A Review Quiz On Natural Science Questions!

Explanation
The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Solids have a definite shape and volume, with particles tightly packed together. Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape, with particles that are close together but can move past each other. Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume, with particles that are far apart and move freely. The fourth option, ether, is not considered a state of matter as it is a chemical compound and not a physical state.

Explanation
Water vapor condenses when the temperature decreases. As temperature decreases, the kinetic energy of water molecules decreases, causing them to slow down and come closer together. This leads to the formation of liquid water droplets, as the water molecules are no longer able to remain in a gaseous state. Therefore, temperature is the property of matter that causes water vapor to condense.

Explanation
When a great force is applied to an object, it tends to move. This is because force is directly proportional to the acceleration of an object, according to Newton's second law of motion. Therefore, when a significant force is exerted on an object, it overcomes any opposing forces (such as friction) and causes the object to move.

Explanation
The first property of matter that can be used to identify a cardinal is its color. Cardinals are known for their bright red plumage, which is distinct and easily recognizable. By observing the color of a bird, particularly if it is predominantly red, one can identify it as a cardinal.

Explanation
Rain, snow, hail, and sleet are all forms of water that fall from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. This process is known as precipitation. During the water cycle, water evaporates from bodies of water, condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds, and then falls back to the Earth as precipitation. Therefore, precipitation is the correct answer as it encompasses all these forms of water that occur during the water cycle.

Explanation
Soil provides essential nutrients for plant growth. These nutrients include sodium, calcium, and minerals. Without these nutrients, plants would not be able to grow and thrive. Nutrients play a crucial role in various plant processes such as photosynthesis, root development, and overall plant health. Therefore, soil's contribution of nutrients is vital for the growth and survival of plants.

Explanation
The moon's gravitational pull causes tides on Earth's oceans. As the moon orbits around the Earth, its gravitational force creates a bulge on the side of the Earth closest to the moon and a second bulge on the opposite side. These bulges result in the rise and fall of the ocean's surface, creating the phenomenon we know as tides. The sun also has an influence on tides, but the moon's gravitational pull is stronger, making it the primary cause of tides.

Explanation
Plants get their energy through a process called photosynthesis, where they use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Sunlight provides the energy needed for this chemical reaction to occur, allowing plants to produce their own food and grow. Without sunlight, plants would not be able to carry out photosynthesis and obtain the energy they need to survive.

Explanation
Hydrogen and Oxygen are examples of the gas state of matter because they exist as individual molecules that are not bound together in a fixed arrangement. In the gas state, the molecules have high energy and move freely, filling the space they are in. Hydrogen and Oxygen both have low boiling points, which allows them to exist as gases at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Explanation
The Sun is the correct answer because it is the primary source of light and heat energy for Earth. Through the process of nuclear fusion, the Sun emits vast amounts of energy in the form of light and heat, which reach our planet and sustain life. The Sun's rays provide the necessary energy for photosynthesis in plants, which is essential for the production of oxygen and food. Additionally, the Sun's heat energy drives weather patterns and climate on Earth. Without the Sun, Earth would be cold, dark, and incapable of supporting life as we know it.

Explanation
Cacti and scorpions are both well-adapted to survive in desert environments, which are characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and arid conditions. Deserts provide the necessary conditions for cacti to thrive, as they are able to store water in their thick stems and have spines to protect themselves from predators. Scorpions, on the other hand, have a unique ability to conserve water and are able to survive in the harsh desert climate. Therefore, the correct answer is desert.

Explanation
The sun is the major source of energy for all living things on Earth. Through a process called photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is then passed on to animals and other organisms in the food chain. Sunlight provides the energy necessary for plants to grow, produce oxygen, and provide food for other organisms. Without the sun's energy, life as we know it would not be possible.

Explanation
The correct answer is fire. Fire is a natural disaster that can cause widespread damage to forests and vegetation. In the case of Yellowstone National Park, a fire would have the potential to affect thousands of acres due to the park's vast size and the flammable nature of its vegetation. Fires can spread quickly and destroy habitats, disrupt ecosystems, and pose a threat to wildlife and human safety.

Explanation
During a new moon, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, causing the side of the moon that is illuminated by the Sun to face away from Earth. As a result, the moon appears completely dark, making it impossible to see any part of it from Earth. This phase occurs approximately every 29.5 days and marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle.

Explanation
Erosion is the correct answer because it refers to the process of water running across land and carrying soil away. This natural process is responsible for shaping the Earth's surface by wearing down and transporting soil, rocks, and other materials.

Explanation
Weathering refers to the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller particles over time. This can occur through various mechanisms such as physical weathering (e.g., freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion), chemical weathering (e.g., dissolution, oxidation), and biological weathering (e.g., root growth, burrowing organisms). These processes act on rocks exposed to the elements, gradually breaking them apart into smaller fragments. Therefore, weathering is the correct term to describe the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles.

Explanation
The shadow is at its shortest at noon because at this time, the sun is directly overhead, resulting in the shortest possible shadow. As the sun moves lower in the sky during the evening and night, the shadow becomes longer. During the day, the shadow length can vary depending on the position of the sun, but it is generally longer than at noon.

Explanation
When Missouri is tilted towards the Sun, it is most likely experiencing summer. This is because during the summer season, the tilt of the Earth causes the Sun's rays to hit Missouri more directly, resulting in longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures.