Sometimes tectonic plates do not move easily past one another, and the plates become stuck. Forces build up, and when the plates finally move, tension is released, as shown below. The sudden movement of the plates is caused by—

• the mass of the plates

• the weight of the plates

• unbalanced forces

• gravitational force

A student lists two land features: • Himalayas (mountain range) • East African (Great Rift Valley) a) Which statement describes how each land feature most likely formed? 1. The Himalayas formed at convergent boundaries, while the Great Rift Valley formed at divergent boundaries. 2. The Himalayas and the Great Rift Valley both formed at divergent boundaries. 3. The Himalayas formed at divergent boundaries, while the Great Rift Valley formed at convergent boundaries. 4. The Himalayas formed at convergent boundaries, while the Great Rift Valley formed at transform boundaries. b) Which statement best explains the correct answer to Part A? 1. Tectonic plates are moving away from each other in areas that form mountains and rift valleys. 2. Tectonic plates are moving toward each other in areas that form mountains, while tectonic plates are moving away from each other in areas that form rift valleys. 3. Tectonic plates are moving toward each other in areas that form rift valleys, while tectonic plates are moving away from each other in areas that form mountains. 4. Tectonic plates are moving away from each other in areas that form mountains, while tectonic plates are moving toward each other in areas that form rift valleys.

• Tectonic plates are moving away from each other in areas that form mountains and rift valleys.

• The Himalayas formed at convergent boundaries, while the Great Rift Valley formed at transform boundaries.

• The Himalayas formed at divergent boundaries, while the Great Rift Valley formed at convergent boundaries.

• The Himalayas and the Great Rift Valley both formed at divergent boundaries.

• The Himalayas formed at convergent boundaries, while the Great Rift Valley formed at divergent boundaries.

Most stars in the universe fit into one of the four areas on this Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Which area of the diagram represents the white dwarfs?

• Area M

• Area X

• Area P

• Area Z

A student uses paper and fasteners to create a model of Earth, the sun, and the moon. The sun and Earth are attached to the paper background, while the moon is free to revolve around Earth. Which diagram shows the position of the moon during a New Moon?

• [Image A]

• [Image B]

• [Image C]

• [Image D]

A student bounces a basketball off the gym floor. Which statement correctly describes the action-reaction force pair that causes the ball to bounce?

• The gym floor pushes up on the ball as the ball pushes down on the floor with an equal amount of force.

• The gym floor pushes up on the ball with a greater amount of force than the ball pushes down on the floor.

• The gym floor pushes up on the ball as gravity pulls down on the ball with an equal amount of force.

• The gym floor pushes up on the ball with a greater amount of force than gravity pulls down on the ball.

What is one condition that is necessary for a hurricane to form?

• Warm ocean water

• A strong cold front

• Cold ocean water

• A strong warm front

Which graph represents a baseball player accelerating away from a base located at the origin?

• Position vs. Time (Graph A)

• Position vs. Time (Graph B)

• Position vs. Time (Graph C)

• Position vs. Time (Graph D)

A group of students was conducting an investigation with plants. One group of plants was placed inside a closet. The other group of plants was placed next to a window. After two weeks, the plants next to the window were taller and healthier than the plants in the closet. Which statement best explains the difference in plant growth?

• The plants next to the window were able to convert more light energy into chemical energy.

• The plants next to the window were able to convert more thermal energy into light energy.

• The plants next to the window were able to convert more thermal energy into mechanical energy.

• The plants next to the window were able to convert more light energy into electrical energy.

How many grams of sulfuric acid were used in the reaction?

• 62 g

• 98 g

• 36 g

• 100 g

An equation for a chemical reaction is shown. NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O Which statement provides evidence that mass is conserved in the reaction?

• A. Two new substances are formed in the products.

• B. Water is one of the products, but not one of the reactants.

• C. Two hydrogen atoms are in the reactants, and two hydrogen atoms are in the products.

• D. One chlorine atom pairs with one sodium atom in the products, and one chlorine atom pairs with one hydrogen atom in the reactants.