A Quiz On Earth Science! MCQ Trivia

1. How many times does lightning strike the Earth every second?

2,000 Times

100 Times

30 Times

700 Times

Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. It is estimated that lightning strikes the Earth around 100 times every second. This high frequency is due to the large number of thunderstorms that occur globally on a daily basis. Lightning is caused by the buildup and discharge of electrical energy in the atmosphere, and it can be dangerous and destructive. Understanding the frequency of lightning strikes helps in assessing the risk associated with thunderstorms and implementing safety measures.

Explanation

Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. It is estimated that lightning strikes the Earth around 100 times every second. This high frequency is due to the large number of thunderstorms that occur globally on a daily basis. Lightning is caused by the buildup and discharge of electrical energy in the atmosphere, and it can be dangerous and destructive. Understanding the frequency of lightning strikes helps in assessing the risk associated with thunderstorms and implementing safety measures.

2. How many miles long is an average bolt of lightning?

1

6

2

10

The average bolt of lightning is approximately 6 miles long. Lightning bolts can vary in length, but on average, they span about 6 miles from the cloud to the ground. This distance can be influenced by various factors such as the strength of the storm and the atmospheric conditions. Lightning is a powerful natural phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms when there is a buildup of electrical energy in the atmosphere.

Explanation

The average bolt of lightning is approximately 6 miles long. Lightning bolts can vary in length, but on average, they span about 6 miles from the cloud to the ground. This distance can be influenced by various factors such as the strength of the storm and the atmospheric conditions. Lightning is a powerful natural phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms when there is a buildup of electrical energy in the atmosphere.

3. What are large volcanoes that rise from the sea floor called?

Lava Tubes

Dormant

Seamounts

Water Spouts

Seamounts are large volcanoes that rise from the sea floor. They are formed by volcanic activity and are usually found in the ocean. These underwater mountains do not reach the surface of the water and are often characterized by their conical shape. Seamounts can vary in size and can have a significant impact on the oceanic environment, providing habitats for various marine species.

Explanation

Seamounts are large volcanoes that rise from the sea floor. They are formed by volcanic activity and are usually found in the ocean. These underwater mountains do not reach the surface of the water and are often characterized by their conical shape. Seamounts can vary in size and can have a significant impact on the oceanic environment, providing habitats for various marine species.

4. What fuel comes from the remains of 300-million-year-old decayed fern plants?

Natural Gas

Oil

Gasoline

Coal

Coal is formed from the remains of 300-million-year-old decayed fern plants. Over time, these plants were buried and subjected to heat and pressure, causing them to undergo a process called carbonization. This process gradually transformed the plant material into coal. Therefore, coal is the fuel that comes from the remains of these ancient fern plants.

Explanation

Coal is formed from the remains of 300-million-year-old decayed fern plants. Over time, these plants were buried and subjected to heat and pressure, causing them to undergo a process called carbonization. This process gradually transformed the plant material into coal. Therefore, coal is the fuel that comes from the remains of these ancient fern plants.

5. How much salt is in every gallon of seawater?

1/18 Pound Of Salt

1/4 Pound Of Salt

1 Pound Of Salt

32 Pounds Of Salt

Seawater contains approximately 1/4 pound of salt per gallon. This is an average estimate, as the salt concentration in seawater can vary depending on factors such as location and temperature. However, on average, seawater is composed of about 3.5% salt, which translates to roughly 1/4 pound of salt per gallon.

Explanation

Seawater contains approximately 1/4 pound of salt per gallon. This is an average estimate, as the salt concentration in seawater can vary depending on factors such as location and temperature. However, on average, seawater is composed of about 3.5% salt, which translates to roughly 1/4 pound of salt per gallon.

6. What's the name for the weight of air pushing down on Earth's surface?

Barometer

Gravity

Air Pressure

Humidity

Air pressure refers to the weight of the air pushing down on Earth's surface. It is caused by the force of gravity pulling the air molecules towards the Earth. Air pressure is an important factor in weather patterns and can vary at different altitudes and locations.

Explanation

Air pressure refers to the weight of the air pushing down on Earth's surface. It is caused by the force of gravity pulling the air molecules towards the Earth. Air pressure is an important factor in weather patterns and can vary at different altitudes and locations.

7. The average rain drop falls at a rate of how many feet per second?

3

60

21

125

The average raindrop falls at a rate of 21 feet per second.

Explanation

The average raindrop falls at a rate of 21 feet per second.

8. What is the test that can help determine the hardness of a rock called?

Malleability Test

Streak Test

Density Test

Scratch Test

The scratch test is used to determine the hardness of a rock. By scratching the rock with a mineral of known hardness, such as a fingernail or a specific mineral on the Mohs scale, the tester can determine the relative hardness of the rock. If the rock is easily scratched, it has a lower hardness, while if it is difficult to scratch, it has a higher hardness. This test is commonly used in geology to classify and identify different types of rocks based on their hardness properties.

