Weather

Hot air rises because...

• it is less dense

• it is heavier

• it is more dense

• it contains Helium

Answer explanation

Hot air rises because it is less dense than the cooler air around it. When air is heated, it expands and becomes lighter, allowing it to rise. Therefore, the correct answer is that hot air is less dense.

The process the causes plate tectonics, wind, and ocean currents is known as...

• Radiation

• Conduction

• Nuclear Energy

• Convection

Answer explanation

The process that causes plate tectonics, wind, and ocean currents is known as convection. This process involves the movement of heat through fluids, leading to the movement of tectonic plates and the circulation of air and water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

According to the map, which city is likely experiencing warmer weather?

• Seattle

• Chicago

• Boston

• San Diego

Answer explanation

San Diego is likely experiencing warmer weather because it is located in Southern California, known for its mild, sunny climate, while Seattle, Chicago, and Boston are generally colder, especially in winter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following is most likely a cause of hurricanes?

• Cooler ocean temperatures

• Warmer ocean temperatures

• Large ocean waves

• Strong ocean currents

Answer explanation

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, as warmer temperatures provide the necessary heat and moisture to fuel these storms. Cooler ocean temperatures do not support hurricane development, making warmer ocean temperatures the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

A hurricane forms over the Atlantic Ocean. When it hits land and comes ashore, its wind speed decrease significantly.  This happens because the hurricane:

• gains more water from the flooded land than the ocean

• meets a land breeze

• meets a stronger hurricane moving from land

• no longer gains energy from warm ocean water

Answer explanation

The hurricane loses wind speed when it hits land because it no longer gains energy from warm ocean water, which is essential for its strength. Without this energy source, the hurricane weakens significantly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What type of weather usually goes with this symbol?

• Clear, sunny skies

• Cloudy skies

• Hot temperature

• Thunderstorms

Answer explanation

The symbol typically represents clear, sunny skies, indicating pleasant weather conditions. This is why 'Clear, sunny skies' is the correct answer, as it directly correlates with the symbol's meaning.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What type of weather will occur with this symbol?

• Thunderstorms, cooler temperatures

• Gentle precipitation, warmer temperatures

• Sunny skies, warmer weather

• Cloudy skies, cooler weather

Answer explanation

The symbol indicates gentle precipitation, which typically brings warmer temperatures. This rules out thunderstorms, sunny skies, and cloudy conditions, making 'gentle precipitation, warmer temperatures' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

____________ air sinks/falls because it is ____________dense.

• Cold, More

• Warm, Less

• Cold, Less

• Warm, More

Answer explanation

Cold air is denser than warm air. When air cools, it becomes more dense and sinks. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Cold, More' as cold air sinks because it is more dense.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

____________ air rises because it is ____________dense.

• Cool, Less

• Warm, Less

• Cold, More

• Warm, More

Answer explanation

Warm air rises because it is less dense than cooler air. As air warms, it expands and becomes lighter, allowing it to rise. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Warm, Less'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A(n) _____ is a large body of air that has properties similar to the part of Earth's surface over which it depends.

• tornado

• pressure system

• front

• air mass

Answer explanation

An air mass is a large body of air that takes on the characteristics of the surface below it, such as temperature and humidity. This makes 'air mass' the correct answer, as it directly relates to the properties of the Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5