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AP Science Exam SPHS

Total questions: 17

Worksheet time: 9mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Earth's axis tilted 23.5 relative to the sun. This 23.5 angle changes slightly over an 18-year period due to nutation. What most likely causes this change in angle ?

a)

the sun

b)

the moon

c)

the core of Earth

d)

Earth's magnetic field

2.

Over thousands of years, Earth's axis will change the direction to which it points in space. Which will most likely result from this change?

a)

Earth's magnetic poles will change

b)

The angle of Earth's tilt on its axis will change

c)

The length of the winter season on Earth will increase

d)

The northern pole star as viewed from Earth will appear to change location

3.

Which motion changes the direction of Earth's axis, but not its tilt?

a)

orbit

b)

rotation

c)

revolution

d)

precession

4.

What would result if Earth were no longer tilted on its axis?

a)

There would be no tides in our oceans

b)

The four seasons would no longer exist

c)

The day would be longer and the night shorter

d)

The distance between the sun and Earth would increase

5.

When she spends a full day at the beach, Mary notices that the water level is constantly changing. How could this be explained?

a)

The tilt of Earth affects the density of the water

b)

The revolution of Earth around the sun affects the tides

c)

The rotation of Earth changes the amount of water in the ocean

d)

The gravitational interaction between the moon and Earth affects the tides

6.

Which statement explains where the Earth's greatest diameter is located?

a)

The greatest diameter is at the poles because of Earth's rotation

b)

The greatest diameter is at the equator because of Earth's rotation

c)

The greatest diameter is at the equator because of the pull of the sun and moon

d)

The greatest diameter is at the poles because of the pull of the sun and moon

7.

Which two factors are responsible for Earth's seasons?

a)

the rotation of Earth and the Coriolis effect

b)

the phases of the moon and the precession of Earth

c)

the tilt of Earth's axis and Earth's revolution around the sun

d)

the interaction of air masses and the changes in density of ocean currents

8.

Which is most responsible for the different seasons on Earth?

a)

The changing distance between Earth and the sun during a revolution of Earth causes winter when Earth is farthest from the sun and summer when it is closest to the sun

b)

The rotation of Earth on its axis changes during the solar year resulting in changes in the amount of sunlight striking any given place on Earth

c)

Because Earth does not have a perfect spherical shape , more direct sunlight strikes areas below the poles , resulting in seasonal changes

d)

The tilt of Earth on its axis relative to the sun during the year results changes in the amount of direct solar energy striking Earth

9.

Which statement differentiates weather from climate?

a)

Weather describes temperature and precipitation , while climate involves low- and high -pressure systems

b)

Weather involves low- and high -pressure systems , while climate describes current temperature and precipitation

c)

Weather includes wind speed and cloud cover , while climate describes effects of warm and cold fronts

d)

Weather describes daily temperatures and precipitation , while climate involves long -term patterns of temperature and precipitation

10.

A city in North Carolina is reported to have temperatures in the upper 80s with mostly cloudy skies and a slight chance of scattered storms . What does this information describe ?

a)

a front

b)

a biome

c)

weather

d)

precipitation

11.

Which example best describes a location's climate?

a)

The dew point in Miami, Florida , is currently 68°F and rising

b)

There is a snowstorm in New York City with 6 inches of snow predicted

c)

Charlotte, North Carolina, is experiencing high pressure and clear, sunny skies, but rain is predicted for the next two days.

d)

Greenland has polar conditions because average yearly temperatures are consistently below 32F.

12.

Which will most likely decrease the effects of global climate change?

a)

developing alternative fuel sources

b)

eliminating power plant emissions laws

c)

increasing oil drilling in the United States

d)

reducing the requirements for industrial waste disposal

13.

How would the complete melting of all glaciers negatively influence Earth?

a)

It would raise ocean levels

b)

It would increase levels of greenhouse gases

c)

It would pollute water contained in aquifers

d)

It would decrease reflection of solar radiation

14.

What is slowly happening to the pH of the Earth's oceans?

a)

It is increasing because of increased melting of the ice caps

b)

It is decreasing because of the depletion of Earth's ozone

c)

It is increasing because of changes in deep ocean currents

d)

It is decreasing because of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

15.

How does a change in precipitation in a tropical rain forest affect the growth of vegetation?

a)

An increase in precipitation will decrease vegetation growth

b)

An increase in precipitation will increase vegetation growth

c)

A decrease in precipitation will increase vegetation growth

d)

A decrease in precipitation will have relatively little effect on vegetation growth

16.

What is most likely to happen to a marine ecosystem if its nutrient availability decreases?

a)

decreased biodiversity

b)

decreased salinity levels

c)

Increased primary productivity

d)

Increased occurrence of algal blooms 75. Which could

17.

Which could most likely be a consequence of a large-scale reduction in Earth's biodiversity?

a)

an increase in global climate changes

b)

a major change in the distribution of Earth's freshwater

c)

disruption of major food webs across the world

d)

an increase in abiotic factors on a global scale