what is the mass number of an element

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. What is the mass 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: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. It specifically focuses on the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which contributes to the overall mass of the atom. Therefore, the mass number is not solely determined by the number of protons, electrons, or isotopes. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to the atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as the number of electrons in the valence shell is related to the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, not the mass number. Choice D is incorrect because the mass number does not represent the number of isotopes of an element, but rather the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Thus, option B, the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, is the correct choice.

2. Following the scientific method, which steps would be done before gathering qualitative data?

A. Communicate with a scientific journal
B. Define the problem
C. Develop a hypothesis
D. Categorize data for statistical analysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the scientific method, defining the problem is typically the initial step. Before gathering qualitative data, it is essential to clearly outline and understand the issue or question being addressed. This step helps in guiding the research process and ensures that the data collected are relevant to the problem at hand. Communicating with a scientific journal (Choice A) is not a standard step in the scientific method; it comes after the research is conducted. Developing a hypothesis (Choice C) usually follows defining the problem and precedes data collection. Categorizing data for statistical analysis (Choice D) occurs after data collection, not before gathering qualitative data.

3. Which element shares the same group (family) on the periodic table with helium (He)?

A. Neon (Ne)
B. Boron (B)
C. Carbon (C)
D. Oxygen (O)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Neon (Ne) shares the same group (family) on the periodic table with helium (He). Both helium and neon belong to Group 18 (Noble Gases) due to their complete and stable outer electron shells, making them chemically inert. Boron (B), Carbon (C), and Oxygen (O) are not in the same group as helium. Boron is in Group 13, Carbon is in Group 14, and Oxygen is in Group 16 on the periodic table.

4. Which term refers to the resistance of a liquid to flow?

A. Density
B. Viscosity
C. Surface tension
D. Boiling point

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Viscosity is the term that refers to the resistance of a liquid to flow. It is a measure of how thick or sticky a fluid is and determines how easily a liquid can flow. Density (A) is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume and is not related to the resistance of a liquid to flow. Surface tension (C) is the property of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force due to the cohesive nature of its molecules, but it is not directly related to the resistance of a liquid to flow. Boiling point (D) is the temperature at which a liquid changes to a vapor and is not a measure of the resistance of a liquid to flow.

5. What phenomenon explains the formation of rainbows in the sky?

A. Diffraction
B. Interference
C. Refraction and dispersion of sunlight by water droplets
D. Reflection from clouds

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rainbows are formed due to the refraction and dispersion of sunlight by water droplets in the atmosphere. When sunlight enters a water droplet, it is refracted, then internally reflected, and finally refracted again as it exits the droplet. This dispersion of light into its component colors creates the beautiful rainbow we see in the sky. Choice A, diffraction, involves bending of light around obstacles or through narrow openings, not the splitting of light into colors as seen in rainbows. Choice B, interference, refers to the phenomenon where two or more light waves overlap and interact, producing a pattern of light and dark bands, which is not the case with rainbows. Choice D, reflection from clouds, does not accurately describe the process involved in the formation of rainbows through refraction and dispersion of light by water droplets.