WI Forward - Wisconsin Forward Science: Physical, Earth, Space Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What causes the seasons on Earth?
- Earth's distance from the Sun changing
- The tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun (Correct answer)
- The Moon's gravitational pull
- Changes in the Sun's temperature
Correct answer: The tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun
Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt causes different hemispheres to receive varying sunlight.
As Earth orbits the Sun, the 23.5-degree tilt causes each hemisphere to alternately lean toward or away from the Sun, creating seasons.
Question 2: Which energy transfer occurs when heat moves through a solid?
- Convection
- Radiation
- Conduction (Correct answer)
- Evaporation
Correct answer: Conduction
Conduction transfers heat through direct molecular contact in solids.
Faster molecules collide with slower neighbors, transferring kinetic energy. Convection moves heat through fluids; radiation uses electromagnetic waves.
Question 3: What plate boundary forms when two plates move apart?
- Convergent
- Divergent (Correct answer)
- Transform
- Subduction zone
Correct answer: Divergent
Divergent boundaries form where plates move apart, creating new crust.
At divergent boundaries, magma rises to fill the gap, creating new crust (seafloor spreading). The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a famous example.
Question 4: What distinguishes a chemical change from a physical change?
- A change in shape
- Formation of a new substance (Correct answer)
- A change in size
- A change in state
Correct answer: Formation of a new substance
A chemical change produces new substances with different properties.
Signs of chemical change: color change, gas production, temperature change, precipitate. Physical changes alter appearance but not chemical identity.
Question 5: What is the function of the ozone layer?
- It produces oxygen
- It blocks harmful UV radiation (Correct answer)
- It generates Earth's magnetic field
- It controls tides
Correct answer: It blocks harmful UV radiation
The ozone layer absorbs most harmful UV radiation from the Sun.
Located in the stratosphere, ozone (O3) absorbs 97-99% of UV radiation. The Montreal Protocol (1987) banned ozone-depleting CFCs.
Question 6: What force causes a rolling ball on a flat surface to stop?
- Gravity
- Friction (Correct answer)
- Magnetism
- Air pressure
Correct answer: Friction
Friction converts kinetic energy to heat, slowing the ball.
Rolling friction and air resistance convert kinetic energy to thermal energy. Without friction, Newton's First Law says the ball would roll forever.
WI Forward - Wisconsin Forward Science: Physical, Earth, Space Questions and Answers 2
What causes the seasons on Earth?