MISA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MISA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is NOT an example of an electromagnetic wave? → Sound waves
2. Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum carries the most energy per photon? → Gamma rays
3. The chemical equation for the combustion of methane is: CH₄ + 2 O₂ → CO₂ + 2 H₂O. In this reaction, which of the following are the reactants? → CH₄ and O₂
4. When two waves overlap and their crests align, the result is called: → Constructive interference
5. Which of the following scenarios best describes a direct interaction where the biosphere affects the hydrosphere? → Extensive growth of algae in a lake depletes oxygen levels in the water.
6. Which type of electromagnetic radiation is used in medical imaging to view bones inside the body? → X-rays
7. What is the mode of the following set of numbers: 5, 8, 5, 2, 7, 5, 4, 9? → 5
8. A wave has a frequency of 200 Hz and a speed of 400 m/s. What is its wavelength? → 2 m
9. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is used in microwave ovens to heat food? → Microwaves
10. A student uses a battery-powered flashlight to see in a dark room. Which of the following describes the primary energy conversions that take place? → Chemical energy to electrical energy to light and thermal energy
11. Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make their own food. What is the fundamental energy conversion that occurs during photosynthesis? → Radiant energy is converted into chemical energy.
12. Solve for x in the equation 2x + 5 = 13. → 4
13. What is the result of 3 × (4 + 2) − 8? → 10
14. Which of the following statements best describes the primary difference between how matter and energy move through an ecosystem? → Matter is cycled within the ecosystem, while energy flows through it.
15. What is the volume of a cube with a side length of 4 units? → 64 cubic units
16. A swimmer pushes backward on the water with their hands. In response, the water pushes the swimmer forward. This is a direct application of which principle? → The Law of Action-Reaction (Newton's Third Law)
17. What is diffraction? → The spreading of waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle
18. What does the amplitude of a wave represent? → The maximum displacement of the medium from its resting position
19. Which of the following scenarios describes an object experiencing a net unbalanced force? → A satellite orbiting Earth at a constant speed.
20. What happens to the speed of light when it passes from air into water? → It decreases because water is denser
21. The chemical reaction 2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂ shows hydrogen peroxide changing into water and oxygen gas. How is this type of reaction best classified? → Decomposition
22. A soccer ball with a mass of 0.45 kg is kicked by a player. The ball accelerates at 20 m/s². What is the net force applied to the ball? → 9 N
23. If a rectangle has a length of 10 units and a width of 4 units, what is its area? → 40 square units
24. A student pushes a heavy box across a rough floor but the box does not move. Which statement best explains this situation? → The force of static friction is equal to and opposite the student's pushing force.
25. Inheritable genetic variation is essential for evolution. Which of the following is a source of such variation? → A viable error in DNA replication that results in a mutation.
26. What is the next number in the sequence: 2, 5, 8, 11, ...? → 14
27. During the carbon cycle, plants and algae absorb carbon dioxide to use in photosynthesis. This process represents a transfer of carbon primarily from the: → atmosphere to the biosphere.
28. Which color of visible light has the longest wavelength? → Red
29. A wave completes 50 cycles in one second. What is its frequency? → 50 hertz
30. Which of the following processes is the primary source of new genetic combinations in offspring produced through sexual reproduction? → Meiosis