Earth's Resources Review

Long ago, only natural fibers such as cotton and wool were available to make cloth. In the 20th century, synthetic fibers such as polyester were invented.

What is one way that synthetic fibers have changed society?

• They are less expensive than natural fibers so they make products more available.

• They are harder to make so they have limited the variety of products being sold.

• They are engineered by humans so they are better materials for all applications.

• They are available in unlimited amounts without depleting natural resources.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-3

The map shows the estimated depth of groundwater for areas of the African continent. The depths are described in meters below ground level (mbgl).

In which area on the map would it be easiest for a village to use groundwater as a source of drinking water?

• Area A

• Area B

• Area C

• Area D

What is the main source of raw material for the production of plastics?

• clay

• plants

• petroleum

• sand

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Synthetic fibers, such as nylon and rayon, have replaced a natural fiber, silk, for many uses.

Which of these is most likely one of the reasons for this replacement?

• Natural fibers make a cloth that cannot be cut into shapes as easily as synthetic fibers.

• Natural fibers have more limited availability than synthetic fibers.

• Synthetic fibers do not require using natural resources.

• Synthetic fibers can be woven into cloth at a faster rate.

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A scientist discovered a chemical compound in the bark of a tree that only grows in a few forest areas. Doctors tested the compound and found that it was a good treatment for certain types of cancer. After the structure of the compound was known, other scientists worked to develop a way to make a synthetic version of the compound.

Which of these is an important advantage of the synthetic compound compared to the natural compound?

• Synthetic compounds are more effective than natural medicines, so they provide better results.

• It is always less expensive to make a synthetic compound than a natural compound, so more people can afford the medicine.

• The synthetic compound does not deplete a very limited natural resource, so it is more sustainable.

• Synthetic compounds are always more stable than natural compounds, so they can be stored for later use.

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Virginia’s Valley and Ridge province has many limestone and dolomite rock layers.

How could the composition of these layers affect the groundwater stored in the aquifer in this province?

• Over time, acidic water could dissolve the rock, creating larger spaces and increasing the volume of groundwater storage

• Over time, acidic water could dissolve the rock, collapsing spaces and decreasing the volume of groundwater storage.

• Over time, acidic water could leach toxins from the rock, contaminating the water and making it unusable.

• Over time, acidic water could leach ions from the rock, decreasing the pH of the water and making it more drinkable.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

The graph shows water table levels in an aquifer changing over a period of time.

Which most likely caused the changes observed in the data over time?

• increase in the amount of precipitation

• increase in water conservation efforts

• decrease in the amount of recharge

• decrease in irrigation for farming

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Carbon fiber composites are synthetic materials that are made by combining carbon fibers with a hardened resin. These materials are very strong and easily formed into specific shapes.

Which of these considerations makes carbon fiber composites particularly useful as construction materials for parts used in certain types of airplanes?

• They are more expensive than many alternative materials.

• They weigh much less than other materials of the same strength.

• They are synthetic materials built in manufacturing facilities.

• They can be manufactured in many colors by adding dyes to the resin.

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People make clothing using fibers that come from natural materials and from synthetic materials. How do these materials differ from one another?

• Natural fibers are produced from materials made by plants or animals while synthetic fibers are produced by chemical changes to raw materials.

• Natural fibers form threads that are woven to form cloth while synthetic fibers are linked together chemically to form cloth.

• Natural fibers and synthetic fibers both come from plant sources but synthetic fibers are modified chemically to become stronger.

• Natural fibers are not colored with dye but synthetic fibers are dyed many colors.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-3

Which statement describes most groundwater?

• Groundwater is found in underground lakes, rivers, and streams.

• Groundwater is found in the spaces between rocks, gravel, and sand.

• Groundwater is isolated from surface water and moves in its own cycle.

• Groundwater is sequestered below the surface for years or decades at a time.

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