the force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of air above that surface in the earths atmosphere is the

HESI A2

Biology HESI A2 Practice Test

1. The force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of air above that surface in the Earth's atmosphere is the ______.

A. Atmospheric pressure
B. Barometric density
C. Aneroid pressure
D. Barometric pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atmospheric pressure is the correct term for the force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of air above that surface in the Earth's atmosphere. It is commonly measured in units such as pascals, millibars, or inches of mercury. Barometric density and aneroid pressure are not accurate descriptions for this phenomenon. Barometric density refers to the density of the atmosphere at a particular location, while aneroid pressure is linked to a type of barometer but not a comprehensive term for the force exerted by the weight of air.

2. How many chromosomes do sperm and egg produce in meiosis?

A. 23
B. 46
C. 25
D. 50

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During meiosis, sperm and egg cells produce half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Each contributes 23 chromosomes, which combine to form a zygote with a total of 46 chromosomes. Choice B (46) is incorrect because this is the number of chromosomes produced in mitosis, not meiosis. Choices C (25) and D (50) are also incorrect as they do not align with the chromosome count in sex cells during meiosis.

3. Three students measured the mass of a product of combustion. They recorded measurements of 14 g, 16 g, and 17 g. If the known mass of the product is 30 g, how would you describe the students’ measurements?

A. Accurate
B. Precise
C. Both accurate and precise
D. Neither accurate nor precise

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The students' measurements are precise because they are consistently close to each other. However, they are not accurate because all the measurements deviate from the known mass of the product (30 g). Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value, while precision refers to the level of agreement among repeated measurements. Since the students' measurements are consistent but do not align with the true value, they can be considered precise but not accurate. Choice A is incorrect because accuracy relates to the proximity of the measurements to the true value, which is not the case here. Choice C is incorrect because although the measurements are precise, they are not accurate. Choice D is incorrect because the measurements are precise as they show good agreement with each other, even though they are not accurate.

4. What is DNA made of?

A. Proteins
B. Nucleotides
C. Lipids
D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: B

Rationale: DNA is made up of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of genetic material. Choice A (Proteins) is incorrect because while proteins play a crucial role in the body, they are not the building blocks of DNA. Choice C (Lipids) and Choice D (Carbohydrates) are also incorrect as they are not the primary components of DNA.

5. What is the function of decomposition in the carbon cycle?

A. To produce light energy
B. To convert carbon to fuel
C. To release carbon dioxide
D. To store food for consumers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To release carbon dioxide.' Decomposition in the carbon cycle involves breaking down dead organic matter into simpler substances. During this process, carbon is released in the form of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This release of carbon dioxide is essential for recycling carbon and making it available for use by living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decomposition does not produce light energy, convert carbon to fuel, or store food for consumers; its primary role is to recycle carbon through the release of carbon dioxide.