what is the difference between alpha decay and beta decay

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What is the difference between alpha decay and beta decay?

A. Both release the same type of particle.
B. Alpha decay releases a helium nucleus, while beta decay releases an electron or positron.
C. Alpha decay is more common than beta decay.
D. They both convert one element into another, but in different ways.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alpha decay involves the release of a helium nucleus, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. In contrast, beta decay releases an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay). This significant distinction in the particles emitted during the decay processes distinguishes alpha decay from beta decay. Choice A is incorrect because alpha and beta decay release different types of particles. Choice C is incorrect as beta decay is more common than alpha decay in many cases. Choice D is incorrect as it does not specifically address the particles released during alpha and beta decay.

2. Which of the following is an example of Mendelian inheritance?

A. Incomplete Dominance
B. Polygenic Alleles
C. Combination Inheritance
D. Recessive Inheritance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Recessive Inheritance.' Mendelian inheritance involves traits controlled by single genes with dominant and recessive alleles. Incomplete dominance (choice A) is a non-Mendelian inheritance pattern where the heterozygous phenotype is a blend of the two homozygous phenotypes. Polygenic alleles (choice B) involve multiple genes contributing to a single trait, not following Mendelian principles. Combination inheritance (choice C) is not a recognized term in genetics and does not describe Mendelian inheritance patterns.

3. What is the cycle of infection?

A. Reservoir host, means of exit, means of transmission, means of entrance, susceptible host
B. Entry point, transmission, replication, exit, susceptible host
C. Susceptible host, replication, transmission, entry, exit
D. Transmission, replication, entry, exit, susceptible host

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Reservoir host, means of exit, means of transmission, means of entrance, susceptible host.' This cycle of infection involves the pathogen starting in a reservoir host, exiting through a means, being transmitted to another host, entering the new host through a means, and ultimately infecting the susceptible host. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the correct sequence of events in the cycle of infection.

4. When a person throws a ball horizontally, what force changes the direction of the ball's motion?

A. The force of throwing
B. Gravitational force
C. Air resistance
D. Normal force from the ground

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a person throws a ball horizontally, the initial force that propels the ball forward is the force of throwing (A). However, the force that changes the direction of the ball's motion is the gravitational force (B). Gravitational force acts vertically downward, causing the ball to follow a curved path. Air resistance (C) and normal force from the ground (D) do not directly change the direction of the ball's motion in this scenario.

5. How many neutrons and electrons could a negative ion of sulfur have?

A. 16 neutrons, 16 electrons
B. 16 neutrons, 17 electrons
C. 17 neutrons, 16 electrons
D. 17 neutrons, 17 electrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A negative ion of sulfur would have 16 protons and 17 electrons since it gains one electron. The number of neutrons in an ion does not change, so the neutrons would remain at 16. Therefore, the correct answer is 16 neutrons and 17 electrons, which corresponds to choice B. Choice A is incorrect as it does not account for the extra electron gained by the negative ion. Choices C and D are incorrect because they propose a change in the number of neutrons, which is not affected by the ionization process.