Science and Earth Practice Test

Which of the following is a renewable energy source?

• Diesel

• Natural Gas

• Solar

• Gasoline

Answer explanation

Solar energy is a renewable source because it is derived from the sun, which is abundant and inexhaustible. In contrast, diesel, natural gas, and gasoline are fossil fuels that deplete over time.

What is Geothermal Energy?

• Energy from moving water

• Energy from the Sun

• Energy from Earth’s heat

• Energy from fossil fuels

Answer explanation

Geothermal energy is derived from the heat stored within the Earth. This makes 'Energy from Earth’s heat' the correct choice, as it specifically refers to harnessing this natural thermal energy for power generation.

What happens when gas turns into liquid due to cooling?

• Evaporation

• Melting

• Condensation

• Freezing

Answer explanation

When gas cools, it loses energy and transitions into a liquid state through a process called condensation. This is the opposite of evaporation, where a liquid turns into gas.

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Carlos found a black rock formed from cooled lava near a volcano. What kind of rock is it?

• Sedimentary

• Igneous

• Fossil Rock

• Metamorphic

Answer explanation

The black rock formed from cooled lava is classified as igneous rock. Igneous rocks are created from the solidification of molten material, such as lava, which aligns with Carlos's discovery near a volcano.

Why do scientists often study sedimentary rocks?

• They contain crystals.

• They form underwater only.

• They often hold fossils.

• They glow in the dark.

Answer explanation

Scientists often study sedimentary rocks because they often hold fossils, which provide valuable information about past life and environments. This makes them crucial for understanding Earth's history.

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About how long does it take the Moon to complete all its phases?

• 7 days

• 14 days

• 29 days

• 60 days

Answer explanation

The Moon takes about 29 days to complete all its phases, from new moon to full moon and back. This cycle is known as a lunar month, making 29 days the correct answer.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What causes day and night on Earth?

• The Moon orbiting Earth

• Earth’s rotation on its axis

• The Sun spinning

• Earth moving closer to the Sun

Answer explanation

Day and night on Earth are caused by Earth’s rotation on its axis. As the Earth spins, different parts face the Sun, creating daylight, while the opposite side experiences night.

Which of the following best describes Outer Planets?

• Planets closest to the Sun

• Planets made of solid rock

• Planets beyond the Asteroid Belt

• Planets with no moons

Answer explanation

Outer Planets are located beyond the Asteroid Belt, which separates the inner rocky planets from the outer gas giants. This makes 'Planets beyond the Asteroid Belt' the best description of Outer Planets.

Which of these is a planet?

• Pluto

• Jupiter

• Sun

• Meteor

Answer explanation

Jupiter is a planet in our solar system, known for being the largest. Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet, the Sun is a star, and a meteor is a small celestial body. Therefore, the correct answer is Jupiter.

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Which of these best describes the Moon?

• It is a planet.

• It reflects the Sun’s light.

• It has its own light.

• It is farther from Earth than the Sun.

Answer explanation

The Moon does not produce its own light; it reflects sunlight, which is why we can see it from Earth. This makes 'It reflects the Sun’s light' the best description of the Moon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1