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Earth and space science. Not honors level. Around 50 questions.
Questions and Answers
1.
What is a fossil?
A.
A naturally preserved evidense of past life
B.
A rock
C.
A piece of plastic
Correct Answer
A. A naturally preserved evidense of past life
Explanation A fossil is a naturally preserved evidence of past life. Fossils are typically found in rocks and can take the form of remains, such as bones or shells, or traces, such as footprints or imprints. Fossils provide valuable information about the history of life on Earth, allowing scientists to study and understand extinct species and their environments. They are created through a process called fossilization, where organic material is gradually replaced by minerals, preserving the original structure and composition of the organism. Fossils are important in studying evolution and the Earth's geological history.
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2.
The three conditions for fossils to form are __________, __________, and ___________.
Correct Answer hard parts burried rapidlly protected from micro organisms
Explanation Fossils can form when certain conditions are met. Firstly, the organism must have hard parts, such as bones or shells, which are more likely to be preserved over time. Secondly, the organism must be buried rapidly after death, preventing decomposition and exposure to destructive forces. Lastly, the fossil must be protected from microorganisms that can break down the remains. These three conditions - hard parts, rapid burial, and protection from microorganisms - are necessary for the formation of fossils.
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3.
Please explain the following fossil types: Petrified remains, carbonaceous films, molds and casts, original remains and trace fossils
4.
The two possible explinations for the extinction of dinosaurs are _________ and _________.
Correct Answer meteor impact volcano theory
Explanation The extinction of dinosaurs is believed to have been caused by either a meteor impact or the volcano theory. The meteor impact hypothesis suggests that a large asteroid collided with Earth, causing widespread devastation and altering the climate, leading to the extinction of dinosaurs. On the other hand, the volcano theory proposes that massive volcanic eruptions released vast amounts of gases and ash into the atmosphere, causing significant climate changes and ultimately leading to the extinction of dinosaurs. Both explanations suggest catastrophic events that drastically affected the environment and led to the demise of these ancient creatures.
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5.
What are the three major subdivisons of geologic time?
A.
Epoch, century and decade
B.
Eon, eterny and mellenium
C.
Era, period and epoch
Correct Answer
C. Era, period and epoch
Explanation The correct answer is era, period, and epoch. Geologic time is divided into different units to categorize and study Earth's history. An era is a large division of time characterized by significant geological and biological events. Periods are smaller divisions within an era, representing distinct geological and biological characteristics. Epochs are even smaller divisions within a period, marking specific events or changes in Earth's history. These subdivisions help scientists organize and understand the complex timeline of Earth's geological and biological evolution.
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6.
The geologic time periods with dinosours are __________, _________, and ___________.
Correct Answer triassic critacious jurassic
Explanation The correct answer is triassic, critacious, and jurassic. These are the geologic time periods in which dinosaurs existed. The Triassic period was the first period of the Mesozoic Era and lasted from approximately 251 to 199.6 million years ago. The Jurassic period followed the Triassic and lasted from approximately 199.6 to 145.5 million years ago. Finally, the Cretaceous period was the last period of the Mesozoic Era and lasted from approximately 145.5 to 65.5 million years ago. During these periods, dinosaurs dominated the Earth's ecosystems.
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7.
What is an example for the chemical weathering process?
A.
Frost wedging
B.
Sink holes
C.
Abrasion
Correct Answer(s)
A. Frost wedging C. Abrasion
Explanation Frost wedging and abrasion are both examples of chemical weathering processes. Frost wedging occurs when water seeps into cracks in rocks and freezes, causing the water to expand and widen the cracks. This repeated freezing and thawing weakens the rock over time. Abrasion, on the other hand, involves the physical wearing down of rocks by friction and impact from moving water, wind, or ice. Both processes contribute to the breakdown and erosion of rocks, leading to their weathering and eventual transformation.
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8.
An example for mechanical weathering process?
A.
Sink holes
B.
Frost wedging
C.
Abrasion
Correct Answer
A. Sink holes
Explanation Sink holes are an example of a mechanical weathering process. Mechanical weathering refers to the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without any change in their chemical composition. Sink holes are formed when the ground collapses due to the dissolution of soluble rocks, such as limestone, by water. Over time, water seeping into the ground can erode and weaken underground rock layers, causing the formation of sink holes. This process is purely mechanical, as it does not involve any chemical reactions or changes in the composition of the rocks.
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9.
What is caused by a generation of electricity?
A.
Pot holes
B.
Stalagtites
C.
