1.
Which best describes what hydrologists study?
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A. The movement and distribution of water and ice on Earth
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B. Rocks on Earth and other planets
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C. Plant and animal life on Earth and other planets
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D. Earth's atmosphere and weather
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water and ice on Earth. This includes studying the processes of precipitation, evaporation, and runoff, as well as the storage and movement of water in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. They also analyze the impact of human activities on water resources and study ways to manage and conserve water.
2.
A hypothesis becomes a theory:
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A. after scientists try to prove the theory wrong and fail.
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B. when most scientists accept the hypothesis as true.
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C. after scientific experiments to test a hypothesis produce the same results.
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D. when scientists collaborate on designing experiments.
Correct Answer
C. C
Explanation
A hypothesis becomes a theory after scientific experiments to test a hypothesis produce the same results. This means that the hypothesis has been tested multiple times and each time it has produced consistent results. This consistency and reproducibility of results give credibility to the hypothesis and it can then be considered a theory.
3.
What do scientists believe provides evidence for the Big Bang Theory?
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A. Red shift of stars far from observers on Earth
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B. The gradual movement of continents across the ocean floors
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C. The solar system being full of comets, asteroids and other debris
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D. Stars forming when clouds of gas begin to rotate and burn
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
Scientists believe that the red shift of stars far from observers on Earth provides evidence for the Big Bang Theory. This is because the red shift indicates that these stars are moving away from us, suggesting that the universe is expanding. This supports the idea that the universe originated from a single point in a massive explosion, as proposed by the Big Bang Theory.
4.
Which best describes the very next phase in our sun's life cycle?
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A. It will collapse and become a white dwarf.
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B. It will collapse and become a brown dwarf.
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C. It will explode and form a star nursery.
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D. It will expand and become a red giant.
Correct Answer
D. D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. It will expand and become a red giant. As the sun exhausts its hydrogen fuel, it will start to burn helium and expand into a red giant. This phase occurs in the later stages of a star's life cycle before eventually shedding its outer layers and forming a white dwarf. A brown dwarf is a failed star that is not massive enough to sustain nuclear fusion. The sun does not explode to form a star nursery.
5.
Which planet in our solar system is most habitable, besides Earth? (WHICH PLANET DO WE THINK IS SIMILAR TO OURS)
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A. Venus
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B. Mars
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C. Jupiter
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D. Mercury
Correct Answer
B. B
Explanation
Mars is considered the most habitable planet besides Earth because it has similar characteristics that could potentially support life. It has a thin atmosphere, which could protect against harmful solar radiation, and evidence of liquid water in the past, suggesting the possibility of microbial life. Additionally, Mars has a day length and axial tilt similar to Earth, making it more hospitable for human colonization in the future.
6.
Which planet in our solar system has the most satellites?
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A. Venus
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B. Jupiter
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C. Earth
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D. Saturn
Correct Answer
B. B
Explanation
Jupiter is the correct answer because it has the most satellites in our solar system. With a total of 79 known moons, Jupiter has the highest number of natural satellites.
7.
Which planet in our solar system features the runaway greenhouse effect?
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A. Mars
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B. Venus
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C. Jupiter
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D. Earth
Correct Answer
B. B
Explanation
Venus is the correct answer because it is the planet in our solar system that experiences the runaway greenhouse effect. This occurs when the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat and cause the planet's temperature to rise uncontrollably. Venus has a thick atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide, which creates a strong greenhouse effect and leads to extremely high surface temperatures.
8.
A star produces energy by:
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A. rotating quickly on its axis.
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B. absorbing and releasing the matter of other stars.
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C. creating helium from hydrogen in its core, also known as nuclear fusion
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D. reflecting energy from nearby stars.
Correct Answer
C. C
Explanation
A star produces energy by creating helium from hydrogen in its core, also known as nuclear fusion.
9.
Which of sun's layers is only visible during eclipses?
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A. The corona
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B. The photosphere
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C. The chromosphere
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D. The ionosphere
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
The corona is the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere and is only visible during eclipses. This is because the bright photosphere, which is normally visible, is much brighter than the corona and obscures it. During a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun, the corona becomes visible as a faint, glowing halo around the darkened disk of the moon. This is due to the corona's high temperature, which causes it to emit light in the form of plasma.
10.
The surface of the sun is called _____.
