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Science, Chemistry, Physics
8th -
12thgrade
Physical Science Midterm Review
44 questions
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- 1. Multiple Choice
A storm is moving in quickly. The weather station reported that it is traveling west at 40 miles per hour. This information describes the storm's...
acceleration
direction
speed
velocity
- 2. Multiple Choice
The express train can travel 100 miles per hour. This information describes the train's...
acceleration
direction
speed
Velocity
- 3. Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of Newton's second law of motion?
Catie's skateboard hits a curb and she falls forward onto the grass.
A tissue and a rock are dropped from a ladder. The rock exerts a greater force when it hits the ground.
A person stands on a chair and pushes down, and the chair pushes upwards on the person.
Tires from a bike push against the road, and the road pushes back.
- 4. Multiple Choice
Which statement is true?
Gravity is the force of attraction between two objects with mass and is dependent on the distance between these objects.
Gravity is the force that repels two objects that have opposite charges. It is dependent upon the charges of the objects.
Gravity is a force that keeps objects moving in space. The less the object weighs, the further out in space gravity will pull the object.
Gravity is the force of resistance to a change in position. The greater the distance between two objects, the greater this force will be.
- 5. Multiple Choice
The amount of power has decreased. This is most likely the result of...
less work being done over a longer period of time
less work being done over a shorter period of time
the same amount of work being done over a longer period of time
the same amount of work being done over a shorter period of time
- 6. Multiple Choice
In order to move a bag of dog food across a room that measures 8 meters in length, you apply 10 newtons of force. How much work was done?
2 joules
10 joules
18 joules
80 joules
- 7. Multiple Choice
Solar panels convert _______ energy to __________ energy which can be used to heat water.
chemical; thermal
electromagnetic; thermal
solar; chemical
thermal; electromagnetic
- 8. Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of potential energy?
A bird positioned on the edge of a high cliff
A bike driving down the road
A dog eating dinner
A rock rolling on the ground through the air
- 9. Multiple Choice
What is gravity? Gravity is the force
of attraction between two objects; it is not related to the object's mass
of attraction between two objects; it is related to the object's mass
that acts on objects when they are pushed
that repels objects that have like charges
- 10. Multiple Choice
Gravity is greater when there is...
equal mass and more distance between two objects
less mass and less distance between two objects
more mass and less distance between two objects
more mass and more distance between objects
- 11. Multiple Choice
Juniper is working on comparing and contrasting forces. She is thinking of gravitational force and strong nuclear force. Which of the following is one way these forces are alike?
They are both weak forces.
They both work only in a short range.
They both act on objects.
They are both dependent on mass.
- 12. Multiple Choice
Which statement correctly lists the four forces from the weakest to the strongest?
Electromagnetism, gravitational, weak nuclear, strong nuclear
Gravitational, weak nuclear, electromagnetism, strong nuclear
Strong nuclear, electromagnetism, gravitational, weak nuclea
Weak nuclear, gravitational, strong nuclear, electromagnetism
- 13. Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes energy and matter in a closed system?
Energy and matter flow into and out of the system.
Energy can flow into and out of the system but matter cannot.
Energy and matter are contained within a closed system.
There is no energy in a closed system; there is matter.
- 14. Multiple Choice
The universe could be considered an isolated system because
many people think that no energy or matter exists outside the universe
energy and matter are created in the universe and flow freely into and out of the universe
energy is created outside the universe and matter is created within the universe
energy is created in the universe and matter is transferred out of the universe
- 15. Multiple Choice
When a sound source is moving toward the observer, the observer will hear a higher pitch. This is due to
a decrease in the amplitude of the sound wave
a decrease in the frequency of the sound wave
an increase in the frequency of the sound wave
an increase in the amplitude of the sound wave
- 16. Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes what happens when a sound source is moving? As the sound source approaches the observer, the pitch ...
decreases and continues to do so as it passes the observer
increases; as it passes the observer, the pitch decreases
decreases; as it passes the observer, the pitch increases
increases and continues to do so as it passes the observer
- 17. Multiple Choice
Which statement represents how light travels?
Light given off from a moving source will travel faster in a vacuum.
Light given off from a moving source will travel faster in air.
Light travels slower if the light source is moving.
