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. Which valve prevents backflow into the atrium when the ventricles contract?

A. Pulmonary valve
B. Tricuspid valve
C. Mitral valve
D. Aortic valve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The tricuspid valve (right atrioventricular valve) prevents backflow into the right atrium when the right ventricle contracts. This valve ensures that blood flows in the correct direction, preventing regurgitation into the atrium. The pulmonary valve is responsible for preventing backflow into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery. The mitral valve prevents backflow into the left atrium, and the aortic valve prevents backflow into the left ventricle from the aorta. Therefore, the correct answer is the tricuspid valve as it specifically addresses the scenario of backflow into the atrium during ventricular contraction.

3. What is the formula to calculate kinetic energy?

A. Kinetic Energy = Mass × Velocity
B. Kinetic Energy = Force × Distance
C. Kinetic Energy = Power × Time
D. Kinetic Energy = Potential Energy ÷ Time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The formula to calculate kinetic energy is KE = 0.5 × mass × velocity^2, which can also be written as KE = mass × (velocity)^2. Therefore, the correct formula is Kinetic Energy = Mass × Velocity. Choice B is incorrect because it represents the work formula. Choice C is incorrect as it represents the formula for work done. Choice D is incorrect as it does not accurately represent the formula for calculating kinetic energy.

4. What is the building block of DNA?

A. Amino acid
B. Nucleotide
C. Phosphate group
D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not DNA. - Nucleotide is the correct building block of DNA. A nucleotide consists of a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine). - The option 'C) Phosphate group' is incorrect as it is only part of a nucleotide, not the complete building block of DNA. - Fatty acids are not the building blocks of DNA; they are a type of lipid molecule.

5. What property of a substance measures the amount of matter per unit volume?

A. Mass
B. Weight
C. Density
D. Volume

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Density is the property of a substance that measures the amount of matter per unit volume. It is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, and volume is the amount of space an object occupies. Therefore, in this context, density is the correct answer as it specifically relates to the concentration of matter within a given volume.