the Victorian Era by introducing the queen who gave that era its name.
C. To explain how small events in history led an unlikely princess to become the queen of England.
D. To indicate the role that King George III's many sons played in changing the history of England.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author's likely purpose in writing this passage about Queen Victoria is to explain how small events in history led to an unlikely princess becoming the queen of England. The passage details the series of events that changed the course of British succession and highlights Victoria's unexpected path to the throne. It focuses on the historical process that resulted in her becoming queen, rather than persuading the reader to appreciate her accomplishments, introducing the Victorian Era as a whole, or discussing the role of other historical figures like King George III's sons.

4. Which of the following is an example of a commensal relationship between a microorganism and a human?

A. Salmonella causing food poisoning
B. taphylococcus aureus causing skin infections
C. coli living in the gut
D. Rabies virus causing neurological disease

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A commensal relationship is a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits, while the other is neither harmed nor benefited. In this case, E. coli living in the gut is an example of a commensal relationship because it can benefit from the environment in the gut without causing harm to the human host. Option A, Salmonella causing food poisoning, is an example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host. Option B, Staphylococcus aureus causing skin infections, is also an example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host. Option D, Rabies virus causing neurological disease, is another example of a pathogenic relationship where the microorganism causes harm to the host.

5. Simplify the expression. What is the value of x? (5/4)x = 20

A. 8
B. 16
C. 24
D. 32

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To solve for x, multiply both sides by the reciprocal of 5/4 to isolate x. (4/5)(5/4)x = (4/5)20; x = 16. Therefore, the correct answer is 32. Choice A (8), Choice B (16), and Choice C (24) are incorrect as they do not represent the correct value of x obtained after correctly simplifying the expression.