A major problem with depending on fossil fuels as primary energy sources is that they are __.

• overabundant

• nonpolluting

• nonrenewable

• deep underground

Answer explanation

A major problem with fossil fuels is that they are nonrenewable, meaning they cannot be replenished in a short time frame. This leads to depletion and environmental issues, unlike renewable energy sources.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

NGSS.HS-ESS3-6

Which of the following puts the steps of a scientific experiment in the correct order?

• 4

• 1

• 2

• 3

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Most modern geologists have argued that a global catastrophe may have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. According to these scientists, what was this catastrophe?

• An asteroid impact with the Earth

• Melting of the polar ice caps

• A shift in the tilt of the Earth

• Earthquakes and volcanoes

Answer explanation

Most modern geologists believe that an asteroid impact with the Earth caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, leading to drastic environmental changes that the dinosaurs could not survive.

What is the approximate percentage of the Earth that is illuminated by the sun at any given time?

• 50%

• 10%

• 50%

• 90%

Answer explanation

At any given time, approximately 50% of the Earth's surface is illuminated by the sun. This is due to the spherical shape of the Earth and the way sunlight reaches it, making 50% the correct answer.

Compared to the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains are much __.

• older

• less eroded

• higher

• thicker

Answer explanation

The Appalachian Mountains are much older than the Rocky Mountains, having formed over 480 million years ago, while the Rockies are relatively younger, formed around 80 million years ago. Thus, 'older' is the correct choice.

Seismic waves generated by an earthquake at point R are recorded at locations W and X. Which pair of seismographs is more accurate?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Seismic waves travel in different patterns and at different speeds through the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A volcanic eruption can affect the atmosphere by __.

• reducing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere

• adding large quantities of several gases, such as sulfur dioxide, to the atmosphere

• clearing away nearby clouds, increasing the amount of sunshine

• increasing the amount of oxygen due to escaping gases

Answer explanation

A volcanic eruption releases gases like sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which can lead to climate changes and affect air quality. This makes 'adding large quantities of several gases, such as sulfur dioxide, to the atmosphere' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which of these will cause the greatest high tides?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

When the moon (a little from the sun) exerts (push) gravity (gravitational forces) on the Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Which profile best represents the contour map along the line AB?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Following how the contour is moving from A to B.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Each dot on the above diagram marks the origin of an earthquake. The area with the highest concentration of earthquake origins marks __.

• a line of Earth’s magnetic field

• a seam of soft rock, such as limestone

• the path of the subducting tectonic plate

• the location of a developing igneous intrusion

Answer explanation

The area with the highest concentration of earthquake origins indicates the path of the subducting tectonic plate, where plates collide and cause seismic activity, unlike the other options which do not correlate with earthquake origins.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2