Earth Science A Block 3 Pre-test

1.

A chart showing the amount of rain each month in a region is an example of a scientist's_________________. (AZ HS Science S1:C2:PO5 and 9-10.RH7)

A.

Variables
B.

Inferences
C.

Data
D.

Conclusions

Correct Answer
C. Data

Explanation
A chart showing the amount of rain each month in a region is an example of a scientist's data. Data refers to the information collected or observed during an experiment or study. In this case, the chart displays the recorded amounts of rainfall, which is a form of data that can be analyzed and used to draw conclusions or make inferences about the climate or weather patterns in the region.

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2.

A scientific explanation that can be tested by observation or experiment is a(n)__________. (AZ HS Science S1:C1:PO3)

A.

Inference
B.

Simulation
C.

Variable
D.

Hypothesis

Correct Answer
D. Hypothesis

Explanation
A hypothesis is a scientific explanation that can be tested by observation or experiment. It is a proposed explanation or prediction based on existing knowledge or observations. It is an essential part of the scientific method as it allows scientists to formulate and test predictions about the outcome of experiments or observations. By testing a hypothesis through experimentation or observation, scientists can gather evidence to support or refute the proposed explanation.

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3.

What type of scientist studies the solid Earth? (AZ HS Science S2:C2:PO1)

A.

Geologist
B.

Oceanographer
C.

Astronomer
D.

Meteorolgist

Correct Answer
A. Geologist

Explanation
A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid Earth. They analyze rocks, minerals, and the structure of the Earth's crust to understand its composition, history, and processes. Geologists study various aspects such as plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the formation of mountains. They also investigate resources like minerals, fossil fuels, and groundwater. By studying the solid Earth, geologists contribute to our understanding of the planet's past, present, and future, and help in areas like natural resource exploration, environmental management, and hazard assessment.

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4.

What is the hardest known mineral? (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO1)

A.

Talc
B.

Quartz
C.

Diamond
D.

Gold

Correct Answer
C. Diamond

Explanation
Diamond is the hardest known mineral because it has a Mohs hardness scale rating of 10, which is the highest possible hardness. This means that diamond is extremely resistant to scratching, making it the most durable mineral. Talc, quartz, and gold have lower hardness ratings and are therefore not as hard as diamond.

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5.

Rock that forms from the cooling of magma below the surface or lava at the surface is called ________________________. (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO3)

A.

Sedimentary rock
B.

Metamorphic rock
C.

Igneous rock
D.

Coarse-grained rock

Correct Answer
C. Igneous rock

Explanation
Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma below the surface or lava at the surface. This process causes the minerals in the magma or lava to crystallize and form a solid rock. Igneous rock can have a variety of textures and compositions depending on the rate of cooling and the mineral content. It is different from sedimentary rock, which forms from the accumulation and cementation of sediment, and metamorphic rock, which forms from the transformation of existing rock under high heat and pressure. Coarse-grained rock is a general term that can refer to any rock with large mineral grains.

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6.

A series of processes on Earth's surface and interior that slowly changes rocks from one kind to another is called ___________________. (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO2)

A.

Erosion
B.

Crystallization
C.

The rock cycle
D.

Evaporation

Correct Answer
C. The rock cycle

Explanation
The rock cycle is the correct answer because it refers to the continuous processes that occur on Earth's surface and interior, which slowly transform rocks from one type to another. These processes include weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation. Through the rock cycle, sedimentary rocks can be transformed into metamorphic rocks through heat and pressure, and metamorphic rocks can be further changed into igneous rocks through melting and solidification. The rock cycle is a fundamental concept in geology that helps explain the formation and transformation of rocks over time.

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7.

The technique in which scientists calculate the age of a sample based on the amount of meaning radioactive isotopes it contains is called _______________. (AZ HS Science S6:C2:PO8)

A.

Fossil record
B.

Relative dating
C.

Miller-Urey experiment
D.

Radioactive dating

Correct Answer
D. Radioactive dating

Explanation
The technique in which scientists calculate the age of a sample based on the amount of radioactive isotopes it contains is called radioactive dating. This method relies on the fact that radioactive isotopes decay at a constant rate over time. By measuring the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes in a sample, scientists can determine how long it has been since the isotopes were last in equilibrium, and thus calculate the age of the sample.

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8.

If the Coast Guard warns of a giant wave of water approaching the shore as a result of a major earthquake, they are warning of ___________________. (AZ HS Science S6:C1:PO4)

A.

An after shock
B.

Liquefaction
C.

A tsunami
D.

Landslides

Correct Answer
C. A tsunami

Explanation
The correct answer is a tsunami. When the Coast Guard warns of a giant wave of water approaching the shore as a result of a major earthquake, they are specifically warning about a tsunami. A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, usually from an earthquake or a volcanic eruption. These waves can travel at high speeds and can cause significant damage and loss of life when they reach the coastline. Therefore, it is crucial for the Coast Guard to issue warnings to ensure the safety of people living in coastal areas.

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9.

A large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans is called a(n) _____________. (AZ HS Science S6:C2:PO1)

A.

Current
B.

Wave
C.

Tide
D.

Undertow

Correct Answer
A. Current

Explanation
A large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans is called a current. Currents are caused by a combination of factors such as wind, temperature, and salinity. They play a crucial role in the Earth's climate system by redistributing heat and nutrients around the globe.

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10.

The diagram above shows four layers of Earth’s atmosphere. Which of the following correctly labels the layers represented by A, B, C, and D (from Earth moving upward) in the correct sequence? (AZ HS Science S6:C2:PO15)

A.

Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere
B.

Thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
C.

Troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, stratosphere
D.

Mesosphere, troposphere, thermosphere, stratosphere

Correct Answer
A. TropospHere, stratospHere, mesospHere, thermospHere

Explanation
The correct answer is "troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere." The layers of Earth's atmosphere are arranged in a specific sequence, with each layer located above the previous one. The troposphere is the lowest layer, followed by the stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. This sequence is based on the changes in temperature and composition of gases as you move upward in the atmosphere. The troposphere is where weather occurs and contains the majority of Earth's air mass. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer and is where airplanes fly. The mesosphere is the layer where meteors burn up, and the thermosphere is the outermost layer, where temperatures are extremely high and the auroras occur.

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