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. What is hemoglobin?

A. an enzyme
B. a protein
C. a lipid
D. an acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs in the body. It is composed of four protein subunits, each containing a heme group that binds to oxygen molecules. Choice A is incorrect as hemoglobin is not an enzyme, but rather a protein. Choice C is incorrect as hemoglobin is not a lipid, but a protein. Choice D is incorrect as hemoglobin is not an acid, but a protein.

3. What is the pH value of a neutral solution?

A. 0
B. 7
C. 14
D. -7

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, indicating that the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution. A pH ranging from 0 to 6.9 signifies acidity, while a pH from 7.1 to 14 signifies alkalinity. Therefore, a neutral solution has a pH value of 7. Choice A (0) represents a highly acidic solution, Choices C (14) and D (-7) are outside the valid pH range and do not correspond to a neutral solution.

4. Which statement correctly matches the valve with its function in the heart?

A. The aortic valve allows oxygenated blood to flow from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.
B. The mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
C. The pulmonic valve allows deoxygenated blood to flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
D. The tricuspid valve allows deoxygenated blood to flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The aortic valve allows oxygenated blood to flow from the left ventricle to the rest of the body. When the left ventricle contracts, the aortic valve opens to allow blood to be pumped into the aorta, the body's main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not match the described functions of the mitral, pulmonic, and tricuspid valves, respectively. The mitral valve controls the flow of blood between the left atrium and left ventricle, the pulmonic valve regulates the flow of blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, and the tricuspid valve manages the blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle.

5. What is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney?

A. Neuron
B. Nephron
C. Glomerulus
D. Axon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Nephron. The nephron is indeed the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney. It is responsible for filtering blood, regulating electrolytes, maintaining fluid balance, and removing waste products. Choice A, Neuron, is incorrect as neurons are nerve cells, not specific to kidney function. Choice C, Glomerulus, is a component of the nephron but not the entire functional unit. Choice D, Axon, is a part of nerve cells and is not related to kidney structure or function.