ES-Jun 2017 Q1-10

Evidence that the universe is expanding is best supported by the observation that the wavelengths of light from distant galaxies are shifted toward the

• red end of the spectrum because they are shortened
• red end of the spectrum because they are lengthened
• blue end of the spectrum because they are shortened
•  blue end of the spectrum because they are lengthened

Scientists infer that the Big Bang occurred approximately

• 4.6 billion years ago
• 7 billion years ago
• 9 billion years ago
• 13.8 billion years ago

Which process produces the largest amount of energy given off by stars?

• nuclear fusion of lighter elements into heavier elements
• nuclear fusion of heavier elements into lighter elements
• radioactive decay of lighter elements into heavier elements
• radioactive decay of heavier elements into lighter elements

Which two factors caused the interior layering of Earth and other planets in our solar system during their formation?

• cosmic background radiation and density differences
•  cosmic background radiation and specifi c heat
• gravity and density differences
• gravity and specifi c heat

The map below shows the location of the Chicxulub impact crater, which was formed in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 65.5 million years ago. With an estimated 108-mile diameter, this crater, which is now buried beneath surface crustal rocks, is one of the largest craters on Earth.
The asteroid impact that formed this large crater is theorized to have caused

• a drop in sea level from the sea water draining into the large crater
• warmer than normal worldwide ocean temperatures from the hot asteroid
• mass extinctions of many species on Earth from extreme climate changes
• an increase in worldwide greenhouse gases from vaporizing crustal rocks

an increase in worldwide greenhouse gases from vaporizing crustal rocks

• 15° 
• 23.5° 
• 66.5°
• 90°

During which month does the Sun rise north of due east in New York State?

• February 
• July 
• October
•  December

The graph below shows the change in tide heights of the Hudson River at Newburgh, New York.
According to the graph, the time difference between high tide and the next low tide is approximately

• 2 hours
• 3 hours
• 6 hours
• 12 hours

During a rainstorm, water is fl owing down the side of a hill composed of solid bedrock. What will be the effect on the relative amounts of runoff and infi ltration when the water reaches an area of unsaturated soil with a gentler slope?

• Runoff will decrease as infi ltration decreases
• Runoff will decrease as infi ltration increases.
• Runoff will increase as infi ltration decreases.
• Runoff will increase as infi ltration increases.

What is the dewpoint when the dry bulb temperature is 20°C and the relative humidity is 17%?

• –5°C
• –2°C
• 11°C
• 15°C