Brain Bowl (SECME Olympiad)

The chart gives the physical properties of copper.  How does the density of a 4g sample compare to that of a 12g sample?

• The density is one-half the density of the 12g sample.
• The densities are the same.
• It is twice as dense as the 12g sample.
• It is 3 times as dense as the 12g sample.

Which is considered a good insulator of heat?

• aluminum, because it allows heat to flow easily
• glass, because it allows heat to flow easily
• plastic, because heat is unable to flow easily
• silver, because heat is unable to flow easily

Why are there high and low tides on Earth?

• They are due to changes in the moon’s tilt on its axis.
• They are due to the gravitational pull between Earth and the moon. 
• They are due to the magnetic force between Earth and the moon. 
• They are due to changes in the moon’s speed every month. 

Which contributes to Earth’s ability to sustain life? 

• The atmosphere allows all of the sun’s radiation to enter due to Earth’s  distance from the sun. 
• The atmosphere prevents all space debris from reaching the surface due to  the ozone layer. 
• The atmosphere is extremely thin due to the temperatures of the sun. 
• The atmosphere is breathable due to the unique mixture of gases. 

The diagram below shows the composition of the surface of Earth.  Which best summarizes the composition of the surface of Earth? 

• Three-fourths of Earth’s surface is land. 
• One-fourth of Earth’s surface is water. 
• Earth’s surface contains more land than water. 
• Earth’s surface contains more water than land. 

Which is the basic composition of Earth’s core? 

• The solid inner core is surrounded by a liquid outer core. 
• The liquid inner core is surrounded by a solid outer core. 
• Both the inner core and the outer core are solid. 
• Both the inner core and the outer core are liquid. 

Which best explains the movement of tectonic plates?

• They move several miles each year because of convection within Earth. 
• They move several centimeters each year because of convection within  Earth. 
• They move several feet each year because of convection within Earth. 
• They move several kilometers each year because of convection within Earth. 

Which best explains the relationship between parent rock and soil composition? 

• Weathered parent rock determines the number of organisms found in the  soil. 
• Weathered parent rock determines the amount of air found in the soil. 
• Weathered parent rock is the largest component of soil. 
• Weathered parent rock is the smallest component of soil. 

This illustration shows the reaction of a plant when placed near a light source.  What would happen to the plant if it were turned away from the light source? 

• The plant would stop growing. 
• The plant would be unaffected. 
• The plant would move away from the light source. 
• The plant would bend towards the light source. 

Tulips are flowers that typically bloom in the spring. How could tulips be forced to bloom in winter? 

• by limiting pruning and trimming of the tulips 
• by reducing water levels and nutrient uptake by the tulips 
• by elevating oxygen levels and supplying organic matter to the tulips 
• by increasing temperature and lengthening daylight for the tulips