STAAR Minimark 1.1

Element R and Element Q have the same number of valence electrons. These elements both have similar chemical behavior, but Element R has fewer energy levels than Element Q. 
Which statement best describes the positions of the two elements in the periodic table?

• The two elements are in the same period, with Element R the first element in the period and Element Q the last element.
• The two elements are side by side in the same period, with Element Q to the left of Element R.
• The two elements are in the same group, with Element R just above Element Q.
• The two elements are in the same group, with Element Q at the top of the group and Element R at the bottom.

A scientist spilled a few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) on a lab table.  For safety purposes, the scientist sprinkled some baking soda (NaHCO₃) onto the spill.  Which observation would provide the best evidence that a chemical reaction occurred?

• The baking soda and hydrochloric acid combined, and bubbles formed. 
• The baking soda absorbed the hydrochloric acid. 
• Some of the baking soda dissolved in the hydrochloric acid. 
• The hydrochloric acid evaporated, leaving only the baking soda. 

The table lists some compounds found in foods and their formulas.

Based on this information, which of these statements is NOT true?

• A molecule of sorbitol contains three more oxygen atoms than a molecule of glutamine does.

• A molecule of lactose contains twice as many atoms as a molecule of fructose does.

• A molecule of fructose contains four more atoms than a molecule of glutamine does.

• A molecule of lactose contains twice as many carbon atoms as a molecule of sorbitol does.

Two forces applied to a 17 kg box, as shown. The box is on a smooth surface. Which statement best describes the acceleration of the box?

• The box accelerates at 1.0 m/s² to the right because the net force is 17 N to the right.

• The box accelerates at 1.9 m/s² to the right because the greater the force is to the right.

• The box accelerates at 3.0 m/s² to the combined forces cause the box to accelerate.

• The box does not accelerate, because neither force is large enough to move the box.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Deep Space 1 was a spacecraft powered by an engine that gave off xenon particles to change velocity.  It had a mass of 500 kg.  Which expression can be used to find the spacecraft's acceleration if its engine created a net force of 0.10 N?

• 0.10 N / 500 kg
• 500 kg x 0.10 N
• 500 kg / 0.10 N
• 500 kg + 0.10 N

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Students in a science class in Marfa, Texas, made a poster with a diagram to represent a seasonal change in the Northern Hemisphere.

Which statement best describes conditions for Earth at Position 1 in the diagram?

• There are an equal number of hours of daylight and nighttime in the Northern hemisphere, and the North Pole is tilted away from the sun.

• The Northern hemisphere has the fewest hours of daylight, and Earth's axis does not tilt at this position.

• There are an equal number of hours of daylight and nighttime in the Northern Hemisphere because Earth's axis is not tilted in this position.

• The Northern Hemisphere has the fewest hours of daylight, and the North Pole is tilted away from the sun.

The thick black lines on the map below show the locations of mid-ocean ridges. Which geologic feature is most likely to form at a mid-ocean ridge?

• Peninsula 
• Volcano
• Delta
• Plateau

The moon reflects different amounts of sunlight onto Earth at different times. This reflected sunlight is commonly called moonlight. The graph below shows the intensity of moonlight at different times in a lunar cycle.

Which moon phase most likely occurs at the time in the cycle represented by an X on the graph?

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Which table best shows some functions of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and endocrine systems?

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Many Texas caves provide a habitat for animals that live in total darkness. The caves are damp and cool, and most of the caves are rich in the mineral calcite. The diagram below shows the relationships of some organisms involved in a cave ecosystem. Based on the diagram, which of the following statements is valid? 

• Owls are predators of bats, and bats are predators of moths. 
• Beetles compete with bats and cave spiders.
• Snakes prey on bats and owls. 
• None of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2