AP Science Exam SPHS

Earth's axis tilted 23.5 relative to the sun. This 23.5 angle changes slightly over an 18-year period due to nutation. What most likely causes this change in angle ?

• the sun

• the moon

• the core of Earth

• Earth's magnetic field

Over thousands of years, Earth's axis will change the direction to which it points in space. Which will most likely result from this change?

• Earth's magnetic poles will change

• The angle of Earth's tilt on its axis will change

• The length of the winter season on Earth will increase

• The northern pole star as viewed from Earth will appear to change location

Which motion changes the direction of Earth's axis, but not its tilt?

• orbit

• rotation

• revolution

• precession

What would result if Earth were no longer tilted on its axis?

• There would be no tides in our oceans

• The four seasons would no longer exist

• The day would be longer and the night shorter

• The distance between the sun and Earth would increase

When she spends a full day at the beach, Mary notices that the water level is constantly changing. How could this be explained?

• The tilt of Earth affects the density of the water

• The revolution of Earth around the sun affects the tides

• The rotation of Earth changes the amount of water in the ocean

• The gravitational interaction between the moon and Earth affects the tides

Which statement explains where the Earth's greatest diameter is located?

• The greatest diameter is at the poles because of Earth's rotation

• The greatest diameter is at the equator because of Earth's rotation

• The greatest diameter is at the equator because of the pull of the sun and moon

• The greatest diameter is at the poles because of the pull of the sun and moon

Which two factors are responsible for Earth's seasons?

• the rotation of Earth and the Coriolis effect

• the phases of the moon and the precession of Earth

• the tilt of Earth's axis and Earth's revolution around the sun

• the interaction of air masses and the changes in density of ocean currents

Which is most responsible for the different seasons on Earth?

• The changing distance between Earth and the sun during a revolution of Earth causes winter when Earth is farthest from the sun and summer when it is closest to the sun

• The rotation of Earth on its axis changes during the solar year resulting in changes in the amount of sunlight striking any given place on Earth

• Because Earth does not have a perfect spherical shape , more direct sunlight strikes areas below the poles , resulting in seasonal changes

• The tilt of Earth on its axis relative to the sun during the year results changes in the amount of direct solar energy striking Earth

Which statement differentiates weather from climate?

• Weather describes temperature and precipitation , while climate involves low- and high -pressure systems

• Weather involves low- and high -pressure systems , while climate describes current temperature and precipitation

• Weather includes wind speed and cloud cover , while climate describes effects of warm and cold fronts

• Weather describes daily temperatures and precipitation , while climate involves long -term patterns of temperature and precipitation

A city in North Carolina is reported to have temperatures in the upper 80s with mostly cloudy skies and a slight chance of scattered storms . What does this information describe ?

• a front

• a biome

• weather

• precipitation