what is the atomic number

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. What is the atomic number of an atom?

A. The number of protons in an atom
B. The number of neutrons in an atom
C. The number of electrons in an atom
D. The sum of protons and neutrons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The atomic number of an atom is the number of protons in its nucleus. This number uniquely identifies the element, as each element has a distinct number of protons. Neutrons and electrons play roles in the atom's structure and stability, but the atomic number specifically refers to the number of protons. Choice B (The number of neutrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it only represents the number of protons. Choice C (The number of electrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons, which can vary in different atomic configurations. Choice D (The sum of protons and neutrons) is incorrect because it refers to the mass number of an atom, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, not just the protons.

2. Which of the following is part of the cardiovascular system?

A. Blood vessels
B. Brain
C. Kidneys
D. Lungs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Blood vessels are indeed part of the cardiovascular system. They are crucial components that facilitate blood circulation by carrying blood throughout the body. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries), and blood. Blood vessels play a vital role in delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing waste products. The brain, kidneys, and lungs are not part of the cardiovascular system; instead, they belong to other body systems. The brain is part of the nervous system, kidneys are part of the urinary system, and lungs are part of the respiratory system. Therefore, the correct answer is blood vessels (Choice A). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not components of the cardiovascular system but belong to different body systems.

3. What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?

A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

4. Deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen, has a nucleus containing:

A. A single proton
B. A proton and a neutron
C. Two protons and an electron
D. Two neutrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Deuterium, as an isotope of hydrogen, has an atomic number of 1 and a mass number of 2. The nucleus of deuterium contains one proton (as in all hydrogen atoms) and one neutron, totaling 2 nucleons in the nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is that deuterium's nucleus contains a proton and a neutron. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Deuterium is not just a single proton (A), doesn't have two protons and an electron (C), and doesn't contain two neutrons (D). The correct composition of deuterium's nucleus is one proton and one neutron.

5. What determines the magnitude of the frictional force acting on a book sliding across a table?

A. Only the mass of the book
B. Only the normal force from the table
C. Both the mass of the book and the normal force from the table
D. Neither the mass of the book nor the normal force from the table

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The magnitude of the frictional force acting on the book sliding across a table is determined by both the mass of the book and the normal force from the table. Frictional force is proportional to the normal force (which is influenced by the weight of the book, i.e., its mass) and is affected by the surfaces in contact and other friction-related factors. Therefore, both the mass of the book and the normal force from the table are essential in determining the frictional force experienced by the book during its sliding motion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because friction is a result of the interaction between the surfaces and is influenced by both the mass of the object and the normal force acting on it.