TEAS 7 science practice

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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a car is traveling at a constant speed on a straight road, it indicates that the forces acting on the car are balanced. In this scenario, there is no acceleration or deceleration, meaning the net force on the car is zero. If there was a net force present, it would cause the car to either accelerate or decelerate. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in a situation where a car is moving at a constant speed, the forces are balanced, and there is no unbalanced force acting in any specific direction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for propagation as they consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that can travel through a vacuum. This property allows electromagnetic waves, such as light, radio waves, and X-rays, to propagate through space. In contrast, transverse and longitudinal waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) for propagation. Transverse waves have vibrations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, while longitudinal waves have vibrations parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Surface waves, which are a combination of transverse and longitudinal waves, also need a medium for propagation. Understanding the distinction between these wave types is essential in various fields, including physics and communication technologies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Inertia is the resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion. The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia because it requires more force to change its state of motion. This concept aligns with Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue in motion with the same speed and direction unless acted upon by an external force. Therefore, higher mass increases inertia, making it more difficult to alter the object's state of motion. Choice A is incorrect as mass does impact inertia. Choice C is incorrect as higher mass actually increases inertia, not decreases it. Choice D is incorrect as while mass does affect gravitational force, it also directly impacts inertia.