WCAS - Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science Energy Transfer and Conservation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A student places a metal spoon in a bowl of hot soup.
After a few minutes, the handle of the spoon becomes warm.
Which of the following correctly describes the primary method of heat transfer that causes the spoon's handle to warm up?

Accepted Answer

Conduction, because heat energy is transferred from particle to particle along the spoon.

Answer

Convection, because the heat from the soup circulates up the spoon.

Answer

Radiation, because the soup emits thermal energy in the form of waves.

Answer

Insulation, because the metal prevents the heat from escaping the soup.

Question 2

According to the law of conservation of energy, which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The total amount of energy in an isolated system remains constant over time.

Answer

Energy can be created but not destroyed.

Answer

Energy can be lost as heat, reducing the total energy in a closed system.

Answer

Energy transformations are always 100% efficient.

Question 3

A group of students designs a solar oven using a cardboard box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and black construction paper. The black paper is placed at the bottom of the box. What is the primary role of the black construction paper in this energy system?

Accepted Answer

To absorb radiant energy and convert it into thermal energy.

Answer

To reflect sunlight away from the food.

Answer

To provide structural support for the oven.

Answer

To create a convection current inside the box.

Question 4

An incandescent light bulb is switched on. It produces light and also becomes very hot. This scenario is an example of energy being transformed from:

Accepted Answer

Electrical energy into light and thermal energy.

Answer

Thermal energy into electrical and light energy.

Answer

Light energy into electrical and thermal energy.

Answer

Chemical energy into light and thermal energy.

Question 5

In a coastal area, a cool breeze often blows from the sea towards the land during the day. This phenomenon, known as a sea breeze, is primarily caused by which type of energy transfer?

Accepted Answer

Convection

Answer

Conduction

Answer

Radiation

Answer

Advection

Question 6

A student conducts an experiment by placing equal masses of four different materials on a hot plate at the same temperature. After two minutes, the student measures the temperature change for each material. Which property of the materials is most likely being investigated in relation to energy transfer?

Accepted Answer

Specific heat capacity

Answer

Electrical conductivity

Answer

Density

Answer

Malleability