what is the most important reason to formulate a hypothesis before conducting an experiment

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Test

1. Why is it essential to formulate a hypothesis before conducting an experiment?

A. It will increase the investigator's reputation and prestige if their hypothesis is proven correct.
B. The hypothesis helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for.
C. Formulating a hypothesis shows potential sources of funding that the investigator has given some thought to the experiment.
D. The hypothesis directs which results to keep and publish; results that do not match the hypothesis should be discarded.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Formulating a hypothesis before conducting an experiment is crucial because it helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for. A hypothesis serves as a prediction or an educated guess about what might happen in the experiment, providing a clear direction for the research process. It allows the investigator to focus on specific variables and outcomes, making the experiment more organized and effective. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of a hypothesis is not to boost an investigator's reputation but to guide the research. Choice C is incorrect as formulating a hypothesis is not primarily about impressing funders but about setting a clear direction for the study. Choice D is incorrect because the hypothesis is not meant to dictate which results to keep based on preconceived notions but to guide the investigation and allow for unbiased interpretation of results.

2. What is the main function of valence electrons in chemical bonding?

A. They are responsible for holding the nucleus together.
B. They are involved in forming bonds with other atoms.
C. They determine the element's physical properties.
D. They play no role in chemical reactions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom. These electrons are involved in forming bonds with other atoms, which is crucial for chemical bonding. By participating in bonding, valence electrons determine an atom's ability to form compounds and engage in chemical reactions. Therefore, the primary function of valence electrons is to facilitate the formation of bonds between atoms, making option B the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because valence electrons primarily influence chemical bonding by participating in the formation of bonds between atoms, rather than holding the nucleus together, determining physical properties, or having no role in chemical reactions.

3. Antibodies, crucial for immune defense, are produced by:

A. Neutrophils
B. Lymphocytes
C. Monocytes
D. Basophils

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antibodies are produced by a specific type of lymphocyte known as B cells. B cells are a critical component of the adaptive immune system and are responsible for producing antibodies in response to pathogens. Neutrophils, monocytes, and basophils are types of white blood cells that are part of the innate immune response and do not have the function of producing antibodies. Neutrophils are primarily involved in phagocytosis, monocytes differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells for antigen presentation, while basophils are involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

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. How does the acceleration of an object change if the force acting on it is doubled?

A. Acceleration is halved
B. Acceleration doubles
C. Acceleration remains unchanged
D. Acceleration quadruples

Correct answer: B

Rationale: According to Newton's second law of motion, acceleration is directly proportional to the force acting on an object. When the force acting on an object is doubled, the acceleration of the object will also double. This relationship is described by the formula F = ma, where F is the force applied, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration. Therefore, an increase in force will result in a proportional increase in acceleration. Choice A is incorrect because acceleration does not halve but doubles when force doubles. Choice C is incorrect as acceleration changes in direct proportion to force. Choice D is incorrect as acceleration does not quadruple but doubles when force doubles.