1.
What do the arrows in this diagram represent?
Correct Answer
B. The transfer of energy
Explanation
The arrows in the diagram represent the transfer of energy. This means that the diagram is likely showing how energy is moving or being transferred between different components or processes. It could be illustrating the flow of energy in a food chain or the movement of energy in a system or cycle.
2.
Which animal in this food web is a carnivore?
Correct Answer
D. Hawk
Explanation
The hawk is a carnivore in this food web because it is a bird of prey that primarily feeds on other animals. It is at the top of the food chain and hunts and eats smaller animals such as rabbits and deer. The other options, such as the rabbit, deer, and tree, are not carnivores.
3.
Based on the food web, what would most likely happen if the number of hawks increased?
Correct Answer
A. The number of mice would decrease.
Explanation
If the number of hawks increased, they would likely prey on more mice, causing a decrease in the mouse population. This is because hawks are predators and mice are their prey. As the number of hawks increases, they would require more food, leading to an increase in predation on mice and ultimately resulting in a decrease in the mouse population.
4.
A wire is wrapped around an iron nail. When both ends of the wire are connected to a battery, metal washers are attracted to the nail. Why are the metal washers attracted?
Correct Answer
D. Electricity makes the iron nail magnetic.
Explanation
When both ends of the wire are connected to a battery, an electric current flows through the wire. This electric current creates a magnetic field around the wire. The iron nail, being a ferromagnetic material, is attracted to this magnetic field and becomes magnetized itself. As a result, the metal washers, which are also attracted to magnets, are attracted to the iron nail. Therefore, it is the electricity flowing through the wire that makes the iron nail magnetic and causes the metal washers to be attracted to it.
5.
Which is an example of a physical change?
Correct Answer
C. An ice cube melts.
Explanation
An ice cube melting is an example of a physical change because it undergoes a change in state from solid to liquid without any change in its chemical composition. The molecules in the ice cube gain enough energy to break their rigid structure and move more freely, resulting in the formation of liquid water. This change is reversible, as the liquid water can be frozen back into ice by removing heat.
6.
When light hits a smooth, shiny surface like a mirror, it is ___.
Correct Answer
C. Reflected
Explanation
When light hits a smooth, shiny surface like a mirror, it is reflected. This means that the light bounces off the surface without being absorbed or transmitted through it. The smoothness of the surface allows for the light to bounce back in a predictable manner, creating a clear reflection. Reflected light is what allows us to see our own reflection in a mirror.
7.
The handles on pans are often coated in plastic. Why is this so?
Correct Answer
C. The metal is a good conductor of heat.
Explanation
The handles on pans are often coated in plastic because metal is a good conductor of heat. If the handles were made of metal, they would become hot when the pan is heated, making it difficult to hold and potentially causing burns. By coating the handles in plastic, it acts as an insulator and prevents the heat from transferring to the handle, making it safer to hold.
8.
Tommy was walking through an orchard and saw an apple fall from a tree. What force caused the apple to fall to the ground?
Correct Answer
A. Gravity
Explanation
The force that caused the apple to fall to the ground is gravity. Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards each other, and in this case, it pulled the apple towards the ground.
9.
A cactus is able to survive the hot and dry conditions of the desert. What adaptation of the cactus best helps it survive these conditions?
Correct Answer
C. Both A and B are correct
Explanation
The spiny needles of a cactus help it survive in hot and dry conditions by reducing water loss through transpiration. The needles create a layer of still air around the plant, which reduces the rate of evaporation. Additionally, the shallow roots of a cactus allow it to quickly absorb any rainwater that may fall, as well as maximize its water uptake during brief periods of rainfall in the desert. Both of these adaptations work together to help the cactus conserve water and survive in its harsh environment.
10.
The local meteorologist states that a high pressure system is moving into your area. What kind of weather can you expect?
Correct Answer
A. Clear skies
Explanation
When a high pressure system moves into an area, it typically brings clear skies. High pressure systems are associated with sinking air, which inhibits the formation of clouds and precipitation. This leads to clear and sunny weather conditions. Therefore, if the local meteorologist states that a high pressure system is moving into your area, you can expect clear skies.
11.
Which of the following is a special characteristic of only the planet Earth?
