1.
Which of the 2 things on the list are microorganisms?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Bacteria
D. Algae
Explanation
Bacteria and algae are both microorganisms. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can be found in various environments, including soil, water, and even inside our bodies. They can be beneficial or harmful to humans. Algae are usually green or blue in color and often produce their own food. Mosquitoes and seaweed, although living organisms are not classified as microorganisms.
2.
All microorganisms are bad. True or false?
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement "All microorganisms are bad" is a generalization and is not true. While some microorganisms can cause diseases and harm to humans, not all microorganisms are bad. In fact, many microorganisms are essential for various ecological processes and some are even beneficial to humans, such as the ones used in fermentation, production of antibiotics, and digestion.
3.
Microorganisms can help produce food. Which 3 of these foods do they help to make?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Cheese
B. Yogurt
D. Bread
Explanation
Microorganisms, specifically bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the production of cheese, yogurt, and bread. In the case of cheese, bacteria are responsible for converting lactose into lactic acid, which helps in curdling the milk and forming cheese. Yogurt is made by the fermentation of milk by bacteria, which produce lactic acid and give yogurt its characteristic tangy flavor. Similarly, bread is made through the process of fermentation, where yeast, a type of fungus, converts sugars into carbon dioxide gas, causing the dough to rise and giving bread its fluffy texture.
4.
What instrument do you need to be able to see a microorganism?
Correct Answer
C. Microscope
Explanation
To be able to see a microorganism, you need a microscope. A microscope is a scientific instrument that magnifies small objects, allowing us to see them in detail. Unlike a telescope or binoculars, which are used to observe distant objects, a microscope is specifically designed for viewing tiny organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic life forms. It uses a combination of lenses and light to magnify the specimen, making it visible to the human eye.
5.
What 2 harmful things can microorganisms do?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Cause disease
C. Make bread go mouldy
Explanation
Microorganisms can cause disease by infecting and harming the human body, leading to illnesses and infections. Additionally, they can also make bread go mouldy by breaking down the carbohydrates in bread, causing it to spoil and develop mould.
6.
Which of these actions is bad to do in the kitchen?
Correct Answer
B. Not keeping food in the fridge
Explanation
Not keeping food in the fridge can lead to food spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. Refrigeration helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and prevents food from spoiling quickly. It is important to store perishable foods such as meat, dairy products, and leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent foodborne illnesses.
7.
What do antibiotics do?
Correct Answer
B. Kill bad bacteria
Explanation
Antibiotics are medicines designed to kill or stop the growth of bad bacteria that cause infections and diseases. They work by targeting specific parts of bacterial cells, such as their cell walls or protein-making machinery, making it difficult for the bacteria to survive and multiply. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, so they are used specifically for bacterial infections. Proper use of antibiotics is important to avoid resistance, where bacteria become immune to the effects of the medication.
8.
What are forces measured in?
Correct Answer
B. Newtons
Explanation
Forces are measured in a unit called newtons (N). This unit is named after Sir Isaac Newton, who developed the laws of motion. One newton is the amount of force needed to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared. Forces cause objects to move, stop, or change direction. Examples of forces include gravity, friction, and applied force. Understanding how forces work and how they are measured helps us explain and predict the behavior of objects in the physical world.
9.
Which instrument is used to measure forces?
Correct Answer
C. Force meter
Explanation
A force meter, also known as a dynamometer, is an instrument used to measure forces. It typically consists of a spring or other mechanism that deforms when a force is applied. The amount of deformation is then measured and converted into a force value, usually displayed in newtons. Force meters are used in various scientific and engineering applications to quantify the magnitude of forces acting on objects, ensuring accurate measurements in experiments and practical tasks. Other instruments, like telescopes, microscopes, and thermometers, measure different quantities such as distance, small objects, and temperature, respectively.
10.
What occurs when the north poles of two magnets are brought together?
Correct Answer
B. The magnets repel
Explanation
When the north poles of two magnets are brought together, they repel each other. This repulsion occurs because magnetic poles of the same type (north-north or south-south) exert forces that push them apart. Magnets have two poles: north and south. Unlike poles (north-south) attract each other due to the alignment of their magnetic field lines, whereas like poles repel as their field lines push against one another. This fundamental property of magnets is crucial in understanding magnetic interactions and applications in various technologies.
11.
What occurs when the north pole of one magnet is placed next to the south pole of another magnet?
Correct Answer
A. The magnets attract
Explanation
When the north pole of one magnet is placed next to the south pole of another magnet, they will attract each other. This attraction occurs because opposite magnetic poles (north-south) pull towards each other. Magnets have two poles: north and south. The magnetic field lines flow from the north pole to the south pole, causing a pulling force when opposite poles are close. This fundamental principle of magnetism is essential in understanding how magnets work and is applied in many practical uses, such as in motors, generators, and magnetic locks.
12.
Which of these objects is magnetic?
Correct Answer
C. A metal spoon
Explanation
A metal spoon is magnetic because it is made of a material that contains iron, such as stainless steel or cast iron. These materials have magnetic properties and can be attracted to magnets. On the other hand, socks and a wooden spoon do not have magnetic properties as they are made of non-magnetic materials like fabric and wood.