Explanation

The scratch test is used to determine the hardness of a rock. By scratching the rock with a mineral of known hardness, such as a fingernail or a specific mineral on the Mohs scale, the tester can determine the relative hardness of the rock. If the rock is easily scratched, it has a lower hardness, while if it is difficult to scratch, it has a higher hardness. This test is commonly used in geology to classify and identify different types of rocks based on their hardness properties.

9. How often is the earth hit by lightning?

1 Time A Second

100 Times A Second

30 Times A Minute

100 Times An Hour

The correct answer is 100 Times A Second. This means that lightning strikes occur on Earth at a rate of 100 times per second. Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that happens during thunderstorms when there is a buildup of electric charge in the atmosphere. These frequent lightning strikes are a result of the intense electrical activity that occurs during storms, making Earth a lightning-prone planet.

Explanation

The correct answer is 100 Times A Second. This means that lightning strikes occur on Earth at a rate of 100 times per second. Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that happens during thunderstorms when there is a buildup of electric charge in the atmosphere. These frequent lightning strikes are a result of the intense electrical activity that occurs during storms, making Earth a lightning-prone planet.

10. What mineral has the chemical formula PbS?

Lead

Galena

Malachite

Graphite

Galena is the correct answer because it has the chemical formula PbS. Galena is a mineral composed of lead and sulfur, with lead being represented by the chemical symbol Pb and sulfur by the symbol S. Graphite is a form of carbon, not lead and sulfur. Lead is an element, not a mineral. Malachite is a mineral, but its chemical formula is Cu2CO3(OH)2, not PbS.

Explanation

Galena is the correct answer because it has the chemical formula PbS. Galena is a mineral composed of lead and sulfur, with lead being represented by the chemical symbol Pb and sulfur by the symbol S. Graphite is a form of carbon, not lead and sulfur. Lead is an element, not a mineral. Malachite is a mineral, but its chemical formula is Cu2CO3(OH)2, not PbS.

11. How much of an iceberg appears above the water line?

1/9th

1/100th

2-Jan

1/4th

Approximately 1/9th of an iceberg appears above the water line. This is because ice is less dense than water, causing a large portion of the iceberg to remain submerged. The visible portion above the water is often just a small fraction of the entire iceberg's size.

Explanation

Approximately 1/9th of an iceberg appears above the water line. This is because ice is less dense than water, causing a large portion of the iceberg to remain submerged. The visible portion above the water is often just a small fraction of the entire iceberg's size.

12. Which of the following lakes has a higher salt content than normal?

Lake Erie

Lake Superior

Lake Michigan

Albert Lake

Albert Lake has a higher salt content than normal.

Explanation

Albert Lake has a higher salt content than normal.

13. What produces more energy than all the world's nuclear weapons combined?

Tornado

Earthquake

Hurricane

Lightning

Hurricanes produce more energy than all the world's nuclear weapons combined. Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that form over warm ocean waters. They release a tremendous amount of energy through the condensation of water vapor and the release of latent heat. This energy is much greater than the energy released by nuclear weapons, making hurricanes a natural phenomenon capable of unleashing immense power.

Explanation

Hurricanes produce more energy than all the world's nuclear weapons combined. Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that form over warm ocean waters. They release a tremendous amount of energy through the condensation of water vapor and the release of latent heat. This energy is much greater than the energy released by nuclear weapons, making hurricanes a natural phenomenon capable of unleashing immense power.

14. What submersible helped to discover the wreckage of the Titanic in 1986?

Atlantis

Columbus

Titania

Alvin

Alvin is the correct answer because it is a submersible that was used to discover the wreckage of the Titanic in 1986. Alvin is a deep-sea submersible that is designed for manned exploration of the ocean floor. It played a crucial role in the exploration and discovery of the Titanic wreckage, providing valuable insights into the condition and layout of the ship.

Explanation

Alvin is the correct answer because it is a submersible that was used to discover the wreckage of the Titanic in 1986. Alvin is a deep-sea submersible that is designed for manned exploration of the ocean floor. It played a crucial role in the exploration and discovery of the Titanic wreckage, providing valuable insights into the condition and layout of the ship.

15. What family are both poison oak and poison ivy part of?

Botanical

Oak

Cashew

Poison

Both poison oak and poison ivy are part of the Cashew family. This is because they both belong to the Anacardiaceae family, which is commonly known as the Cashew family. This family includes various plants, including poison oak, poison ivy, and cashew trees. These plants are known for containing a toxic resin called urushiol, which can cause allergic reactions in humans upon contact. Therefore, poison oak and poison ivy are part of the Cashew family.

Explanation

Both poison oak and poison ivy are part of the Cashew family. This is because they both belong to the Anacardiaceae family, which is commonly known as the Cashew family. This family includes various plants, including poison oak, poison ivy, and cashew trees. These plants are known for containing a toxic resin called urushiol, which can cause allergic reactions in humans upon contact. Therefore, poison oak and poison ivy are part of the Cashew family.