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 would be an appropriate control variable for this experiment?

A. The period
B. The length of the string
C. The mass of the ball
D. The color of the ball

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The mass of the ball would be an appropriate control variable for this experiment. By keeping the mass constant, you can ensure that any observed effects are not due to variations in mass but rather to the manipulated independent variable. Controlling the mass helps isolate and identify the true impact of the independent variable being studied. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The period and length of the string are more likely to be independent variables or factors being manipulated in the experiment. The color of the ball is considered an extraneous variable that is not typically controlled for in this type of experiment.

3. Which of the following types of immunity is provided by the secretion of antibodies by B-cells?

A. Cell-mediated
B. Humoral
C. Innate immunity
D. Phagocytic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Humoral. Humoral immunity involves B-cells secreting antibodies to fight pathogens. In this type of immunity, antibodies circulate in the blood and other body fluids to neutralize pathogens and prevent infections. Cell-mediated immunity, on the other hand, involves the activation of T-cells to directly attack infected or abnormal cells, not the secretion of antibodies. Innate immunity refers to the nonspecific defense mechanisms the body has in place from birth, such as physical barriers and inflammatory responses. Phagocytic immunity is not a recognized type of immunity; phagocytosis is a mechanism used by cells like macrophages to engulf and digest pathogens, but it is not a specific form of immunity like humoral or cell-mediated immunity.

4. Which type of RNA carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes?

A. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
B. Transfer RNA (tRNA)
C. Messenger RNA (mRNA)
D. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: - Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic information from DNA in the cell's nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs. - Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a component of the ribosomes where protein synthesis takes place. - Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis. - Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic material that contains the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. DNA is transcribed into mRNA before being translated into proteins.

5. Which three parts make up the large intestine?

A. Duodenum, ileum, jejunum
B. Cecum, colon, rectum
C. Ileum, jejunum, rectum
D. Colon, cecum, ileum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cecum, colon, rectum. The large intestine is composed of the cecum, colon, and rectum. These parts are responsible for water absorption and feces formation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A contains parts of the small intestine (duodenum, ileum, jejunum), C has a mix of small and large intestine parts, and D includes the small intestine part ileum. Understanding the correct anatomy of the large intestine is essential for distinguishing it from the small intestine.