Acid rain
Correct Answer
C. Acid rain
Explanation The generation of electricity can cause acid rain. When fossil fuels such as coal and oil are burned to generate electricity, they release pollutants into the atmosphere, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall back to the Earth as acid rain. Acid rain can have detrimental effects on the environment, including damaging forests, lakes, and buildings.
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10.
What is burned to produce steam for an electric generator to make acid rain?
A.
Fossils
B.
Carbon
C.
Sulfur
D.
Coal
Correct Answer
D. Coal
Explanation Coal is burned to produce steam for an electric generator, which in turn produces electricity. Burning coal releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, which can combine with water vapor to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids then fall to the ground as acid rain. Therefore, coal is the correct answer as it is the primary source of acid rain pollution.
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11.
How do caves form?
12.
What acid causes caves to form?
A.
Sulfuric
B.
Carbonic
C.
Toxic
Correct Answer
B. Carbonic
Explanation Carbonic acid is the correct answer because it is responsible for the formation of caves. Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, creating a weak acid. As rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and seeps into the ground, it becomes slightly acidic. This acidic water then reacts with limestone or other soluble rocks, causing them to dissolve and form caves over a long period of time. Therefore, carbonic acid plays a crucial role in the formation of caves.
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13.
What are narrow bands of storng wind in the upper levels of the atmosphere?
A.
Currents
B.
Convection currents
C.
Jet streams
Correct Answer
C. Jet streams
Explanation Jet streams are narrow bands of strong wind in the upper levels of the atmosphere. These high-speed winds flow from west to east and are caused by the temperature differences between air masses. Jet streams can have a significant impact on weather patterns and can affect the movement of storms and aircraft.
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14.
Which side does the high and low pressure go on for land breezes. Sea breezes?
A.
Land- high on right, low on left Sea- low on right, high on left
B.
Land-high on left, low on right Sea- high on right, low on left
C.
Land- high on right, low on left Sea- same
Correct Answer
B. Land-high on left, low on right Sea- high on right, low on left
Explanation The correct answer explains that for land breezes, the high pressure is on the left and the low pressure is on the right. On the other hand, for sea breezes, the high pressure is on the right and the low pressure is on the left. This is because land breezes occur at night when the land cools down faster than the sea, causing the air above the land to become denser and create high pressure. Sea breezes, on the other hand, occur during the day when the land heats up faster than the sea, causing the air above the land to rise and create low pressure.
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15.
What is the first step in causeing a tropical storm?
A.
Volcano eruption
B.
Wind storms
C.
Tropical depression
Correct Answer
C. Tropical depression
Explanation The first step in causing a tropical storm is a tropical depression. A tropical depression is a low-pressure system that forms over warm ocean waters. As the warm air rises, it creates an area of low pressure at the surface. This low-pressure system then begins to rotate due to the Earth's rotation, and if certain conditions are met, it can develop into a tropical storm. Therefore, a tropical depression is the initial stage in the formation of a tropical storm.
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16.
What begins at the ocean floor and slopes gently down? (600 ft. deep)
A.
Continental slope
B.
Continental shelf
C.
Abyssal plain
D.
Guyot
Correct Answer
B. Continental shelf
Explanation The continental shelf begins at the ocean floor and slopes gently down. It is a shallow, submerged area of land that extends from the shoreline to a point where the ocean floor drops off steeply, known as the continental slope. The continental shelf is typically around 600 feet deep and is an important area for marine life and economic activities such as fishing and oil exploration.
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17.
What is a broad, flat portion of the ocean that reacehs depths of 4000 meters?
A.
Continental slope
B.
Abyssal plain
C.
Continental rise
D.
Guyot
E.
Continental shelf
Correct Answer
B. Abyssal plain
Explanation An abyssal plain is a broad, flat portion of the ocean that extends to depths of 4000 meters. It is characterized by its smooth and featureless topography, which is formed by the accumulation of sediments over millions of years. Abyssal plains are found in the deepest parts of the ocean and are home to a diverse range of marine life. The other options, such as continental slope, continental rise, continental shelf, and guyot, do not reach the same depths as an abyssal plain.
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18.
What is an underwater volcano called?
A.
Continental rise
B.
Guyot
C.
Abyssal plain
D.
Continental slope
E.
Continental shelf
Correct Answer
B. Guyot
Explanation A guyot is a type of underwater volcano that has a flat top, which is usually submerged below the surface of the water. It is formed when a volcano erupts and builds up above the ocean surface, but then subsides or erodes over time, leaving only the flat top. The term "guyot" is derived from the name of the Swiss-American geographer Arnold Henry Guyot, who first studied and described these features.
