1.
The length of an Earth day is determined by the time required for approximately one (Standard 1.1a):
Correct Answer
A. Earth rotation
Explanation
The length of an Earth day is determined by the time required for Earth rotation. Earth rotation refers to the spinning of the Earth on its axis, which takes approximately 24 hours to complete a full rotation. This rotation is what gives us the cycle of day and night. The other options, such as Earth revolution (orbiting around the Sun), Sun rotation, Sun revolution, and Moon walk, are not directly related to the length of an Earth day.
2.
The diagram below represents a simple geocentric model. Which object is represented by the letter X (Standard 1.1a)?
Correct Answer
A. Earth
Explanation
The diagram represents a geocentric model, which means that it is showing the Earth at the center. Since the question asks which object is represented by the letter X, and the diagram is a geocentric model, it can be inferred that the letter X represents the Earth.
3.
Which statement provides the best evidence that Earth revolves around the sun (Standard 2.1u)?
Correct Answer
D. The seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter repeat in a pattern
Explanation
The statement that the seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter repeat in a pattern provides the best evidence that Earth revolves around the sun. This is because the changing seasons are a result of Earth's axial tilt as it orbits the sun. As Earth orbits the sun, different parts of the planet receive different amounts of sunlight, leading to the changing seasons. This pattern of seasons is consistent with the idea that Earth revolves around the sun.
4.
The apparent daily path of the Sun changes with the seasons because (Standard 1.1f):
Correct Answer
A. Earth’s axis is tilted
Explanation
The apparent daily path of the Sun changes with the seasons because Earth's axis is tilted. This tilt causes the angle at which sunlight reaches different parts of the Earth to change throughout the year, resulting in varying lengths of daylight and different positions of the Sun in the sky. As a result, we experience different seasons as the Earth orbits the Sun.
5.
Base your answers to this question on the diagram below, which shows the tilt of Earth on its axis in relation to the Sun on one particular day. Points A through E are locations on Earth’s surface. Point D is located in New York State. The dashed line represents Earth’s axis. This question may require the Earth Science Reference Tables (Standard 1.1h).On this day, which location has the greatest number of hours of daylight?
Correct Answer
A. E
Explanation
Location E has the greatest number of hours of daylight because it is located in the Northern Hemisphere and is tilted towards the Sun. This means that the Sun's rays hit Location E at a more direct angle, providing more hours of daylight compared to the other locations.
6.
Ocean currents influence temperature by (Standard 2.1i):
Correct Answer
C. Heating or cooling the air
Explanation
Ocean currents influence temperature by heating or cooling the air. As ocean currents flow, they transfer heat energy from one location to another. Warm ocean currents carry warm water from the tropics to higher latitudes, which warms the surrounding air and increases the temperature in those regions. Conversely, cold ocean currents carry cold water from higher latitudes to lower latitudes, cooling the surrounding air and decreasing the temperature. This process plays a crucial role in regulating global climate patterns and influencing regional weather conditions.
7.
Which changes can be expected to occur at 45° N over the next 30 days? This question may require the Earth Science Reference Tables (Standard 2.2a)
Correct Answer
D. The duration of insolation will increase and the temperature will increase.
Explanation
At 45° N latitude, the duration of insolation (the amount of time the sun is above the horizon) will increase over the next 30 days due to the summer solstice, where the sun is at its highest point in the sky. As a result, the temperature will also increase as more solar energy is received.
8.
Which of these characteristics identify an Earth surface that is likely to be the best absorber of insolation?
Correct Answer
D. Dark colored and rough
Explanation
A surface that is dark colored and rough is likely to be the best absorber of insolation. Dark colors absorb more light and heat compared to light colors, while a rough surface increases the surface area, allowing for more absorption of insolation. Therefore, a combination of dark color and rough texture would result in maximum absorption of insolation.
9.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how much you already know about the effects of insolation (solar radiation).
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4
Explanation
The answer to this question is 1,2,3,4 because it allows for a range of options to rate one's knowledge about the effects of insolation. By including all the numbers from 1 to 4, it covers the entire spectrum of knowledge levels, from the lowest to the highest. This answer format ensures that respondents can accurately represent their level of understanding without any limitations.
10.
Rate, on a scale of 1 – 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest, how interested are you in the effects of insolation (solar radiation).
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4
Explanation
The given answer options indicate that the question is asking for the respondent's level of interest in the effects of insolation. The options range from 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest level of interest and 4 being the highest. Therefore, the respondent can choose any of the options based on their personal level of interest in studying the effects of solar radiation.