NAEP Science 3

Question 1

The half-life of carbon-14 is about 5,730 years. If a sample originally had 80 grams of carbon-14, approximately how much remains after 11,460 years?

Accepted Answer

20 g

Answer

After one half-life (5,730 yr) 40 g remain; after two half-lives (11,460 yr) half of that—20 g—remains.

Question 2

Lichens are considered a mutualistic partnership between fungi and:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria

Answer

In a lichen, the fungus provides structure and absorbs water while the algae or cyanobacteria produce food through photosynthesis, benefiting both partners.

Question 3

Newton's Third Law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Which scenario best demonstrates this law?

Accepted Answer

A rocket expels gas downward and accelerates upward

Answer

A rocket pushes exhaust gases backward (action), and those gases push the rocket forward (reaction), perfectly illustrating Newton's Third Law.

Question 4

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy is called:

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Photosynthesis uses light energy captured by chlorophyll to convert CO₂ and H₂O into glucose, releasing O₂ as a byproduct.

Question 5

Tectonic plates move because of convection currents in which layer of Earth?

Accepted Answer

Mantle

Answer

Heat-driven convection currents in the semi-fluid mantle create drag forces that move the rigid tectonic plates of the crust.

NAEP - National Assessment of Educational Progress Practice Test

NAEP - National Assessment of Educational Progress Practice Test

NAEP Science 3