what is the purpose of a catalyst

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. What is the purpose of a catalyst?

A. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the activation energy
B. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the temperature
C. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy
D. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of a catalyst is to increase a reaction's rate by decreasing the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly without being consumed in the process. The catalyst provides an alternate mechanism with a lower activation energy, making it easier for the reactants to convert into products. Choice A is incorrect because a catalyst lowers, not increases, the activation energy. Choice B is incorrect because a catalyst does not affect the temperature directly but provides an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur more easily. Choice D is incorrect because a catalyst does not lower the temperature but facilitates the reaction by lowering the activation energy barrier. Therefore, the correct answer is C, 'To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy.'

2. Which of the following structures is responsible for gas exchange in the lungs?

A. Bronchi
B. Alveoli
C. Trachea
D. Diaphragm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the blood vessels surrounding the alveoli, while carbon dioxide from the blood is released into the alveoli to be exhaled. The bronchi are air passages that carry air into the lungs but do not participate in gas exchange. The trachea is the windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi and serves as an airway for breathing. The diaphragm is a muscle that aids in the breathing process by contracting and relaxing to change the volume of the chest cavity.

3. Which of the following is a unit of measurement for energy?

A. Watt (W)
B. Joule (J)
C. Newton (N)
D. Kilogram (kg)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The unit of measurement for energy is the Joule (J). Energy is defined as the capacity to do work or produce heat, and the Joule is the standard unit used to measure energy in the International System of Units (SI). A Watt (A) is a unit of power, measured in joules per second, Newton (C) is a unit of force, and Kilogram (D) is a unit of mass. The Joule (J) is the appropriate unit for quantifying energy, making it the correct answer in this context.

4. Which of the following best describes the process of osmosis?

A. Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient
B. Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane
C. Movement of water and solutes together
D. Movement of large molecules through a membrane

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Osmosis is the process where water moves across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. Choice A is incorrect because osmosis does not involve movement against the concentration gradient. Choice C is incorrect because osmosis primarily involves the movement of water, not water and solutes together. Choice D is incorrect as osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, not large molecules, through a membrane.

5. Water is capable of dissolving many substances that organisms need to carry out life functions. Which of the properties of water listed below is responsible for its ability to dissolve important nutrients like ionic salt compounds?

A. adhesion
B. cohesion
C. high specific heat
D. high polarity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The property of water that is responsible for its ability to dissolve important nutrients like ionic salt compounds is its high polarity. Water is a polar molecule with a positive and negative end, which allows it to attract and surround individual ions from salt compounds, causing them to dissociate and dissolve in water. This property makes water an excellent solvent for various substances necessary for life functions. Adhesion refers to the ability of water molecules to stick to other substances, cohesion is the attraction between water molecules themselves, and high specific heat is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of water. While these properties are important characteristics of water, they are not directly responsible for its ability to dissolve ionic salt compounds.