what does the term solute refer to in a solution

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice questions

1. What does the term 'solute' refer to in a solution?

A. The substance present in the largest amount
B. The substance that dissolves in the solvent
C. The liquid portion of the solution
D. The temperature at which the solution freezes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a solution, the term 'solute' specifically refers to the substance that dissolves in the solvent to create a solution. The solute is typically present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent. Option B correctly identifies the solute as the substance that undergoes dissolution in the solvent, making it the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is actually describing the solvent, which is the substance present in the largest amount in a solution. Choice C refers to the solvent, not the solute. Choice D is unrelated to the term 'solute' as it describes the colligative property of freezing point depression, not the solute itself.

2. Which of the following is an example of a weak acid?

A. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
B. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
C. Acetic acid (CH3COOH)
D. Nitric acid (HNO3)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Acetic acid (CH3COOH) because it is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H+ ions compared to strong acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3) which completely dissociate in water. Weak acids do not fully ionize in water, leading to a lower concentration of H+ ions in solution. Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid are strong acids that completely dissociate in water, producing a higher concentration of H+ ions. Therefore, they are not examples of weak acids.

3. Which enzyme plays a crucial role in DNA replication during the S phase of interphase?

A. Helicase
B. DNA polymerase
C. Ligase
D. Topoisomerase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the S phase of interphase, DNA replication takes place. DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides in a complementary manner to the template strand. It plays a pivotal role in accurately replicating the entire genome. While helicase unwinds the double-stranded DNA for replication, topoisomerase relieves the tension in the DNA strands, and ligase joins the Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand. However, DNA polymerase directly participates in the synthesis of new DNA strands during replication, making it the correct answer.

4. Identify the INCORRECT function of the liver.

A. Bile production to aid digestion.
B. Synthesis of blood proteins, such as albumin.
C. Storage of glucose for energy regulation.
D. Filtration of waste products from the blood.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Correct - The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. B) Correct - The liver is responsible for synthesizing blood proteins, including albumin, which helps maintain osmotic pressure in the blood. C) Correct - The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen and helps regulate blood sugar levels by releasing glucose when needed. D) Incorrect - The liver does not filter waste products from the blood. Instead, the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them in the form of urine.

5. Which property of matter refers to the amount of space occupied by an object and is measured in cubic units?

A. Mass
B. Density
C. Weight
D. Volume

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Volume is the property of matter that refers to the amount of space occupied by an object. It is measured in cubic units, such as cubic meters or cubic centimeters. Mass, on the other hand, is the amount of matter in an object, weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, and density is the mass per unit volume of a substance. In this question, the key concept is the space occupied by an object, which directly relates to volume, making it the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not specifically pertain to the amount of space occupied by an object.