Earth Structures Retake Test-part One
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which rocks can be changed into sediments by weathering and erosion?
- A.
Sedimentary
- B.
Igneous
- C.
Metamorphic
- D.
All the above
Correct Answer
D. All the aboveExplanation
Weathering and erosion can affect all types of rocks, including sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller fragments, while erosion transports these fragments to new locations. Therefore, all three types of rocks can be changed into sediments through the processes of weathering and erosion.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Granite forms when liquid magma slowly cools within the Earth’s crust. If the granite is exposed to intense heat and pressure, it can change to gneiss. Which type of change takes place when granite turns into gneiss?
- A.
Metamorphic rock changes into igneous rock
- B.
Sedimentary rock changes into igneous rock
- C.
Sedimentary rock changes into metamorphic rock
- D.
Igneous rock changes into metamorphic rock
Correct Answer
D. Igneous rock changes into metamorphic rockExplanation
When granite turns into gneiss, it undergoes a metamorphic change. This means that the rock is subjected to intense heat and pressure, causing its mineral composition and texture to change. In this case, the igneous rock granite transforms into the metamorphic rock gneiss.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Tectonic plates may move because of convection currents that occur in the mantle. What is convection?
- A.
The transfer of energy due to the movement of matter.
- B.
The transfer of energy through materials in direct contact.
- C.
The transfer of energy as earthquake waves.
- D.
The process that breaks down rocks.
Correct Answer
A. The transfer of energy due to the movement of matter.Explanation
Convection is the transfer of energy due to the movement of matter. In the context of tectonic plates, convection currents occur in the mantle, which is the layer of the Earth beneath the crust. These currents are caused by the heat generated from the core of the Earth. As the mantle heats up, it becomes less dense and rises, while the cooler, denser material sinks. This movement of the mantle creates convection currents, which in turn cause the tectonic plates to move. Therefore, the transfer of energy due to the movement of matter accurately describes convection in this context.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Earth is composed of three layers: the core, the mantle and the crust. How are these three layers identified?
- A.
By their structural features
- B.
By their physical properties
- C.
By their chemical composition
- D.
By their plate tectonics
Correct Answer
C. By their chemical compositionExplanation
The three layers of the Earth, the core, the mantle, and the crust, are identified by their chemical composition. Each layer has a distinct combination of elements and compounds that make up its composition. The core is primarily composed of iron and nickel, the mantle is made up of silicate minerals rich in magnesium and iron, and the crust is composed of a variety of elements including oxygen, silicon, aluminum, and others. By analyzing the chemical composition of each layer, scientists can differentiate and identify them.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Unlike Florida, California sits above a transform boundary. What happens at a transform boundary that can cause an earthquake?
- A.
Two plates slide or glide past each other.
- B.
Two plates collide.
- C.
Two plates move away from each other.
- D.
Two plates move in the same direction.
Correct Answer
A. Two plates slide or glide past each other.Explanation
At a transform boundary, two tectonic plates slide or glide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause friction and stress to build up along the boundary. When the stress becomes too great, it is released in the form of an earthquake. This is because the plates are locked together due to the friction, and when the stress overcomes the friction, they suddenly slip past each other, resulting in seismic activity. This sliding or gliding motion is what characterizes transform boundaries and is responsible for the occurrence of earthquakes in these regions.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Quartz, feldspar and mica are silicate minerals. Silicate minerals contain atoms of silicon and oxygen and often other metals bonded together. What must be true of silicate minerals?
- A.
They are made up of only one kind of atom.
- B.
They melt at very low temperatures.
- C.
They are made up of compounds.
- D.
They are pure elements.
Correct Answer
C. They are made up of compounds.Explanation
Silicate minerals are made up of compounds because they contain atoms of silicon and oxygen bonded together, often with other metals. This means that they are not made up of only one kind of atom or pure elements. Additionally, the fact that they contain multiple elements bonded together suggests that they do not melt at very low temperatures, as compounds typically have higher melting points than pure elements. Therefore, the correct answer is that silicate minerals are made up of compounds.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A sedimentary rock that is put under great heat and pressure without melting turns into
- A.
Sedimentary Rock
- B.
Igneous Rock
- C.
A Fossil
- D.
Metamorphic Rock
Correct Answer
D. Metamorphic RockExplanation
When a sedimentary rock is subjected to high levels of heat and pressure, it undergoes a process called metamorphism. This causes the rock to change its composition, structure, and texture, resulting in the formation of a new type of rock known as a metamorphic rock. This transformation occurs without the rock melting, distinguishing it from the formation of igneous rock through the process of melting and solidification. Fossils, on the other hand, are remnants or traces of ancient organisms preserved within sedimentary rocks. Therefore, the correct answer is metamorphic rock.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The difference between the three types of rocks is
- A.
How they are formed
- B.
The layers present
- C.
Where they are found
- D.
The elements they contain
Correct Answer
A. How they are formedExplanation
The correct answer is "How they are formed". This answer explains that the difference between the three types of rocks lies in the process by which they are formed. It suggests that the formation process of rocks is what sets them apart from each other, rather than the layers present, their location, or the elements they contain.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In order to be classified as a mineral a substance must be…
- A.
