Earth Science SOL 2003 Released Test

When the Earth is at its greatest distance from the sun, its Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun. What season takes place in the Southern Hemisphere at this time?

• Spring

• Summer

• Autumn

• Winter

Answer explanation

When the Earth is farthest from the sun and the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward it, the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter. This is because the tilt causes less direct sunlight and cooler temperatures in that hemisphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of these can determine the size of grains in igneous rocks?

• Amount of rare minerals

• Distance from a plate boundary

• Size of the volcano

• Cooling rate of molten rock

Answer explanation

The cooling rate of molten rock directly affects the size of crystals formed in igneous rocks. Faster cooling results in smaller grains, while slower cooling allows larger crystals to develop.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Which element in Earth’s atmosphere is essential for human life and is extremely rare or nonexistent in the atmospheres of other planets in our solar system?

• Carbon dioxide

• Hydrogen

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

Answer explanation

Oxygen is essential for human life as it is required for respiration. Unlike Earth, other planets in our solar system have very little or no oxygen in their atmospheres, making it a unique and vital element for life on Earth.

The picture above shows a hydrometer in water. The same hydrometer was placed in the liquids below. Which liquid is denser than water?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Which of the following is part of a valid process for supporting a hypothesis?

• Altering Results

• Single Trials

• Experimentation

• Limited Research

Answer explanation

Experimentation is essential for supporting a hypothesis as it involves testing and gathering data to validate or refute the hypothesis. The other options, like altering results or limited research, do not contribute to a valid scientific process.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

The numerous rocks orbiting the sun between Jupiter and Mars are __.

• comets

• asteroids

• meteorites

• satellites

Answer explanation

The numerous rocks orbiting the sun between Jupiter and Mars are known as asteroids. They are distinct from comets, which are icy bodies, meteorites, which are fragments that reach Earth, and satellites, which orbit planets.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What property is shared by many gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and topaz?

• Extreme Hardness

• High Specific Gravity

• Carbon as the Primary Element

• Ductility

Answer explanation

Many gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and topaz, share the property of extreme hardness, making them durable and suitable for various types of jewelry.

Based on these charts, which is a valid conclusion?

• Both types are predominately pyroxene.

• Both types are predominately olivine.

• Achondrites contain more feldspar.

• Achondrites contain more nickel-iron.

Answer explanation

The charts indicate that achondrites have a higher feldspar content compared to other types, and they also contain more nickel-iron, making these conclusions valid.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

The drawing above shows the water table in the vicinity of a newly drilled well. Which of the drawings below shows the appearance of the water table several months later when the well has been in regular use?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

According to this map, the mean annual temperature for most of the eastern half of Virginia is between __.

• 45°F and 50°F

• 50°F and 55°F

• 55°F and 60°F

• 65°F and 70°F

Answer explanation

The map indicates that the mean annual temperature for most of the eastern half of Virginia falls within the range of 55°F and 60°F, making this the correct choice among the options provided.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6