Science Test Practice Day 04

Madison is heating two different liquids. For each liquid, she wants to compare the temperatures at which gas bubbles form, rise, and begin to escape. What physical property is Madison using to compare the liquids?

• boiling point

• conductivity

• melting point

• solubility

Answer explanation

Madison is comparing the temperatures at which gas bubbles form and escape, which is defined as the boiling point of a liquid. Therefore, the correct physical property she is using to compare the liquids is the boiling point.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Natalie is using a three-dimensional representation to study the parts of the human heart. Isaiah is working in a laboratory to test the hypothesis that plants grow taller in green light than in white light. Which of the following best compares their activities?

• Natalie is conducting a scientific investigation, and Isaiah is not.

• Natalie is not conducting a scientific investigation, and Isaiah is.

• Natalie is conducting an experiment, and Isaiah is conducting a field study.

• Natalie is investigating a scientific model, and Isaiah is conducting an experiment.

Answer explanation

Natalie is using a model to understand heart anatomy, which is investigative. Isaiah is testing a hypothesis through controlled conditions, making it an experiment. Thus, the correct comparison is that Natalie investigates a model, while Isaiah conducts an experiment.

Saturn and Jupiter are two objects in our solar system. Which of the following two factors keep these objects in their orbits?

• inertia and speed

• mass and distance

• gravity and inertia

• gravity and friction

Answer explanation

Gravity pulls Saturn and Jupiter towards the Sun, while inertia keeps them moving forward in their paths. Together, these forces maintain their stable orbits, making 'gravity and inertia' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which of the following stars most likely has the greatest absolute brightness?

• Alpha Centauri B

• Vega

• Sirius B

• Procyon A

Answer explanation

Sirius B, a white dwarf, has a high absolute brightness due to its dense mass and temperature, making it brighter than Alpha Centauri B, Vega, and Procyon A, which are less luminous in comparison.

Three elements are very reactive nonmetals with similar properties. Where are these elements most likely located in the periodic table?

• in the same row of the periodic table

• in the four corners of the periodic table

• in the two top rows of the periodic table

• in the same column of the periodic table

Answer explanation

The three reactive nonmetals are likely found in the same column (group) of the periodic table, as elements in the same group share similar properties and reactivity. This is characteristic of nonmetals like halogens.

Earth consists of different layers within which heat flows. In part of which layer does heat flow by convection currents?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

Heat flows by convection currents in the mantle, which is the third layer of the Earth. This layer is semi-fluid and allows for the movement of material, facilitating the transfer of heat.

Luis is conducting an investigation to determine if modern horseshoe crabs evolved from extinct organisms called trilobites. Which of the following should Luis use to determine if there is evidence to support his idea?

• the fossil record of trilobites

• the population size of trilobites

• the traits of all extinct animals

• the population size of horseshoe crabs

Answer explanation

Luis should use the fossil record of trilobites to find evidence of evolutionary links. Fossils provide direct information about the physical traits and timeline of trilobites, which can help assess their relationship to horseshoe crabs.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The diagram below shows the boundary of two tectonic plates and a feature that forms on Earth's surface at that boundary. At which of the following plate boundaries does the feature shown in the diagram form?

• a continental plate and an oceanic plate sliding past each other

• a continental plate subducting beneath an oceanic plate

• two oceanic plates moving away from each other

• two oceanic plates moving toward each other

Answer explanation

The feature shown forms at divergent boundaries where two oceanic plates move away from each other, creating new crust. This is characteristic of mid-ocean ridges, unlike the other options which describe different tectonic interactions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

To study something as vast as the universe and its structures, scientists often find it helpful to organize information in a simplified visual form. Which of the following represents structures of the universe in order from largest to smallest?

• universe → galaxy → solar system → planet

• solar system → universe → planet → galaxy

• planet → galaxy → solar system → universe

• planet → solar system → galaxy → universe

Answer explanation

The correct order from largest to smallest is: universe (the entirety of space), galaxy (a collection of stars), solar system (a star and its orbiting bodies), and planet (a celestial body orbiting a star).

Nicholas is conducting an investigation to determine how the number of turtles in a pond changes over several months. Which of the following would be the best way for Nicholas to organize and show his data?

• in a circle graph

• in a line graph

• in a bar graph

• in a diagram

Answer explanation

A line graph is ideal for showing changes over time, making it the best choice for Nicholas to track the number of turtles in the pond over several months. It clearly illustrates trends and fluctuations in the data.