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A. photosphere
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B. corona
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C. chromosphere
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D. ionosphere
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. The surface of the sun is called the photosphere. This is the outermost layer of the sun's visible surface and is where most of the sun's energy is emitted as light and heat. The photosphere is also the layer that we see when we look at the sun.
11.
Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
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A. The thermosphere
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B. The mesosphere
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C. The stratosphere
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D. The troposphere
Correct Answer
C. C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. The stratosphere. The ozone layer is located within the stratosphere, which is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere. It is situated approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing most of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
12.
When a plant performs photosynthesis, it behaves as a _____.
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A. producer
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B. consumer
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C. carbon sink
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D. carbon source
Correct Answer
C. C
Explanation
When a plant performs photosynthesis, it behaves as a producer. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. As producers, plants are able to produce their own food through this process, making them the primary source of energy for other organisms in the food chain.
13.
What process must happen to gaseous nitrogen before plants can use it to grow?
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A. Precession
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B. Nitrogen Fixation
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C. Photosynthesis
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D. Respiration
Correct Answer
B. B
Explanation
Before plants can use gaseous nitrogen to grow, the process of nitrogen fixation must happen. Nitrogen fixation is the process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, such as ammonia or nitrate. This process is essential for plants to obtain the nitrogen they need for growth and development.
14.
Which best describes what meteorologists study?
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A. Earth's weather systems and atmosphere
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B. Rocks on Earth and other planets
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C. The movement and distribution of water and ice on Earth
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D. The movement of meteors, asteroids and comets
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
Meteorologists study Earth's weather systems and atmosphere. They analyze and forecast weather conditions, including temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and atmospheric pressure. They use various tools and techniques, such as satellites, radar, and computer models, to gather data and make predictions. By understanding weather patterns and atmospheric processes, meteorologists can provide valuable information for planning and decision-making in various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and emergency management.
15.
Which best describes what geologists study?
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A. The origin, physical history and structure of Earth
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B. Earth's water and ice supplies
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C. Plant and animal life on Earth and other planets
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D. Earth's atmosphere and weather
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
Geologists study the origin, physical history, and structure of Earth. This includes examining the formation of rocks, the movement of tectonic plates, and the processes that shape the Earth's surface. Geologists also study the Earth's interior and how it has changed over time. They use various methods and tools to gather data and analyze geological processes.
16.
The process that scientist use to study or solve a problem is called the
Correct Answer
A. Scientific method
Explanation
The scientific method is the correct answer because it refers to the systematic approach that scientists use to study and solve problems. It involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. This method allows scientists to gather reliable and objective evidence to support or refute their hypotheses, ensuring the validity and accuracy of their findings. The other options, such as question method, detective method, and crime scene investigation method, are not specific to the scientific process and do not encompass all the steps involved in the scientific method.
17.
The wobbling or movement of the earth's axis is called
Correct Answer
B. Precession
Explanation
Precession refers to the wobbling or movement of the Earth's axis. This phenomenon causes the Earth's axis to trace out a circle over a period of approximately 26,000 years. It is caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun on the Earth's equatorial bulge. As a result of precession, the positions of the celestial poles and equinoxes slowly shift over time. This movement has important implications for astronomy and the measurement of time.
18.
A very large star will end up as a
Correct Answer
D. Black hole
Explanation
A very large star, with a mass several times greater than that of our Sun, will eventually run out of fuel and undergo a supernova explosion. The remnants of this explosion can collapse under their own gravity, forming a black hole. Black holes are extremely dense objects with a gravitational pull so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from them.
19.
The moon's lunar cycle takes approximately ____________ days
Correct Answer
A. 28
Explanation
The moon's lunar cycle takes approximately 28 days. This is because it takes about 27.3 days for the moon to orbit around the Earth, and during this time, the moon goes through its different phases. These phases, such as the new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter, occur approximately every 7 days or so, resulting in a complete lunar cycle of around 28 days.
20.
After the new moon phase, the moon will begin to appear slightly larger and more visible, we call this the ____________ phase.
Correct Answer
D. Waxing
Explanation
After the new moon phase, the moon will begin to appear slightly larger and more visible. This phase is called the waxing phase. During this phase, the illuminated portion of the moon increases, leading to a gradual increase in its visibility. The waxing phase occurs between the new moon and the full moon, as the moon moves from being completely invisible (new moon) to being fully illuminated (full moon).
