FREE WCAS Earth and Space Science Questions and Answers

0%

Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to the Earth's surface?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where weather occurs.

Which layer of the Earth is composed of solid iron and nickel?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
The inner core is composed of solid iron and nickel due to high pressure.

From November to February, the constellation Orion is clearly visible in the night sky from Mississippi. Orion appears to rise from the east and set in the west. The stars do not actually move through the sky. They appear to change positions due to the Earth's Movement.

What factor is responsible for the changes in Orion's position when viewed during the winter month?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
As the Earth rotates on its axis, different parts of the sky become visible from different locations on the planet. This rotation causes celestial objects, such as stars and constellations like Orion, to appear to move across the sky from east to west. So, as the Earth rotates during the night, it gives the impression that Orion rises from the east and sets in the west. This apparent motion is due to the observer's perspective from the rotating Earth, not due to the stars actually moving.

What type of eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks the Sun's light from reaching Earth.

Many different energy sources are used to produce electricity. The Amount of Carbon Dioxide Released graph shows the amount of carbon dioxide gas released by some energy sources, in grams per kilowatt hour (g/kWh).

Which change in energy sources would cause the greatest decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide released?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
Hydroelectric power also produces electricity with very low carbon dioxide emissions, whereas coal is one of the highest emitters of carbon dioxide among energy sources. Thus, increasing hydroelectric power and reducing coal would likely result in the greatest decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.

Which of the following is NOT a type of plate boundary?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
Perpendicular boundary is not a recognized type of plate boundary.

What type of weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
Mechanical weathering breaks down rocks physically without altering their chemical composition.

Which celestial body is primarily responsible for causing ocean tides on Earth?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
The gravitational pull of the Moon is the primary force behind ocean tides on Earth.

What type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

A student stood quietly in a field observing a rabbit eating grass. The student moved and stepped on a twig. The twig broke, which made a loud sound, and the rabbit ran away.

Choose the order that shows how a rabbit processes information after hearing a twig break.
1 - The rabbit hears a twig break.
2 -
3 -
4 -

A. The rabbit acts.
B. The rabbit's brain processes information.
C. The rabbit's brain sends a message to act.

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
The sequence of events goes from the initial perception of the sound by the rabbit's ears, to the processing of this information by its brain, to the brain sending a signal to the muscles to act, and finally to the rabbit's physical response of running away.

What term describes the process of water vapor changing into liquid water?

Correct! Wrong!

Explanation:
Condensation is the process of water vapor turning into liquid water when cooled.