Scientific Investigation 1

A student found the rock shown above and weighed it to determine its mass. What steps should the student take to find its density?

• Determine its volume by how much water it displaces, then divide mass by volume.

• Determine its volume by multiplying length × width × height, then divide mass by volume

• Crush the rock to a powder and measure its volume with a graduated cylinder, then divide mass by volume.

• Determine its volume using the formula for the volume of a sphere (𝑉=43𝜋𝑟3)(V=43πr3), then divide mass by volume

Answer explanation

Density is calculated by dividing an object's mass by its volume:

Density=

Mass/

Volume

Density=Mass/Volume

The volume of an irregularly shaped object, such as a rock, is most easily determined by measuring how much water it displaces.

In order to find the rock's density, the student should determine its volume by how much water it displaces, then divide mass by volume.

How should the earthquake damage in the picture be ranked according to the modified Mercalli Intensity Scale?

• V

• VII

• IX

• XI

Which area of this map has the steepest slope?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

The closer the contour lines, the steeper the gradient.

One step in determining the metal content of a ring is to find the volume of the ring. What is the volume of this ring?

• 1.7 mL

• 3.0 mL

• 4.7 mL

• 7.1 mL

What is the position of the star above the horizon?

• 35

• 60

• 0

• 27

Pictured above is a shoebox with rows of holes in the top, large enough for straws to fit through. By placing straws through the holes, students have to determine the shape of an unseen object in the box. This activity simulates the technology used to map the seafloor. What is that technology called?

• laser beams

• doppler radar

• sonar

• seismology

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What does the diagram illustrate about turbidity currents?

• they move along the bottom

• they stop moving as soon as they reach the ocean floor.

• they are temperature dependent

• they only occur in salt water

Answer explanation

Turbidity

About how long is the Red Sea?

• 40 km

• 300 km

• 1200 km

• 2100 km

Most meteorites that fall to Earth are either chondrites or achondrites. The charts above show the composition of these meteorites. Based on these charts, which is a valid conclusion?

• both types are predominately pyroxene

• both types are predominately olivine

• achondrite contain more feldspar

• achondrites contain more nickel-iron

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which planet rotates the fastest?

• Mercury

• Mars

• Jupiter

• Saturn