21.
Zero degrees latitude, is also known as the
Correct Answer
A. Equator
Explanation
The correct answer is equator. The equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. It is located at zero degrees latitude and is the midpoint between the North Pole and the South Pole. The equator is known for its hot and tropical climate and is an important reference point for navigation and geography.
22.
During convection, warm air __________, because it will have a ________ density.
Correct Answer
B. Rises because it will have a lower density
Explanation
During convection, warm air rises because it will have a lower density. This is because warm air expands and becomes less dense than the surrounding cooler air. As a result, it becomes buoyant and rises upwards. This process is driven by the principle that less dense substances tend to rise above denser substances.
23.
Air pressure moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Air pressure moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure because air molecules naturally move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In areas of high pressure, there is a greater concentration of air molecules, so they will naturally move to areas of lower pressure where there is a lower concentration of air molecules. This movement of air molecules creates air currents and wind, which is why we experience wind blowing from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
24.
In stellar equilibrium, ___________ prevents the expansion of a star
Correct Answer
C. Gravity
Explanation
Gravity is the force that prevents the expansion of a star in stellar equilibrium. It acts as an attractive force, pulling the matter inwards towards the center of the star, counteracting the outward pressure generated by the nuclear fusion reactions occurring in the core. This balance between the inward gravitational force and the outward pressure from fusion reactions keeps the star stable and prevents it from expanding indefinitely.
25.
During the water cycle, when the sun's energy begins to make liquid molecules spread apart to form a gas, we call this _______________
Correct Answer
D. Evaporation
Explanation
Evaporation is the correct answer because it refers to the process in the water cycle where the sun's energy causes liquid molecules to spread apart and transform into a gas. This occurs when water bodies, such as lakes or oceans, are heated by the sun, causing the water to turn into water vapor and rise into the atmosphere. Evaporation is an essential part of the water cycle as it helps to replenish the atmosphere with moisture, which eventually leads to cloud formation and precipitation.
26.
True or False, Density determines if an object will sink or float?
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Density is a physical property that measures the compactness of a substance. If the density of an object is greater than the density of the fluid it is placed in, it will sink. Conversely, if the density of an object is less than the density of the fluid, it will float. Therefore, density does determine whether an object will sink or float, making the answer true.
27.
When an object from space makes it all the way to the surface of the earth (the ground), it is called a METEOROID
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement is incorrect. When an object from space makes it all the way to the surface of the earth, it is called a meteorite, not a meteoroid. A meteoroid refers to the object when it is in space, while a meteorite is the term used when it reaches the ground.
28.
The ionosphere is located in which layer of the atmosphere
Correct Answer
B. ThermospHere
Explanation
The ionosphere is located in the thermosphere. The thermosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that extends from about 80 kilometers above the Earth's surface to the edge of space. It is characterized by high temperatures and the presence of ionized gases. The ionosphere is a region within the thermosphere where the molecules are ionized by solar radiation, creating a layer of charged particles. This layer plays a crucial role in radio communication and the reflection and propagation of radio waves.
29.
A map that shows changes in ELEVATION is called a
Correct Answer
C. TopograpHic map
Explanation
A topographic map is a type of map that shows changes in elevation. It provides detailed information about the physical features of an area, such as mountains, valleys, and slopes. This map is commonly used in various fields, including geography, geology, and urban planning, to understand the terrain and plan accordingly. It is different from other types of maps, such as thematic maps that focus on specific themes or planimetric maps that only show the horizontal positions of features.
30.
Cold air sinks while warm air rises
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Cold air sinks while warm air rises due to differences in density. When air is heated, its molecules move faster and spread out, causing the air to become less dense. This less dense warm air rises because it is lighter than the surrounding cold air. Conversely, cold air is denser and therefore sinks towards the ground. This process, known as convection, creates vertical movement of air and is responsible for many weather phenomena such as wind, clouds, and storms.
31.
Permanent deforestation (destroying of plants and trees) can contribute to potential global warming by
Correct Answer
A. Increasing the level of carbon in the atmospHere
Explanation
Permanent deforestation involves the destruction of plants and trees, which are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. When these plants and trees are removed, the carbon stored in them is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. This increased level of carbon dioxide acts as a greenhouse gas, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. Therefore, permanent deforestation can contribute to potential global warming by increasing the level of carbon in the atmosphere.