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19.
What begins at the end of the cont. shelf, goes down steeply to the flat part of the ocean and is 200-400 meters deep?
A.
Abyssal plain
B.
Continental slope
C.
Guyot
D.
Continental rise
E.
Continental shelf
Correct Answer
B. Continental slope
Explanation The continental slope is the correct answer because it is the area that begins at the end of the continental shelf and descends steeply to the flat part of the ocean. It is also the deepest part of the continental margin, typically ranging from 200 to 400 meters deep. The abyssal plain is a flat area of the ocean floor that is much deeper, while a guyot is a flat-topped seamount. The continental rise is the gently sloping area at the base of the continental slope.
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20.
List the seven electromagnetic radiations: ______, _____, _______, _______, and ________.
Explanation The seven electromagnetic radiations are radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, ultraviolet radiation, visible light.
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21.
What is a collection of gas and dust floating in space?
A.
Star
B.
Galaxy
C.
Nebula
D.
Comet
Correct Answer
C. Nebula
Explanation A nebula is a collection of gas and dust floating in space. It is a vast cloud of interstellar material that can be seen as either a bright or dark patch in the night sky. Nebulae are often the birthplaces of stars, as the gas and dust within them can collapse under gravity to form new stellar systems. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be observed in different wavelengths of light.
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22.
What do space probes do?
A.
Take people to space
B.
Study other planets
C.
Keep our planet safe
Correct Answer
B. Study other planets
Explanation Space probes are unmanned spacecraft that are sent into space to explore and gather information about other planets. They are designed to conduct scientific research, collect data, take images, and study the physical characteristics, atmosphere, and geological features of other celestial bodies. Space probes help scientists and researchers to gain a better understanding of the universe, the formation of planets, and the possibility of life beyond Earth. They play a crucial role in expanding our knowledge of other planets and advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
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23.
Mercury was a ____ man space mission.
Correct Answer one
Explanation The word "one" in this context refers to the number of man space missions that Mercury was. Therefore, the correct answer is "one" because Mercury was a single man space mission.
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24.
Apollo was a _____ man space project.
Correct Answer three
Explanation The given answer "three" suggests that Apollo was a project related to space exploration conducted by a group or team of three individuals. This implies that there were three key individuals involved in the Apollo project who played significant roles in its execution and success. However, without further context or information, it is difficult to determine the specific roles or identities of these three individuals.
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25.
Gemini was a ___ man space project.
Correct Answer two
Explanation Gemini was a project that involved two men in space. The Gemini program, conducted by NASA in the 1960s, aimed to develop the necessary techniques and technologies for future Apollo missions to the Moon. The spacecraft used in the Gemini program could accommodate two astronauts, allowing for important advancements in space travel and extravehicular activities. Therefore, the correct answer is "two."
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26.
Who was the first US citizen to orbit the earth?
A.
John glenn
B.
Neil armstrong
C.
Allan shepard
Correct Answer(s)
A. John glenn C. Allan shepard
Explanation John Glenn was the first US citizen to orbit the earth. He achieved this historic feat on February 20, 1962, aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft as part of the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission. Neil Armstrong, on the other hand, became the first person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Allan Shepard was the first American to travel to space, but he did not orbit the earth.
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27.
Who were/was the first men/man to walk on this earth?
A.
John glenn
B.
Neil armstrong and buzz aldrin
C.
Buzz aldrin
Correct Answer
B. Neil armstrong and buzz aldrin
Explanation Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first men to walk on the moon, not on the earth. Therefore, the given answer is incorrect.
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28.
What was the date of the first US citizen walking on the moon?
A.
January 30 1965
B.
September 1 1999
C.
July 20 1969
Correct Answer
C. July 20 1969
Explanation On July 20, 1969, the first US citizen walked on the moon. This date is significant because it marks the historic Apollo 11 mission, where astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the lunar surface. The mission was a major milestone in space exploration and a significant achievement for the United States in the Space Race against the Soviet Union.
Explanation The summer solstice occurs on June 21st, which is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. On this day, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. The winter solstice, on the other hand, occurs on December 21st, which is the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight. On this day, the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky. Therefore, the correct answer is June for the summer solstice and December for the winter solstice.
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30.
How did the moon form?
A.
Meteor impact that hit earth
B.
Its a comet that froze
C.
Always been there
Correct Answer
A. Meteor impact that hit earth
Explanation The correct answer is "meteor impact that hit earth." This explanation suggests that the moon was formed as a result of a massive meteor colliding with the Earth. This collision caused debris to be ejected into space, which eventually came together to form the moon. This theory, known as the Giant Impact Hypothesis, is widely accepted by scientists as the most plausible explanation for the moon's origin.
