2024 SSA Released Questions

Front

What best describes a compound?

Back

A substance made up of two or more elements that are chemically combined.

Answer explanation

A compound is defined as a substance made up of two or more elements that are chemically combined. This distinguishes it from elements, mixtures, and substances that can be separated by physical changes.

Front

Which statement best describes scientific theories?

Back

They are explanations of scientific events that may change based on continuous research.

Answer explanation

The correct statement highlights that scientific theories are explanations of events that evolve with ongoing research, reflecting the dynamic nature of science as new evidence emerges.

Front

Changes in atmospheric CO2 levels over two years. Which biosphere change most likely caused this?

Back

Plants grew leaves in the spring and lost leaves in the fall.

Answer explanation

The seasonal growth and loss of leaves in plants directly affect CO2 levels. In spring, photosynthesis increases as leaves grow, lowering CO2. In fall, leaf loss reduces photosynthesis, raising CO2, explaining the observed atmospheric changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

Based on the law of conservation of mass, what is expected to occur inside Jordan’s terrarium?

Back

The mass will neither increase nor decrease.

Answer explanation

According to the law of conservation of mass, the total mass in a closed system remains constant. In Jordan's terrarium, no mass is added or removed, so the mass will neither increase nor decrease.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Front

Human body systems interact to keep blood pressure within a normal range. Which of the following best describes what is occurring in part X of the diagram?

Back

Homeostasis is maintained as the other body systems work with the circulatory system.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that homeostasis is maintained as various body systems collaborate with the circulatory system to regulate blood pressure, ensuring it stays within a normal range.

Front

Which type of radiation has the longest wavelength? Options: Infrared, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma rays

Back

Infrared

Answer explanation

Infrared radiation has the longest wavelength among the options provided. Wavelength is inversely related to frequency; lower frequencies correspond to longer wavelengths, making infrared the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Front

An astronomer observes a sunspot. Which of the following describes this feature of the Sun?

Back

a location that is cooler than other parts of the Sun’s surface

Answer explanation

A sunspot is a region on the Sun's surface that is cooler than its surroundings, appearing darker. This occurs due to magnetic activity that inhibits heat flow, making the correct choice 'a location that is cooler than other parts of the Sun’s surface'.

Front

What question would help classify two organisms as members of the animal kingdom rather than the plant or fungi kingdom?

Back

3

Answer explanation

To classify organisms as members of the animal kingdom, it's crucial to ask about their mode of nutrition. Animals are heterotrophic, meaning they consume organic material, unlike plants (autotrophic) and fungi (decomposers). Thus, C 3 is the best choice.

Front

Atoms are made up of subatomic particles, including neutrons. Which of the following describes a neutron?

Back

Neutron has no charge.

Answer explanation

A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom and has no electric charge, making option C correct. It has mass, but not more than the nucleus, and its volume is not greater than the electron cloud.

Front

Advantage of Group X over Group Y in supporting the hypothesis about rocks and acid rain.

Back

Group X tested a greater variety of rocks than Group Y did.

Answer explanation

Group X's advantage lies in testing a greater variety of rocks, which provides a broader basis for supporting the hypothesis about acid rain's effects, compared to Group Y's more limited selection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5