Physical Science Studyguide Spring 2025

Front

The function of a generator is to change ____.

Back

mechanical energy to electrical energy

Answer explanation

A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, making 'mechanical energy to electrical energy' the correct choice. Other options involve different energy transformations not associated with generators.

Front

Iron being magnetic is an example of a...

Back

Physical Property

Answer explanation

Iron's magnetism is a characteristic that can be observed without changing its chemical composition, making it a physical property. Chemical properties involve changes in the substance's identity, unlike magnetism.

Front

Iron rusting is an example of...

Back

Chemical Property

Answer explanation

Iron rusting is a chemical change where iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to form iron oxide. This process alters the chemical composition of the iron, making it a chemical property rather than a physical one.

Front

How many valence electrons does aluminum (Al) have?

Back

3

Answer explanation

Aluminum (Al) is in group 13 of the periodic table, which means it has 3 valence electrons. This is why the correct answer is 3.

Front

Soil and air are examples of a...

Back

Mixture

Answer explanation

Soil and air are considered a mixture because they consist of different components that are not chemically bonded. A solution involves a solute dissolved in a solvent, while a colloid has particles that remain suspended, unlike the components in a mixture.

Front

Copper is an example of a

Back

Element

Answer explanation

Copper is an element because it is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. It consists of only one type of atom, distinguishing it from compounds and mixtures.

Front

How many protons does Carbon have?

Back

6

Answer explanation

Carbon has 6 protons, which is its atomic number. This defines the element and distinguishes it from others. The other choices (12, 8, 4) do not represent the number of protons in Carbon.

Front

To accelerate a 6 kg mass at 2 m/s², a net force of ________ is required.

Back

12 N

Answer explanation

To find the net force, use Newton's second law: F = m * a. Here, m = 6 kg and a = 2 m/s². Thus, F = 6 kg * 2 m/s² = 12 N. Therefore, the required net force is 12 N.

Front

Ammonia has a pH of 11, so it is classified as:

Back

basic

Answer explanation

Ammonia has a pH of 11, which is above 7, indicating it is basic. Substances with a pH greater than 7 are classified as basic, while those below 7 are acidic. Therefore, the correct classification for ammonia is basic.

Front

When a wave bends as it passes at an angle from one medium to another (example: pencil in a glass of water).

Back

refraction

Answer explanation

When a wave passes from one medium to another at an angle, it bends due to a change in speed. This bending of the wave is called refraction, as seen when a pencil appears broken in water.