13.
What is the force that pulls us downward to Earth and stops us from floating into space?
Correct Answer
C. Gravity
Explanation
Gravity is the force that pulls objects with mass towards each other. On Earth, gravity pulls everything towards the center of the planet, which is why objects fall downward when dropped. This force also keeps us and everything else on the planet from floating off into space. Gravity is what gives objects weight and is responsible for holding the planets in orbit around the sun. It is one of the fundamental forces of nature and plays a crucial role in determining the structure and behavior of the universe.
14.
What is the force that slows down a person falling out of a plane with a parachute?
Correct Answer
B. Air resistance
Explanation
Air resistance is the force that slows down a man falling out of a plane with a parachute. When an object moves through the air, the air molecules push against it, creating a resistance force. This force opposes the motion of the object and causes it to slow down. In the case of a person falling with a parachute, the large surface area of the parachute increases the air resistance, allowing the person to descend at a slower rate. Without air resistance, the person would fall much faster and potentially be injured upon landing.
15.
Which of these forces slows you down if you ride a bike on the grass instead of on smooth pavement?
Correct Answer
A. Friction
Explanation
When you ride a bike on grass instead of smooth pavement, the main force that slows you down is friction. Friction is the force that resists the motion of objects sliding or rolling against each other. Grass provides more resistance to the movement of the bike's wheels compared to smooth pavement, due to the uneven and softer surface of the grass. This increased friction between the grass and the bike's wheels requires more effort to pedal and slows down the bike compared to riding on smooth pavement, where friction is lower.
16.
Which 2 forces are balanced and stop a boat from sinking?
Correct Answer(s)
C. Gravity
D. Upthrust
Explanation
Gravity and upthrust are the two forces that are balanced and prevent a boat from sinking. Gravity pulls the boat downwards, while upthrust, also known as buoyant force, pushes the boat upwards. When these two forces are equal, the boat remains afloat and does not sink.
17.
Which 3 of these objects are light sources?
Correct Answer(s)
A. The Sun
B. Electric lamp
E. A candle
Explanation
The Sun, an electric lamp, and a candle are all light sources. The Sun emits light and heat naturally, making it the primary source of light during the day. Electric lamps are man-made light sources that use electricity to produce light. Candles produce light through combustion, where the heat from the flame causes the wax to melt and release energy in the form of light.
18.
Which of these is not a light source?
Correct Answer
B. The Moon
Explanation
The Moon is not a light source because it does not produce its own light. Unlike the Sun and a candle, which emit light, the Moon only reflects the sunlight that it receives from the Sun. Therefore, it is not considered a light source itself.
19.
How fast does light travel?
Correct Answer
C. 300,000,000 meters per second
Explanation
Light travels at a speed of approximately 300,000,000 meters per second in a vacuum. This speed is incredibly fast, and it is the fastest known speed in the universe. Compared to other speeds, such as the speed of a tortoise, a person cycling on a bike, or a running car, the speed of light is millions of times faster. This high speed allows light to travel vast distances in a short amount of time, which is why we can see stars and other distant objects in the universe.
20.
What kind of surface would be the best at reflecting light?
Correct Answer
A. A shiny surface
Explanation
A shiny surface would be most suited to reflecting light because it has a smooth and polished texture that allows light to bounce off it easily. The smoothness of the surface reduces the scattering of light, resulting in a higher degree of reflection. In contrast, a dull surface has a rough texture that causes light to scatter in different directions, reducing the overall reflection. A scrubbed surface may have some reflective properties depending on its smoothness, but it would not be as effective as a shiny surface. An opaque surface, by definition, does not allow light to pass through it, so it would not reflect light effectively.
21.
What is the name of the process where a liquid changes into a gas?
Correct Answer
A. Evaporation
Explanation
Evaporation is the process where a liquid changes into a gas. This happens when the molecules in a liquid gain enough energy to break free from their bonds and escape into the air as gas molecules. Think of a puddle drying up in the sun – the water evaporates into the air.
22.
Which of these is an example of a chemical change?
Correct Answer
B. Paper burning
Explanation
A chemical change is a process where a new substance is formed with different properties. When paper burns, it reacts with oxygen in the air, producing ash, smoke, and gases. These new substances have different properties than the original paper.
23.
What is the function of the circulatory system in the human body?
Correct Answer
A. To transport oxygen and nutrients
Explanation
The circulatory system, which includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the body's cells. It also carries away waste products like carbon dioxide. Think of it as the body's "delivery system."
24.
Which of these is NOT a type of simple machine?
Correct Answer
D. Pendulum
Explanation
A simple machine is a basic mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force. The six classical simple machines are the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw. A pendulum, while a useful tool for demonstrating concepts like gravity and motion, is not a simple machine.
25.
What causes the tides in the ocean?
Correct Answer
A. The gravitational pull of the Moon
Explanation
Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun on the Earth. The Moon's gravity pulls the water on the side of the Earth closest to it, creating a bulge (high tide). A corresponding bulge occurs on the opposite side of the Earth.