1.
A balance would be the best tool for measuring which of the following?
Correct Answer
C. The mass of a rock
Explanation
A balance is the best tool for measuring the mass of a rock because it provides an accurate and precise measurement of the weight of an object. Mass is a fundamental property of matter and is commonly measured using a balance, which compares the unknown mass to a known mass. By using a balance, the weight of the rock can be determined by comparing it to a standard mass, allowing for an accurate measurement.
2.
_____________ properties include color, size of particles, amount of nutrients, and ability to retain water.
Correct Answer
C. Soil
Explanation
Soil is the correct answer because it possesses properties such as color, size of particles, amount of nutrients, and ability to retain water. These characteristics are commonly associated with soil and differentiate it from other options like rock, mineral, and organism.
3.
Which type of soil would retain the most water?
Correct Answer
D. Clay
Explanation
Clay soil has small particles and a high density, which allows it to retain water more effectively than other types of soil. The tiny particles in clay soil have a larger surface area, which creates more spaces for water molecules to adhere to. Additionally, the compact nature of clay soil slows down water drainage, further enhancing its water retention capacity.
4.
What type of soil would Chris use if he wants to grow a plant that needs a lot of water?
Correct Answer
B. Dark soil that has clay in it
Explanation
Chris would use dark soil that has clay in it if he wants to grow a plant that needs a lot of water. Clay soil has good water retention properties, allowing it to hold moisture for longer periods of time. This is beneficial for plants that require a lot of water as it ensures they have a constant supply of moisture. Additionally, the dark color of the soil indicates a high organic matter content, which further improves its water-holding capacity.
5.
Why is fertile soil the best soil for growing crops?
Correct Answer
D. It is rich with minerals and matter from dead organisms
Explanation
Fertile soil is the best soil for growing crops because it is rich with minerals and matter from dead organisms. This organic matter provides essential nutrients that plants need to grow and thrive. Additionally, the presence of minerals in the soil helps to support plant growth and development. Fertile soil also has a good balance of moisture and air, allowing for proper root development and nutrient uptake.
6.
How could you test a soil's texture?
Correct Answer
A. Sift it
Explanation
To test a soil's texture, sifting it is an appropriate method. Sifting involves passing the soil through a sieve or mesh to separate the particles by size. This helps determine the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, which are the primary components of soil texture. By sifting, one can observe the texture and feel the soil's coarseness or smoothness, providing insights into its composition and suitability for various purposes such as gardening or agriculture.
7.
Elizabeth dug her hands into the soil of her garden and found an earthworm, a few plants roots, a beetle, and a spider mixed in with the soil. Why are all of these organisms important to Elizabeth's garden?
Correct Answer
D. They recycle energy and nutrients in the soil.
Explanation
The organisms found in the soil of Elizabeth's garden, such as the earthworm, plant roots, beetle, and spider, are important because they recycle energy and nutrients in the soil. Earthworms help break down organic matter, plant roots absorb nutrients, beetles and spiders contribute to the decomposition process, and all these organisms play a role in maintaining the health and fertility of the soil. By recycling energy and nutrients, they create a favorable environment for the growth of plants and contribute to the overall productivity of Elizabeth's garden.
8.
Which is the largest particle size found in soil?
Correct Answer
A. Gravel
Explanation
Gravel is the largest particle size found in soil. It is characterized by its coarse texture and consists of small rock fragments ranging from 2 to 64 millimeters in diameter. Gravel particles are larger than sand, silt, and clay particles, making it the correct answer.
9.
If a person wanted to buy two thousand acres of land to use as farmland, what kind of soil should he or she look for?
Correct Answer
C. Loam
Explanation
The person should look for loam soil because it is considered the best type of soil for farmland. Loam soil has a balanced combination of sand, silt, and clay, which provides good drainage and moisture retention. It also has a good nutrient content and is easy to work with, making it ideal for growing crops.
10.
What determines the texture of different kinds of soil?
Correct Answer
A. The size of the grains and the amount of space between grains.
Explanation
The texture of different kinds of soil is determined by the size of the grains and the amount of space between grains. The size of the grains refers to the particle size of the soil, which can range from sand (largest particles) to silt (medium-sized particles) to clay (smallest particles). The amount of space between grains, also known as pore space, affects the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients. So, the size of the grains and the amount of space between them play a crucial role in determining the texture of soil.
11.
Pablo is studying different types of soil. He is comparing clay, loam, sand, and silt. Which soil will Pablo find to be made of the largest particles?
Correct Answer
C. Sand
Explanation
Sand is the correct answer because it is composed of the largest particles compared to clay, loam, and silt. Sand particles are larger in size and have a gritty texture, making them easily distinguishable. Clay, on the other hand, is composed of tiny particles that are smooth and sticky when wet. Loam is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, so it does not have the largest particles. Silt particles are smaller than sand but larger than clay. Therefore, sand is the soil type with the largest particles.
12.
Soil with a high water-holding capacity has a texture which is
Correct Answer
D. Clay-like and dense
Explanation
Soil with a high water-holding capacity is clay-like and dense. Clay soils have small particles that are closely packed together, creating a dense texture. This density allows the soil to hold onto water for longer periods of time, as the small spaces between the particles trap the water. The clay-like texture also helps to retain moisture, preventing it from quickly draining away. This type of soil is beneficial for plants that require consistent moisture, as it provides a steady supply of water to the roots.
13.
Similar containers were filled with different types of soil. Holes were poked into the bottom of each container, and 300 milliliters of water were added. The water that dripped out was collected and measured. According to the information in the table, which type of soil retained water best?
Correct Answer
A. Potting soil
Explanation
The potting soil retained water best according to the information in the table. This can be inferred because the question states that similar containers filled with different types of soil were used, and the water that dripped out was collected and measured. The fact that potting soil retained the most water suggests that it has a higher water retention capacity compared to sandy soil, gravel, and clay.