TEAS 7 practice test science

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: As an object falls freely near the Earth's surface, its potential energy decreases. This decrease occurs because the gravitational potential energy is being converted into kinetic energy as the object accelerates due to gravity. According to the law of conservation of energy, the total mechanical energy (the sum of potential and kinetic energy) remains constant in the absence of non-conservative forces like air resistance. Choice B ('Potential energy increases') is incorrect because the object's potential energy is being converted into kinetic energy, leading to a decrease. Choice C ('Potential energy remains constant') is incorrect as the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy results in a decrease in potential energy. Choice D ('Potential energy becomes zero') is incorrect because potential energy is not reduced to zero but is transformed into kinetic energy as the object falls.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An increase in surface area typically increases the force of friction between two surfaces. This is because with a larger surface area in contact, there are more points of contact between the surfaces, leading to a greater frictional force resisting motion. As a result, the correct answer is that an increase in surface area increases the force of friction between two surfaces. Choice B is incorrect because a greater surface area increases the frictional force. Choice C is incorrect because an increase in surface area results in more contact points and greater friction. Choice D is incorrect as the relationship between surface area and friction is predictable - an increase in surface area generally leads to an increase in frictional force.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Elements in Group 18 (Noble gases) are generally unreactive because their outermost electron shells are completely filled. This results in high stability and low reactivity since they have achieved a full valence shell configuration, making them less likely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other atoms. The full valence shell configuration leads to a minimal tendency for these elements to form chemical bonds, hence exhibiting low reactivity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because high atomic masses, lack of valence electrons, and existing as single atoms do not directly contribute to the unreactivity of noble gases. It is the full valence shell configuration that is the primary reason for their inert nature.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This law emphasizes that forces always exist in pairs. When one object exerts a force on a second object (action), the second object exerts an equal force in the opposite direction back on the first object (reaction). This principle is crucial in understanding the interactions between objects and the resulting motion observed in the physical world. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while force is involved, the specific concept highlighted by Newton's third law is the equal and opposite reaction. Acceleration and momentum are also related to motion but are not directly tied to Newton's third law of motion, which focuses on the equality and oppositeness of forces in interactions.