Earth Science SOL 2000 Released Test

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

• Determine its volume by water displacement, then divide mass by volume.

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

• Crush the rock into a powder and transfer it into a graduated cylinder, then divide mass by volume.

• Determine its volume using the formula for the volume of a sphere (V = 4/3πr³), then divide mass by volume.

Answer explanation

To find the density of the rock, the student should measure its volume using water displacement, which accurately accounts for irregular shapes. Then, dividing the mass by this volume gives the correct density.

The chart shows the placement of Jupiter's moons as seen from Earth. How would Jupiter and its moons appear on February 7 as viewed through a telescope?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

The table shows the most common elements in the Earth's crust and the approximate percentage by weight that each one represents. Which statement is true?

• Iron is the most common metal in the crust.

• All eight elements are metals.

• Two elements comprise nearly 75% of the crust.

• Oxygen and silicon are found in equal amounts.

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that two elements, oxygen and silicon, make up nearly 75% of the Earth's crust by weight. The other statements are incorrect regarding the composition and amounts of the elements.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

How should the earthquake damage in the photograph be ranked on the modified Mercalli Intensity Scale?

• V

• VII

• IX

• XI

Answer explanation

The earthquake damage in the photograph is severe, indicating significant structural damage and potential for collapse, which aligns with a ranking of IX on the modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, indicating considerable damage.

The graph shows the decay of radioactive isotopes. What approximate amount of the element remains after 4 half-lives have elapsed?

• 6.25%

• 12.50%

• 25.00%

• 50.00%

Answer explanation

After 4 half-lives, the remaining amount of a radioactive isotope is calculated as follows: 100% -> 50% -> 25% -> 12.5% -> 6.25%. Thus, after 4 half-lives, approximately 12.50% of the element remains.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Students want to compare the relative ability of four materials to absorb heat. The materials they choose are sand, soil, water, and black paper. They measure the heat absorbed and then place the four materials over a heat source for ten minutes. Every two minutes they measure the temperature. Which experimental design would best suit their purpose?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

In mid-June the sun enters the constellation Gemini, which is not visible then because of the sun’s brightness. According to this star chart, which of these constellations would not be visible in mid-June because of its closeness to the sun?

• Virgo

• Orion

• Ursa Major

• Aquarius

Answer explanation

In mid-June, Orion is close to the sun and not visible due to its brightness. Unlike Virgo, Ursa Major, and Aquarius, which are farther from the sun, Orion's proximity makes it hidden during this time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which area of this map has the steepest slope?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

Area C has the steepest slope as indicated by the contour lines being closest together, which signifies a rapid change in elevation compared to areas A, B, and D.

Each mineral has a unique crystal shape because of its __.

• arrangement of atoms

• hardness being between 1 and 10

• streak being constant

• variation in its color

Answer explanation

Each mineral's unique crystal shape is determined by the arrangement of its atoms. This atomic structure dictates how the mineral grows and forms its characteristic shape, making this choice the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Glass is chemically related to what mineral?

• Fluorite

• Quartz

• Pyrite

• Halite

Answer explanation

Glass is primarily made from silica, which is the same chemical compound found in quartz (SiO2). Therefore, glass is chemically related to quartz, making it the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3