what is the atomic number of an element

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 science review

1. What is the atomic number of an element?

A. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
B. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
C. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.
D. The number of isotopes of an element.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. This number is crucial as it determines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table. Option B is incorrect because the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes but is not the atomic number. Option C is incorrect as the number of electrons in an atom's valence shell can vary based on the element's charge, not defining the atomic number. Option D is also incorrect because the number of isotopes is not the atomic number of an element.

2. What is the function of the pharynx?

A. Allow food and air to pass into the body
B. Warm and moisten air during inhalation
C. Create a chest cavity at the base of the lungs
D. Provide structural support to the alveolar region

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Allow food and air to pass into the body.' The pharynx serves as a common pathway for both food and air. It connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus, enabling the passage of both food and air into their respective pathways. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the function of the pharynx. Option B is incorrect because the warming and moistening of air primarily occur in the nasal cavity and not in the pharynx. Option C is incorrect as the creation of a chest cavity is mainly related to the thoracic cavity, not the pharynx. Option D is also incorrect as the structural support to the alveolar region is provided by other structures like the alveoli and surrounding tissues, not the pharynx.

3. Which of the following substances is an example of an acidic gas?

A. Nitrogen (N₂)
B. Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
C. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
D. Oxygen (O₂)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Sulfur dioxide is an acidic gas because when dissolved in water, it forms sulfurous acid, which imparts acidic properties. Nitrogen (N₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and oxygen (O₂) are not considered acidic gases. Nitrogen is a neutral gas, carbon dioxide forms a weakly acidic solution when dissolved in water, and oxygen is a neutral gas.

4. Which of the following is used to record the measurable electrical activity of the brain?

A. CAT scan
B. MRI scan
C. Electroencephalogram (EEG)
D. X-ray

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is an Electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG is specifically designed to record the measurable electrical activity of the brain. It does so by using small, flat metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp to detect brain activity. This test is crucial in diagnosing various conditions like seizures, epilepsy, head injuries, dizziness, headaches, and brain tumors. The other options, CAT scan, MRI scan, and X-ray, are imaging techniques that do not directly measure the brain's electrical activity. CAT scan and MRI scan provide detailed images of the brain's structure, while X-ray is more suited for visualizing bone structures or dense tissues.

5. Which of the following structures helps filter pathogens from the blood?

A. Lymph nodes
B. Kidneys
C. Spleen
D. Pancreas

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The spleen is the correct answer. The spleen is a vital organ in the immune system responsible for filtering pathogens from the blood. It contains specialized immune cells that aid in recognizing and eliminating harmful substances. Additionally, the spleen plays a role in recycling old red blood cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Lymph nodes primarily filter lymph fluid, not blood. Kidneys are involved in filtering waste and regulating fluid balance, not specifically filtering pathogens from the blood. The pancreas functions in hormone regulation and digestion, unrelated to filtering pathogens from the blood.