Naturally occurring
- B.
Inorganic or non-living
- C.
Have a crystalline structure
- D.
All of the Above
Correct Answer
D. All of the AboveExplanation
To be classified as a mineral, a substance must meet three criteria. Firstly, it must occur naturally, meaning it is not man-made or artificially created. Secondly, it must be inorganic or non-living, meaning it does not contain any living organisms or their remains. Lastly, it must have a crystalline structure, meaning its atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern. The answer "All of the Above" is correct because it includes all three criteria necessary for a substance to be classified as a mineral.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Over time, repeated cycles of heating and cooling can cause a rock to crack. The rock may then break into smaller pieces. What is this process called?
- A.
Erosion
- B.
Deposition
- C.
Weathering
- D.
Subsidence
Correct Answer
C. WeatheringExplanation
Weathering is the process in which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces due to repeated cycles of heating and cooling. This process does not involve the movement of the broken rock pieces, unlike erosion. Deposition refers to the settling of sediments after they have been transported by erosion. Subsidence is the sinking of the Earth's surface. Therefore, the correct answer is weathering.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The image below shows a scientist testing a mineral. What property is the scientist observing?
- A.
Luster
- B.
Streak
- C.
Hardness
- D.
Color
Correct Answer
B. StreakExplanation
The scientist is observing the property of streak. Streak refers to the color of the powdered form of a mineral. To determine the streak, the scientist would rub the mineral against a porcelain plate to create a streak of powder. The color of this powder helps identify the mineral.Rate this question:
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- 12.
As a glacier moves along the ground, it transports rocks. These rocks pass over the ground and create scratches in the bedrock. Which statement correctly describes these processes?
- A.
The transport of rocks and the scratching of the bedrock are both examples of weathering.
- B.
The transport of rocks and the scratching of the bedrock are both examples of erosion.
- C.
The transport of rocks is an example of weathering, and the scratching of the bedrock is an example of erosion.
- D.
The transport of rocks is an example of erosion and the scratching of the bedrock is an example of weathering.
Correct Answer
D. The transport of rocks is an example of erosion and the scratching of the bedrock is an example of weathering.Explanation
The transport of rocks by a glacier is considered erosion because it involves the movement of material from one location to another. On the other hand, the scratching of the bedrock by the rocks is considered weathering because it involves the physical breakdown of the bedrock surface.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Earth is divided into three layers based on chemical composition. Which of the following is the innermost layer of the earth?
- A.
Mantle
- B.
Asthenosphere
- C.
Lithosphere
- D.
Core
Correct Answer
D. CoreExplanation
The correct answer is "Core." The core is the innermost layer of the Earth. It is divided into two parts: the outer core and the inner core. The outer core is made up of liquid iron and nickel, while the inner core is solid due to high pressure. The core plays a crucial role in generating Earth's magnetic field.Rate this question:
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- 14.
An existing rock can change into another when subjected to great ____________________________.
- A.
Winds
- B.
Pressure
- C.
Earthquakes
- D.
Flooding
Correct Answer
B. PressureExplanation
An existing rock can change into another when subjected to great pressure. This pressure can cause the rock to undergo metamorphism, a process where the minerals and texture of the rock change due to the intense force applied to it. This can lead to the formation of different types of rocks, such as metamorphic rocks like marble or slate.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The rock cycle shows how rocks continually
- A.
Increase in size
- B.
Become more complex
- C.
Increase in number
- D.
Change over time
Correct Answer
D. Change over timeExplanation
The rock cycle is a continuous process that illustrates how rocks transform and change over time. It involves various geological processes such as weathering, erosion, deposition, and lithification. Rocks can be broken down into sediments, which then undergo compaction and cementation to form sedimentary rocks. These sedimentary rocks can be subjected to heat and pressure, causing them to transform into metamorphic rocks. Further, these rocks can be melted and cooled to form igneous rocks. This cycle demonstrates that rocks are not static but constantly changing and transitioning from one form to another over time.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Scientists think the continents once formed a large, single landmass that broke apart, and the continents slowly drifted to their present locations. What is the name given to this theory?
- A.
Continental Drift
- B.
Continental Movement
- C.
Continental Shelf
- D.
Continental Rise
Correct Answer
A. Continental DriftExplanation
The theory that explains how the continents once formed a single landmass and gradually drifted to their current positions is called continental drift. This theory suggests that the continents were once connected and have since moved apart over millions of years. Continental movement, continental shelf, and continental rise are not specific theories that explain the movement of the continents.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The movement of Earth’s tectonic plates in the lithosphere is cause by
- A.
Movement in Earth’s core
- B.
Gravity
- C.
Convection in the mantle
- D.
Volcanic Activity
Correct Answer
C. Convection in the mantleExplanation
The movement of Earth's tectonic plates in the lithosphere is caused by convection in the mantle. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid, in this case, the semi-liquid mantle. As the mantle heats up, it becomes less dense and rises towards the surface. As it cools down, it becomes more dense and sinks back down. This circular motion creates convection currents that move the tectonic plates on the surface. These convection currents drive the plates apart at divergent boundaries, push them together at convergent boundaries, and slide them past each other at transform boundaries.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The diagram below shows the five physical layers of Earth. Use this diagram for question 18. Which layer in the diagram above represents the lithopshere?
