Which of the following correctly describes how the Sun produces energy?

• A. One hydrogen atom and one lithium atom fuse into one helium atom.

• B. One hydrogen atom and four helium atoms fuse into one lithium atom.

• C. Two helium atoms fuse into one hydrogen atom.

• D. Four hydrogen atoms fuse into one helium atom.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

2. The figure shows the path of a planet orbiting the Sun. The three areas shaded in gray have equal areas. According to Kepler’s second law, which conclusion is supported by the data?

• A. The time intervals from A to B, C to D, and E to F are all equal.

• B. The time interval from A to B is twice the interval from E to F.

• C. The time intervals from A to B, C to D, and E to F combine to be equal to one half of a full orbit.

• D. The time intervals from C to D and from E to F combine to be equal to the time interval from A to B.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

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?

• A. the rotation of Earth on its axis

• B. the tilt of Earth’s axis of rotation

• C. the distance of Earth from the Sun

• D. the size and orbit of the Moon around Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The table below displays data about four planets in the solar system. According to Kepler’s third law, what is the length of Neptune’s year in Earth years?

• A. 30.06

• B. 114.5

• C. 165

• D. 168

5. The Sun has enough hydrogen to fuel a lifetime of 100 billion years. But the Sun’s life expectancy is only 10 billion years. Which of the following accurately explains the reason for this discrepancy?

• A. After converting ten percent of its mass to helium, the Sun will become a different kind of star and use fuel at a much faster rate.

• B. After a billion years of fusion, the Sun will divide and become two stars and each will use more fuel than a single star would.

• C. The Sun supplies gravitational potential energy to keep the planets in orbit, so the Sun uses much more fuel than it would if it existed alone.

• D. The nuclear reaction that powers the Sun accelerates at an exponential rate, so the longer the reaction goes on, the faster it uses fuel.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which Earth process BEST supports the claim that the geosphere enables the biosphere to exist?

• A. When volcanoes erupt explosively, they not only release molten lava, they also release dust, carbon dioxide gas, and water vapor.

• B. About 300 million years ago, the Appalachian Mountains were the tallest mountains on Earth. Over time, erosion made them smaller.

• C. The motion of the outer core around the inner core creates the magnetosphere, which blocks high-energy solar particles from reaching Earth’s surface.

• D. Energy from nuclear fission melts the rock in Earth’s mantle. This heat causes convection currents that eventually move tectonic plates, which causes earthquakes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of these statements best explains the shape of Earth?

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

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

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

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

The Moon revolves around Earth once every 29.5 days. It takes the Moon the same amount of time for it to complete one rotation. Because of this phenomenon, the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. Which BEST explains what makes the timing of the revolution and rotation of the Moon equal?

• A. the lack of water on the Moon

• B. the lack of atmosphere on the Moon

• C. the pull of gravity on the Moon by Earth

• D. the large distance between Earth and the Moon

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

The Milky Way galaxy looks like a band of light across the sky. Which observation would provide the BEST view of this band of light without a telescope?

• A. observing only near the north or south pole

• B. observing only during a lunar or solar eclipse

• C. observing on any sunny, clear day

• D. observing on any dark, clear night

The location of the solar system is illustrated in the diagram of the Milky Way galaxy. Which conclusion can be reached based on the location of the solar system?

• A. The Sun is near the end of its star cycle.

• B. The Sun will be pushed away from the galaxy.

• C. The solar system has the only planets in the galaxy.

• D. The solar system is surrounded by newly formed stars.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2