Light travels at the same speed even if the light source is moving.
- 18. Multiple Choice
Select the statement that correctly represents how light travels.
Light cannot travel in a vacuum when the light source is moving.
Light cannot travel in a vacuum if the light source is stationary.
Light, traveling in a vacuum, changes speeds when the light source moves.
The speed of light, traveling in a vacuum, will not change if the light source is moving.
- 19. Multiple Choice
In order to be considered scientific a hypothesis must be ...
testable and observable
reliable and observable
reliable and valid
valid and testable
- 20. Multiple Choice
Which question could not be answered by using the scientific method?
Do girls grow faster than boys?
Does this shirt look bad?
Is cooked meat better for a dog than dog food?
Which US city gets the most rain?
- 21. Multiple Choice
A group of astrologers has written a book about how to use the stars to help you choose the right friends. This could be considered an example of ...
pseudoscience because it is backed by scientific studies
pseudoscience because it involves beliefs not facts
science because we can study the stars
science because it is based on beliefs
- 22. Multiple Choice
What is pseudoscience? Pseudoscience is ...
a branch of science that does not require scientific proof
a proven way to conduct science experiments
something that resembles science but cannot be considered science
specific procedures that we use in science to prove ideas
- 23. Multiple Choice
Which would be the most reliable source of information about the weather?
a fishing magazine
a weather blog
the national service channel
the newspaper
- 24. Multiple Choice
The city is thinking about starting a program to add a new chemical to the public pool. Before they do, they want to find out if there are any health risks associated with this type of chemical. Which group would be the best to advise them on this topic?
A group of concerned citizens who oppose the program
The company that manufactures the chemical
The local pest pool companies who would be hired to take care of the pool
The government agency that regulates these types of chemicals
- 25. Multiple Choice
The Port Authority is thinking about dredging the harbor to make it deeper for large ships. Before they do this, they hire a team of environmental scientists and engineers to study the impact of this project. Which statement best explains why this study is important?
It is always difficult to get a project like this approved. This study will help them convince the local community to support the project.
If they do not perform the study, and there is a problem during the dredging project, the media could make them look bad.
The study will weigh the benefits against the negative impacts so an informed decision can be made.
The study will demonstrate the local government's concern for the community's safety
- 26. Multiple Choice
A company plans to build a new mega store next to a wetland. Which of the following should it do to make sure it has scientific knowledge to inform its decision?
Hire an environmental company to study the wetland and give recommendations of how to prevent flooding
Ask a developer to build a new housing development next to the store site
Have the city council review the architectural plans
Conduct a survey to see how often people in the neighborhood shop
- 27. Multiple Choice
A material that resists the flow of electrons is called a(n)
conductor
resistor
circuit
insulator
- 28. Multiple Choice
Select the sentence that best describes why plastics and rubbers are good insulators.
In order for a material to be a good insulator, the electrons must be able to move freely into and out of the atom.
Many materials like plastics and rubber do not have any loosely bound electrons in their outer shell making it difficult, if not impossible, for electrons to move between atoms.
Plastics and rubber atoms have the same number of neutrons and electrons. This allows them to share electrons with other materials, allowing electric current to flow freely.
The free& dash flowing arrangement of the plastic and rubber atoms make them able to freely accept electrons and allow the flow of electricity.
- 29. Multiple Choice
Which statement best explains the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance?
If we increase the amount of voltage applied, and do not change the resistance, this will result in a decrease in current.
If we decrease the current applied, and do not change the resistance, we increase the voltage.
If we increase the amount of voltage applied, and do not change the resistance, we will also increase the current.
If we decrease the amount of current, this will not affect the amount of voltage, only the amount of resistance.
- 30. Multiple Choice
If you were going to describe the relationship between current, voltage, and power, you could say
"If there is a decrease in power, there must have been an increase in either current or voltage."
"If you decrease your voltage, and all other factors remain the same, you will have an increase in power."
"In order to gain more power you would need to increase either current or voltage."
"The only way to increase your power is to change your voltage and keep your current the same.
- 31. Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a way that radio waves and gamma rays are similar?
They are both electromagnetic waves.
They are both low energy waves.
They are both harmful to humans.
They are both used to transmit information.