- A.
Layer B
- B.
Layer C
- C.
Layer D
- D.
Layer E
Correct Answer
D. Layer EExplanation
Layer E represents the lithosphere. The lithosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth's surface, consisting of the crust and the upper part of the mantle. It is rigid and solid, and is divided into several tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. Layer E in the diagram represents the solid crust, which is part of the lithosphere.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The Rocky Mountains formed when the Pacific plate collided with the North American plate. Which of the following terms describes this process?
- A.
Divergent Boundary
- B.
Convergent Boundary
- C.
Transform Boundary
- D.
Uplift
Correct Answer
B. Convergent BoundaryExplanation
The process described in the question is the collision of two tectonic plates, specifically the Pacific plate and the North American plate. This collision resulted in the formation of the Rocky Mountains. This process is known as a convergent boundary, where two plates are moving towards each other and colliding.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which term describes a collection of observations on which a scientific explanation is based?
- A.
Fieldwork
- B.
Independent Variable
- C.
Scientific Theory
- D.
Empirical Evidence
Correct Answer
D. Empirical EvidenceExplanation
Empirical evidence refers to a collection of observations that form the basis for a scientific explanation. It involves gathering data through direct observation or experimentation, which is then used to support or refute a hypothesis or theory. This evidence is derived from real-world observations and measurements, making it an essential component of the scientific method. Empirical evidence provides tangible support for scientific claims and helps to establish the validity and reliability of scientific explanations.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What is the relationship between repetition and replication?
- A.
Both processes involve repeating the experiment.
- B.
They are characteristics of a good experiment.
- C.
None of the Above
- D.
Both A and B
Correct Answer
D. Both A and BExplanation
Both repetition and replication involve repeating the experiment, making them characteristics of a good experiment. Repetition refers to conducting the same experiment multiple times to ensure the results are consistent and reliable. Replication, on the other hand, involves reproducing the experiment by following the same procedures and conditions to verify the findings. Both processes are essential in scientific research to ensure the validity and accuracy of the results.Rate this question:
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- 22.
During a class project, Felicia makes a poster to compare scientific laws and scientific theories. Which of the following statements should Felicia include on her poster to summarize the difference between scientific laws and scientific theories?
- A.
Scientific laws are frequently modified, but scientific theories are rarely changed as new information becomes available.
- B.
Scientific theories are based on observation and scientific laws are based on opinions.
- C.
Scientific theories require scientific evidence and scientific laws do not.
- D.
Scientific theories explain why something happens, and scientific laws describe what happens.
Correct Answer
D. Scientific theories explain why something happens, and scientific laws describe what happens.Explanation
Scientific theories explain why something happens, and scientific laws describe what happens. This statement summarizes the difference between scientific laws and scientific theories. Scientific laws are generalizations that describe patterns or relationships in nature, while scientific theories provide explanations for these patterns based on evidence and observations. Unlike scientific laws, which can be modified as new information becomes available, scientific theories are rarely changed because they are well-supported by scientific evidence.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Use the following diagram to answer the question. What does the letter B represent?
- A.
Mantle
- B.
Crust
- C.
Lithosphere
- D.
Core
Correct Answer
A. MantleExplanation
The letter B in the diagram represents the mantle. The mantle is the layer of the Earth located between the crust and the core. It is composed of solid rock and is the thickest layer of the Earth. The mantle plays a crucial role in the movement of tectonic plates and the convection currents that drive plate tectonics.Rate this question:
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- 24.
One tank of goldfish is fed the normal amount of food once a day. A second tank is fed twice a day. A third tank is fed four times a day during a six week period. What is the independent variable?
- A.
The weight of the fish.
- B.
The day on which the fish was fed.
- C.
The type of food given to the fish.
- D.
The amount food given to the fish.
Correct Answer
D. The amount food given to the fish.Explanation
The independent variable in this experiment is the amount of food given to the fish. This is because the researcher is manipulating and controlling the amount of food given to each tank of goldfish. The weight of the fish, the day on which the fish was fed, and the type of food given to the fish are all dependent variables that may be influenced by the amount of food given.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following is NOT a piece of EVIDENCE that Alfred Wegner used to support the theory of continental drift?
- A.
The coastlines of the continents fit together like a puzzle.
- B.
Fossils of the same species are found on continents on different sides of the Atlantic ocean.
- C.
Minerals and Igenous rocks are found on all seven continents.
- D.
Matching mountain and rock formation on the coastlines.
Correct Answer
C. Minerals and Igenous rocks are found on all seven continents.Explanation
Alfred Wegner used several pieces of evidence to support the theory of continental drift, including the fit of coastlines, the distribution of fossils, and the matching mountain and rock formations on coastlines. However, the fact that minerals and igneous rocks are found on all seven continents is not a piece of evidence that Wegner used. This statement does not directly support the idea of continental drift or provide any information about the movement of continents. Therefore, it is the correct answer for the question.Rate this question:
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