what does the term terminal velocity refer to in physics

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test free science

1. In physics, what does the term 'terminal velocity' refer to?

A. Maximum velocity reached by an object in free fall
B. Velocity when the object is at rest
C. Instantaneous velocity of an object
D. Velocity only reached by heavy objects

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Terminal velocity in physics refers to the maximum velocity achieved by an object in free fall when the force of gravity equals the force of air resistance. At terminal velocity, the object stops accelerating and maintains a constant speed. This occurs when the opposing forces are balanced, leading to no further increase in speed. Choice B is incorrect as velocity when the object is at rest is zero, not at terminal velocity. Choice C is incorrect as instantaneous velocity refers to the velocity at a specific moment in time, not the maximum speed reached in free fall. Choice D is incorrect because terminal velocity is not exclusive to heavy objects; all objects in free fall can reach terminal velocity under the right conditions.

2. Which of the following are the abdominal quadrants?

A. RUQ, RLQ, LLQ, LUQ
B. RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ
C. LUQ, RUQ, LLQ, RLQ
D. LLQ, LUQ, RUQ, RLQ

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ. The four abdominal quadrants are named as follows: Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ), Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ), Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ), and Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ). These quadrants are used in healthcare to describe specific areas of the abdomen during assessments and discussions related to abdominal anatomy and pathology. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the standard order of the abdominal quadrants.

3. What two factors enable some intercellular chemical signals to diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors?

A. They are small and soluble.
B. They are large and soluble.
C. They are small and insoluble.
D. They are large and insoluble.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are small and soluble.' Small and soluble molecules can easily pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors. Being small allows them to pass through the membrane, while being soluble enables them to dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell. Choice B is incorrect because large molecules typically cannot pass through the cell membrane easily. Choices C and D are incorrect because insoluble molecules would not dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell, hindering their ability to bind to intracellular receptors.

4. Which of the following best describes the term homeostasis?

A. The ability to maintain a constant body temperature
B. The ability to maintain a stable internal environment
C. The ability to increase body temperature when cold
D. The ability to regulate blood glucose levels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'The ability to maintain a stable internal environment.' Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to regulate and maintain a stable internal environment, which includes variables like body temperature, pH levels, and fluid balance. It involves processes that help keep the body's internal conditions within a narrow range, despite external changes. While maintaining body temperature is a component of homeostasis, it is not the complete definition of the term. Choice C, 'The ability to increase body temperature when cold,' is incorrect as homeostasis aims to maintain stability rather than promoting temperature increases in response to external conditions. Choice D, 'The ability to regulate blood glucose levels,' is also incorrect as this is a specific function related to glucose homeostasis, which is a part of overall homeostatic processes but not the sole definition of homeostasis itself.

5. What is the role of the diaphragm in respiration?

A. To regulate air pressure in the lungs
B. To contract and expand the lungs
C. To store oxygen
D. To break down carbon dioxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in respiration by contracting and expanding the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to expand. This expansion leads to a decrease in pressure inside the lungs, causing air to rush in. When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves back up, decreasing the space in the chest cavity and causing the lungs to deflate. This action increases the pressure in the lungs, leading to air being pushed out. Therefore, the diaphragm's main function is to facilitate the inhalation and exhalation of air by contracting and expanding the lungs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the diaphragm's primary function is not to regulate air pressure in the lungs, store oxygen, or break down carbon dioxide. Instead, its main purpose is to aid in the mechanical process of breathing.