which of the following is best identified as a hypothesis

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Test Science

1. Which of the following is best identified as a hypothesis?

A. The environmental temperature can affect the growth of a plant's root.
B. Plants need light to grow.
C. A colder environment produces longer roots.
D. Plants need 60 days to grow their roots.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the best example of a hypothesis as it presents a testable statement regarding the impact of environmental temperature on plant root growth. A hypothesis should be specific and capable of being tested through experimentation, which is demonstrated in choice A. Choice B is a general statement rather than a testable hypothesis. Choice C lacks specificity and does not clearly state a cause-and-effect relationship to be tested. Choice D provides a specific time frame but does not address a relationship that can be tested through experimentation, making it less suitable as a hypothesis compared to choice A.

2. What is the principle behind optical fibers used in communication?

A. Reflection of light within the fiber
B. Refraction of light due to different densities within the fiber
C. Total internal reflection guiding light through the fiber core
D. Diffraction of light around bends in the fiber

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Optical fibers used in communication rely on the principle of total internal reflection guiding light through the fiber core. Total internal reflection occurs when light traveling through the core of the fiber is reflected back into the core due to the higher refractive index of the core compared to the cladding. This reflection ensures that the light remains confined within the core and propagates along the fiber without significant loss, allowing for efficient transmission of signals over long distances in optical communication systems. Choice A is incorrect because optical fibers do not primarily rely on simple reflection; instead, they utilize total internal reflection to guide light. Choice B is incorrect as the primary principle is not the refraction of light due to different densities within the fiber, but rather total internal reflection. Choice D is incorrect as diffraction is not the main principle behind optical fibers, which mainly rely on total internal reflection to guide light through the fiber core.

3. How does the Law of Conservation of Mass apply to this reaction: 2Hâ‚‚ + Oâ‚‚ â†’ 2Hâ‚‚O?

A. Electrons are not lost.
B. The hydrogen does not lose mass.
C. New water molecules are formed.
D. There is no decrease or increase in matter.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Law of Conservation of Mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. In the given reaction, 2 moles of hydrogen combine with 1 mole of oxygen to form 2 moles of water. The total mass of the reactants (hydrogen and oxygen) is equal to the total mass of the products (water), meaning there is no decrease or increase in matter. The total mass of the system remains constant, demonstrating the conservation of mass. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the conservation of mass does not specifically relate to electrons, individual elements (like hydrogen), or the formation of new molecules; instead, it focuses on the overall mass of the system before and after the reaction.

4. What does the term 'solute' refer to in a solution?

A. The substance present in the largest amount
B. The substance that dissolves in the solvent
C. The liquid portion of the solution
D. The temperature at which the solution freezes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a solution, the term 'solute' specifically refers to the substance that dissolves in the solvent to create a solution. The solute is typically present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent. Option B correctly identifies the solute as the substance that undergoes dissolution in the solvent, making it the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is actually describing the solvent, which is the substance present in the largest amount in a solution. Choice C refers to the solvent, not the solute. Choice D is unrelated to the term 'solute' as it describes the colligative property of freezing point depression, not the solute itself.

5. What is an isotope? For any given element, it is an atom with which of the following?

A. a different atomic number
B. a different number of protons
C. a different number of electrons
D. a different mass number

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An isotope of an element is an atom with a different number of neutrons, resulting in a different mass number. Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons (which determines the element's identity) but differ in the number of neutrons, leading to variations in mass numbers. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same atomic number. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same number of electrons.