what is the primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. What is the primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system?

A. Filtration of air
B. Production of mucus
C. Prevention of food entering the trachea
D. Oxygen exchange in the alveoli

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system is to prevent food from entering the trachea. During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the opening of the trachea, guiding food down the esophagus to the stomach and preventing it from entering the airway. This mechanism safeguards the respiratory system from foreign objects, ensuring proper air passage and avoiding potential choking hazards. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A) Filtration of air is mainly performed by the nasal hairs and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. B) Production of mucus is primarily carried out by the mucous glands in the respiratory system to trap particles and humidify the air. D) Oxygen exchange in the alveoli occurs in the lungs and is related to the process of respiration, not the function of the epiglottis.

2. Which element is used in fertilizers due to its role in plant cell division and growth?

A. Potassium
B. Phosphorus
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phosphorus is the correct answer. It is used in fertilizers due to its essential role in plant cell division and growth. Phosphorus is a key component of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, which are essential for cell division and growth in plants. Potassium (Choice A) is important for overall plant health and functions like enzyme activation, but it is not specifically known for its role in cell division and growth. Calcium (Choice C) is crucial for cell wall structure and stability but not primarily for cell division. Magnesium (Choice D) is essential for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, but it is not directly linked to plant cell division and growth.

3. What phenomenon occurs when two identical waves are perfectly aligned and reinforce each other?

A. Refraction
B. Reflection
C. Diffraction
D. Constructive interference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Constructive interference occurs when two identical waves are perfectly aligned and reinforce each other. This results in an increase in the overall amplitude of the wave. Refraction refers to the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another, reflection is the bouncing back of waves when they encounter a boundary, and diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and openings. In this scenario, the waves are not changing direction or bending but rather combining to produce a wave with a larger amplitude, which is characteristic of constructive interference.

4. What is the acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface?

A. 9.8 meters per second squared (m/s²)
B. 6.3 meters per second squared (m/s²)
C. 5.0 meters per second squared (m/s²)
D. 12.5 meters per second squared (m/s²)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface is approximately 9.8 m/s². This value is commonly used in physics calculations and represents the rate at which an object accelerates towards the Earth when in free fall. The acceleration due to gravity is a constant value near the Earth's surface and affects the motion of all objects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the standard value of 9.8 m/s². Understanding the correct value of acceleration due to gravity is fundamental in physics as it helps in solving various problems related to motion, forces, and energy.

5. If the mass of an object remains constant and its velocity doubles, how does its momentum change?

A. Momentum doubles
B. Momentum halves
C. Momentum quadruples
D. Momentum remains the same

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Momentum is calculated as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. When the mass remains constant and the velocity doubles, the momentum will increase by a factor of 2 (doubling) due to the increase in velocity. Therefore, the momentum will quadruple (2 x 2 = 4) when the velocity doubles. This relationship between momentum and velocity showcases the direct proportionality of momentum to velocity, given a constant mass. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Momentum does not simply double or halve when the velocity doubles; it quadruples as it is directly proportional to the velocity. Hence, the correct answer is C, where momentum quadruples in this scenario.