Block 2 Earth Science A Pre-Test

2.

A scientific explanation that can be tested by observation or experiment is a(n)__________. (AZ HS Science S1:C1:PO3)

Inference
Simulation
Variable
Hypothesis

Correct Answer

A. Hypothesis

Explanation

A hypothesis is a scientific explanation that can be tested by observation or experiment. It is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a scientific question that can be tested through experimentation or observation. A hypothesis is formulated based on prior knowledge and observations, and it serves as a starting point for scientific investigation. Through testing and analysis, a hypothesis can be either supported or rejected, leading to further scientific understanding and the development of new theories.

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3.

What type of scientist studies the solid Earth? (AZ HS Science S2:C2:PO1)

Geologist
Oceanographer
Astronomer
Meteorolgist

Correct Answer

A. Geologist

Explanation

A geologist studies the solid Earth, including its rocks, minerals, and the processes that shape the Earth's surface. They analyze the composition, structure, and history of the Earth's crust, as well as study natural resources and hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes. Geologists use various tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, including fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computer modeling. They play a crucial role in understanding the Earth's past and present, and their findings help inform decisions related to resource management, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness.

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4.

What is the hardest known mineral? (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO1)

Talc
Quartz
Diamond
Gold

Correct Answer

A. Diamond

Explanation

Diamond is the hardest known mineral because it has a unique crystal structure that allows it to form strong covalent bonds between its carbon atoms. These bonds make diamond extremely resistant to scratching and give it a high level of hardness. Talc, quartz, and gold are all minerals, but they are not as hard as diamond. Talc is actually one of the softest minerals, while quartz and gold are relatively hard but still not as hard as diamond. Therefore, diamond is considered the hardest known mineral.

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5.

Rock that forms from the cooling of magma below the surface or lava at the surface is called ________________________. (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO3)

Sedimentary rock
Metamorphic rock
Igneous rock
Coarse-grained rock

Correct Answer

A. Igneous rock

Explanation

Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma below the surface or lava at the surface. This process allows the rock to crystallize and form a solid structure. Sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment, while metamorphic rock is formed from the transformation of existing rock due to heat and pressure. Coarse-grained rock refers to the size of the grains within a rock, not the formation process. Therefore, the correct answer is igneous rock.

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6.

A series of processes on Earth's surface and interior that slowly changes rocks from one kind to another is called ___________________. (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO2)

Erosion
Crystallization
The rock cycle
Evaporation

Correct Answer

A. The rock cycle

Explanation

The rock cycle is a series of processes that occur on Earth's surface and interior, which gradually transform rocks from one type to another. These processes include weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation, melting, and crystallization. Through the rock cycle, rocks can be broken down into sediment, transported, and then compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rocks. These rocks can then be subjected to heat and pressure, causing them to metamorphose into metamorphic rocks. Finally, through melting and cooling, these rocks can be transformed into igneous rocks. The rock cycle is a continuous process that helps to recycle and reshape Earth's crust.

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7.

The technique in which scientists calculate the age of a sample based on the amount of meaning radioactive isotopes it contains is called _______________. (AZ HS Science S6:C2:PO8)

Fossil record
Relative dating
Miller-Urey experiment
Radioactive dating

Correct Answer

A. Radioactive dating

Explanation

Radioactive dating is the technique used by scientists to determine the age of a sample by measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes it contains. This method relies on the principle that certain isotopes decay at a predictable rate over time. By measuring the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes in a sample, scientists can calculate how long it has been since the isotopes were last in equilibrium. This allows them to determine the age of the sample.

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8.

If the Coast Guard warns of a giant wave of water approaching the shore as a result of a major earthquake, they are warning of ___________________. (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO4)

An after shock
Liquefaction
A tsunami
Landslides

Correct Answer

A. A tsunami

Explanation

The correct answer is a tsunami. When the Coast Guard warns of a giant wave of water approaching the shore as a result of a major earthquake, they are specifically warning of a tsunami. A tsunami is a series of ocean waves with very long wavelengths that can travel across the ocean at high speeds. It is caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, usually due to an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption. Tsunamis can cause significant damage and loss of life when they reach coastal areas.

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9.

A large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans is called a(n) _____________. (AZ HS Science S6:C2:PO1)

Current
Wave
Tide
Undertow

Correct Answer

A. Current

Explanation

A large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans is called a current. Currents are caused by various factors such as wind, temperature differences, and the rotation of the Earth. They play a crucial role in the circulation of heat and nutrients in the ocean, as well as influencing weather patterns and the distribution of marine life.

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10.

The diagram above shows four layers of Earth’s atmosphere. Which of the following correctly labels the layers represented by A, B, C, and D (from Earth moving upward) in the correct sequence? (AZ HS Science S6:C2:PO15)

Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere
Thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
Troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, stratosphere
Mesosphere, troposphere, thermosphere, stratosphere

Correct Answer

A. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere

Explanation

The correct answer is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere. The troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs. The stratosphere is above the troposphere and contains the ozone layer. The mesosphere is the third layer and is known for its low temperatures and where meteors burn up. The thermosphere is the outermost layer and is characterized by high temperatures and the presence of the auroras.

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Block 2 Earth Science A Pre-test

A chart showing the amount of rain each month in a region is an example of a scientist's_________________. (AZ HS Science S1:C2:PO5 and 9-10.RH7)

Quiz Preview

A scientific explanation that can be tested by observation or experiment is a(n)__________. (AZ HS Science S1:C1:PO3)

What type of scientist studies the solid Earth? (AZ HS Science S2:C2:PO1)

What is the hardest known mineral? (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO1)

Rock that forms from the cooling of magma below the surface or lava at the surface is called ________________________. (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO3)

A series of processes on Earth's surface and interior that slowly changes rocks from one kind to another is called ___________________. (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO2)

The technique in which scientists calculate the age of a sample based on the amount of meaning radioactive isotopes it contains is called _______________. (AZ HS Science S6:C2:PO8)

If the Coast Guard warns of a giant wave of water approaching the shore as a result of a major earthquake, they are warning of ___________________. (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO4)

A large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans is called a(n) _____________. (AZ HS Science S6:C2:PO1)

The diagram above shows four layers of Earth’s atmosphere. Which of the following correctly labels the layers represented by A, B, C, and D (from Earth moving upward) in the correct sequence? (AZ HS Science S6:C2:PO15)