Quarter 2 PSSA Review

Which statement best describes the Sun-Earth-Moon system?

• Earth orbits both the Sun and the Moon.
• Earth orbits the Moon, and the Sun orbits Earth.
• The Moon orbits Earth, and Earth orbits the Sun.

In thinking about a solar eclipse, what does the ball in the diagram represent?

• the Sun
• the Moon
• the Earth

The drawing shows a cycle that repeats regularly. Which factor primarily determines the length of this cycle?

• the tilt of Earth on its axis
• the Moon's rate of rotation on its axis
• the distance between Earth and the Sun
• the Moon's rate of revolution around Earth

How does the tilt of Earth's axis cause seasonal change?

• by increasing the amount of energy produced by the sun in the summer.
• by exposing some parts of Earth to fewer hours of sunlight during winter.
• by making Earth travel greater distances around the Sun during some months.

A student observes two high tides and two low tides along an ocean shoreline during a fixed 24 hour period. Which combination of factors is most responsible for causing this pattern of tides?

• The tides are caused by the rotation of Earth and the gravitational attraction between the Moon and the Sun.
• The tides are caused by the rotation of Earth and the gravitational attraction between the Earth and the Moon.
• The tides are caused by the rotation of the Moon and the gravitational attraction between the Earth and the Moon.

How are the revolutions of the Moon and Earth alike?

• Both are produced by gravity.
• Both are revolutions around the Sun.
• Both orbits are the same size.
• Both take the same amount of time.

Polar areas of Earth receive lower levels of direct sunlight than other areas on the planet. Which statement best describes how the lower levels of direct sunlight affect the environment in polar areas?

• Polar areas have a cold environment and low diversity of plants and animals.
• Polar areas have a warm environment and low diversity of plants and animals.
• Polar areas have a cold environment and high diversity of plants and animals.
• Polar areas have a warm environment and high diversity of plants and animals.

Which characteristic of the Sun primarily determines the orbits of planets in our solar system?

• large volume
• mostly made of hydrogen
• strong gravitational field
• high surface temperatures

• 1, 2, 3, 4
• 4, 2, 3, 1
• 4, 3, 2, 1

Which health concern is most associated with areas containing a high density of factories and vehicles with gas-burning engines?

• increased sensitivity to solar radiation
• bacterial infections in the digestive tract
• asthma and other breathing-related issues
• weakened resistance to infections and viruses