Science midterm review

What is most likely to occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in a relatively straight line?

• a decrease in global wind patterns

• an increase in temperature near the equator

• more earthquakes near the equator and fewer at the poles

• a larger-than-normal height difference between low tide and high tide

Which of these statements best explains the shape of Earth?

• Because of its rotation about its axis, Earth has a greater circumference around the equator than around the Prime Meridian.

• Because of its revolution around the sun, Earth has a greater circumference around the equator than around the Prime Meridian.

• Because of its rotation about its axis, Earth has a greater circumference around the Prime Meridian than around the equator.

• Because of its revolution around the sun, Earth has a greater circumference around the Prime Meridian than around the equator.

The Moon goes through phases as it revolves around Earth. During which phase of the moon would it be possible for a solar eclipse to occur?

• new moon

• full moon

• waning crescent

• waxing gibbous

Regions of Earth experience seasons at different times.

At which position in the orbit of Earth would City X have summer?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

The temperate zones of the United States experience changing of seasons from winter to summer. Which is the reason for this annual change of seasons?

• the rotation of Earth on its axis

• the tilt of Earth’s axis of rotation

• the distance of Earth from the Sun

• the size and orbit of the Moon around Earth

The map shows temperatures on an October day in the United States.

Which BEST explains why Florida has warmer temperatures, on average, than other locations?

• Florida is closer to sea level than inland areas.

• Sunlight shines more directly on Florida for more hours each day.

• Heat energy is transferred to land because ocean currents pass so close to Florida

• Seasonal change takes place later in the year because Florida is closer to the equator.

The diagram shows an arrangement of Earth, the Sun, and the Moon.

Which MOST likely occurs at Point X due to the positions of the illustrated bodies?

• shorter hours of daylight

• stronger magnetic field

• early snowfall

• high tide

The diagram represents Earth, showing two cities and the axis of rotation.

The current temperature in City X is higher than in City Y. Based on the diagram, which statement BEST explains this temperature difference?

• It is winter in City Y.

• City X is closer to the Sun.

• It is nighttime in City Y.

• City X is in the Northern Hemisphere.

Earth travels on an elliptical orbit around the Sun.

When Earth is at the point labeled on the diagram, it moves most quickly in its orbit. Which BEST explains this more rapid motion of Earth?

• The amount of solar heat reaching Earth is greatest at this point.

• The Sun’s gravitational pull on Earth is strongest at this point.

• Earth is closest to the Sun’s magnetic field at this point.

• Earth is closest to the Sun’s radioactivity at this point.

In 1987, a supernova was detected in the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy, which is approximately 169,000 light-years from Earth. Which event produces a supernova?

• the explosion of a massive star

• the birth of a main sequence star

• the collapse of a medium-sized star

• the collision of one star with another