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31.
How did our solar system form?
A.
Uhhh....
B.
Me!
C.
Solar nebula
D.
Always there
Correct Answer
C. Solar nebula
Explanation The correct answer is "solar nebula." A solar nebula is a large cloud of gas and dust that collapses under its own gravity, eventually forming a star and a surrounding planetary system. This explanation suggests that our solar system formed from a solar nebula, which is a widely accepted theory in astronomy.
Explanation The correct order of the planets is based on their distance from the Sun. Starting from the closest to the Sun, the correct order is: mercury, venus, earth, mars, jupiter, saturn, uranus, neptune, pluto. This order is determined by the planets' respective orbits around the Sun, with mercury being the closest and pluto being the farthest.
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33.
What are dirty balls of ice that came from the oort cloud?
A.
Meteor
B.
Comet
C.
Stars
Correct Answer
B. Comet
Explanation Comets are dirty balls of ice that come from the Oort cloud. Comets are composed of ice, dust, and other organic compounds. When a comet gets close to the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma around the nucleus and sometimes a tail. This is why comets are often referred to as "dirty snowballs" or "dirty balls of ice." They originate from the Oort cloud, a region of icy bodies located far beyond the orbit of Neptune. Comets are known for their spectacular appearances in the night sky.
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34.
Where is the astrobelt located?
A.
Between neptune and saturn
B.
Between mars and earth
C.
Between mars and jupiter
D.
Between all the planets
Correct Answer
C. Between mars and jupiter
Explanation The astrobelt, also known as the asteroid belt, is located between Mars and Jupiter. It is a region in our solar system where numerous asteroids orbit the Sun. This area is characterized by a large concentration of small rocky objects, which are remnants from the early formation of the solar system. The gravitational influence of Jupiter prevented the asteroids from coalescing into a planet, resulting in the formation of this belt.
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35.
Saturn has 270 moons and was named for the god of the ____, mars was named for the god of ____, venus is the _______ planet, saturn is less dense than ____, and jupiter has three faint ____.
Correct Answer sky war evening star water rings
Explanation Saturn has 270 moons and was named for the god of the sky. Mars was named for the god of war. Venus is the evening star planet. Saturn is less dense than water. Jupiter has three faint rings.
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36.
What determines how bright an object is from the earths surface?
A.
Apparent magnitude
B.
Absolute magnitude
Correct Answer
A. Apparent magnitude
Explanation Apparent magnitude is the measure of how bright an object appears from the Earth's surface. It takes into account the distance between the object and the observer, as well as the object's intrinsic brightness. The closer an object is to Earth, the brighter it appears, even if it has a lower absolute magnitude. Therefore, apparent magnitude is the determining factor of an object's brightness as seen from the Earth's surface.
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37.
What can determine how bright an object is from 32.6 light years from the earth?
A.
Apparent magnitude
B.
Absolute magnitude
Correct Answer
B. Absolute magnitude
Explanation The brightness of an object from a specific distance is determined by its absolute magnitude. Absolute magnitude is a measure of the intrinsic brightness of an object, independent of its distance from the observer. It represents the brightness that the object would have if it were located at a standard distance of 10 parsecs (32.6 light years) from the observer. Therefore, the absolute magnitude is a more reliable indicator of an object's true brightness compared to the apparent magnitude, which is affected by both the object's intrinsic brightness and its distance from the observer.
Explanation The layers of the sun are arranged in order of increasing distance from the core. The core is the innermost layer and is where nuclear fusion occurs, producing the sun's energy. Surrounding the core is the radiative zone, where energy is transported by photons. Next is the convection zone, where hot plasma rises and cooler plasma sinks, creating convection currents. Above the convection zone is the photosphere, which is the visible surface of the sun. The chromosphere is above the photosphere and is characterized by its reddish color. Finally, the outermost layer is the corona, which is the sun's outer atmosphere and is visible during a solar eclipse.
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39.
The three galaxies are ______, ______ and _______.
Correct Answer elliptical spiral irregular
Explanation The three galaxies mentioned in the question are classified as elliptical, spiral, and irregular. These classifications are based on the shape and structure of the galaxies. Elliptical galaxies have a smooth and oval shape, while spiral galaxies have a distinct spiral arm structure. Irregular galaxies, on the other hand, do not have a defined shape and often appear chaotic. Therefore, the correct answer includes all three classifications of galaxies based on their shapes.
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