Correct Answer
C. Much of its surface is covered with water
Explanation
The special characteristic of only the planet Earth is that much of its surface is covered with water. This is unique to Earth as no other planet in our solar system has such a large amount of water on its surface. The presence of water is essential for supporting life as we know it, making Earth a truly unique and habitable planet in our solar system.
12.
Which piece of laboratory equipment is used for safety?
Correct Answer
A. Goggles
Explanation
Goggles are used in the laboratory to protect the eyes from potential hazards such as chemicals, flying debris, or splashes. They provide a physical barrier between the eyes and the surrounding environment, reducing the risk of eye injuries. Goggles are an essential safety equipment in any laboratory setting and are used to ensure the well-being and protection of the user.
13.
Which of the following is a slow change to the earth's surface?
Correct Answer
D. A weathered rock
Explanation
Weathering is a slow process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces over time. It is a gradual change to the earth's surface caused by various factors such as wind, water, temperature changes, and biological activity. Unlike volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides, which are sudden and often destructive events, weathering occurs over a long period and does not involve any sudden or violent changes to the earth's surface. Therefore, a weathered rock is the correct answer as it represents a slow change to the earth's surface.
14.
Which activity would one want to decrease the amount of friction?
Correct Answer
A. Ice skating
Explanation
Ice skating is the correct answer because when ice skating, one wants to decrease the amount of friction between the ice and the skates in order to glide smoothly and move quickly. By reducing friction, the skater can achieve better speed and control on the ice.
15.
Little drops of water in the air condense to form clouds. What happens when these water droplets become to heavy to float in the air?
Correct Answer
A. They fall as rain.
Explanation
When the water droplets in the air become too heavy to float, they fall as rain. This occurs because the droplets have reached a size where the upward force of the air can no longer support their weight, causing them to descend towards the ground. Rain is the result of these condensed water droplets falling from the clouds and reaching the Earth's surface.
16.
What happens to the dead leaves that fall to the ground?
Correct Answer
C. They decompose and become apart of the soil.
Explanation
When dead leaves fall to the ground, they undergo a process called decomposition. This involves the breakdown of organic matter by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. As the leaves decompose, they release nutrients back into the soil, enriching it and providing food for plants and other organisms. This process is essential for the recycling of nutrients in ecosystems and contributes to the formation of healthy soil. Therefore, the dead leaves become a part of the soil through decomposition.
17.
How do plants obtain their energy?
Correct Answer
B. By using energy from the sun
Explanation
Plants obtain their energy by using energy from the sun. This process is known as photosynthesis, where plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. The chlorophyll in plant cells captures the energy from sunlight, which is then used to fuel various cellular processes and growth. This is why sunlight is crucial for the survival and growth of plants.
18.
What can a farmer do to prevent soil erosion?
Correct Answer
D. Planting grass
Explanation
Planting grass is an effective method for preventing soil erosion. Grass has a dense root system that helps to hold the soil in place, preventing it from being washed away by water or blown away by wind. The roots of grass also help to absorb excess water, reducing the risk of runoff and erosion. Additionally, the above-ground foliage of grass helps to break the impact of raindrops, further reducing erosion. By planting grass, a farmer can create a protective barrier that helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
19.
What causes day and night on Earth?
Correct Answer
C. The rotation of Earth on its axis
Explanation
The rotation of Earth on its axis causes day and night on Earth. As the Earth spins on its axis, different parts of the planet are exposed to the sun's light, creating daytime. When a specific region is facing away from the sun, it experiences nighttime. This rotation results in a 24-hour cycle of alternating periods of light and darkness, giving rise to day and night on Earth. The Earth's tilt and the moon's orbit around the Earth do not directly cause day and night, while the sun orbiting the Earth is an incorrect statement.
20.
A student is playing a guitar. Why do some of the strings have a higher sounding pitch than the other strings?
Correct Answer
A. Those strings are vibrating faster.
Explanation
The pitch of a sound is determined by the frequency of the vibrations. Higher pitch sounds have higher frequency vibrations, while lower pitch sounds have lower frequency vibrations. In the case of a guitar, each string has a different thickness and tension, which affects the speed at which it vibrates. Thinner and tighter strings vibrate faster, producing a higher pitch sound. Therefore, the strings that have a higher sounding pitch are vibrating faster.