- 32. Multiple Choice
Which type of electromagnetic wave is used for nuclear power and medical treatment?
UV Wave
Radio Wave
Visible light wave
Gamma ray
- 33. Multiple Choice
You want to create a new warming appliance that is safe. Which type of electromagnetic wave would be most useful to investigate?
X-Ray
Infrared waves
Gamma Rays
Ultraviolet waves
- 34. Multiple Choice
Which example describes a non–renewable resource?
In some areas in California, people can use heat found deep in the Earth to heat their homes.
Refineries process oil, found in the Earth, and turn it into gasoline to be used by cars
The town has decided to install solar panels on all city buildings.
The hilltop lodge has a windmill that generates enough electricity to power the entire house.
- 35. Multiple Choice
Select the example that best describes a renewable resource.
After a shuttle launch, you can smell the jet fuel for hours.
Solar panels generate electricity that keeps the satellites running.
We use our barbeque every night; it cooks with propane.
Tractor trailers are large trucks that run on diesel fuel.
- 36. Multiple Choice
In some areas, farmers have installed windmills to generate electricity to run the farm. Some are generating a surplus of electricity and selling it back to the power company. The local power company burns fossil fuels, which pollute the environment, to generate electricity. Windmills do not pollute the environment. Evaluate the statements and choose the statement that best describes how the windmill technology benefits the environment.
Windmill technology is a valuable resource that should be used whenever possible. The great advantage is that it uses a non–renewable resource, the wind, to generate electricity. This is an advantage because non–renewable resources will always be available.
Windmill technology allows individuals to generate power without polluting the environment. Some individuals could make money selling the power to the power company. This extra money will make the farmers' lives better.
Windmill technology can generate power using a renewable source of energy that does not pollute the environment. By generating a surplus of energy, individuals can sell it to the power company which can replace the energy generated by burning fossil fuels.
Windmill technology might use a renewable resource to generate power but putting the windmills up along the farms damages the environment. The advantage of using a renewable resource to generate power is less important than keeping farms free of windmills that might take up space.
- 37. Multiple Choice
Satellite technology has allowed us to monitor areas that were once so remote that we had no way of monitoring them. Review the statements and choose the one that best describes how we can use this technology to benefit the environment.
North American forests and their ecosystems are some of the most important and difficult to monitor. Satellite surveillance allows us to detect fires in these remote areas and direct firefighting activities early so fires can be quickly contained.
Satellite surveillance has been a great help in the war against smugglers. Law enforcement officials are able to use satellites to track and predict the activities of smugglers. We are all safer because of satellite surveillance.
Satellite surveillance helps us identify the different types of vegetation that cover remote areas. We can then record and catalogue the different types of grasses, bushes, and trees.
Satellites can help us monitor weather conditions all over the world. This can help travelers plan for the weather when they are traveling to other states or countries.
- 38. Multiple Choice
Air pollution is a negative effect of using this renewable resource to generate power.
Biomass
Geothermal energy
Hydroelectric energy
solar power
- 39. Multiple Choice
Whenever possible, these types of power plants should be built because they generate virtually no pollution.
Biomass power plants
Geothermal power plants
Nuclear Power plants
natural gas power plants
- 40. Multiple Choice
The energy released from splitting atoms allows us to generate electricity using
geothermal power
Hydroelectric power , Which is a non-renewable resource
Nuclear power, which is a non-renewable resource
Solar power, which is a renewable resource
- 41. Multiple Choice
If we wanted to avoid using a non–renewable resource, because we do not want to harm the environment, we could burn _____ to produce electricity.
biomass
coal
natural gas
petroleum
- 42. Multiple Choice
If you were asked which type of power, generated from a non–renewable resource, has the least negative effect on the environment, you would choose
geothermal power
hydropower
nuclear power
solar power
- 43. Multiple Choice
In the United States, most of our electricity comes from this non–renewable resource, which has a negative effect on the environment.
coal
Nuclear
Natural gas
Petroleum
- 44. Multiple Choice
A city is considering switching to geothermal power for their electricity needs. Which of the following is an advantage of this plan?
It is commonly used across the entire United States.
It uses less land area than gas power plants.
It uses water to power large turbines.
It in inexpensive to build.
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