Science Quiz

Particles moving towards Earth's magnetic poles circulate around magnetic field lines and become energized. When they return to their original energy levels, they emit light. What is this light called?

• Spectral light

• Auroras

• Rainbow

• Nebula

Answer explanation

The light emitted when particles circulating around Earth's magnetic field lines get energized and then fall back to their original levels is known as auroras. This phenomenon is not related to spectral light, rainbow or nebula. It's a unique light show most commonly seen in the polar regions, hence the answer is 'auroras'.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

In history, how was a month defined?

• From sunrise to sunset

• From new moon to new moon

• The Sun completing a zodiac cycle

• 28 days

Answer explanation

In historical times, a month's duration was determined by one lunar cycle, which is the time it takes for the moon to go from new moon to new moon. This is why the correct answer is 'new moon to new moon'. The other options, such as sunrise to sunset and the Sun completing a zodiac cycle, relate to day and year respectively, not a month.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The critical part of the atmosphere that protects life on the ground from excessive ultraviolet radiation is:

• Troposphere

• Ozone layer

• Stratosphere

• Ionosphere

Answer explanation

The ozone layer is crucial for protecting life on Earth from excess ultraviolet radiation. This layer, located in the stratosphere, absorbs most of the Sun's harmful UV rays before they reach the ground. While the troposphere, stratosphere, and ionosphere all play significant roles in the atmosphere, only the ozone layer primarily functions to block UV radiation.

The region around Earth where the magnetic field traps charged particles is:

• Ozone layer

• Exosphere

• Van Allen radiation belts

• Corona

Answer explanation

The Van Allen radiation belts are a result of Earth's magnetic field trapping charged particles. This region around the Earth was selected as the correct answer because it best fits the description given in the question. The other options, such as the ozone layer, exosphere, and corona, do not possess this characteristic.

How many tides occur each day?

• 1 high, 1 low

• 2 high, 2 low

• 2 high, 1 low

• 1 high, 2 low

Answer explanation

The question asks about the number of tides each day. Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. Each day, there are two high tides and two low tides. So, the correct answer is '2 high, 2 low'. Other options are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the tidal pattern.

What is the name for the effect shown in the diagram to the right?

• Coriolis Effect

• Van Allen Effect

• Aurora Effect

• Earth's Motion Effect

Answer explanation

The Coriolis Effect refers to the pattern that is observed in the motion of air due to the rotation of the Earth. None of the other options: Van Allen Effect, Aurora Effect or Earth's Motion Effect refers to this specific phenomenon. Therefore, the correct answer is the Coriolis Effect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why do oceans contain higher levels of carbon dioxide than the atmosphere?

• There are many organisms in the sea producing carbon dioxide.

• The salt reacts with the water to produce carbon dioxide.

• The sea floor sediments contain all of the carbon dioxide.

• Carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater and accumulates in the oceans.

Answer explanation

The oceans contain higher levels of carbon dioxide than our atmosphere because carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater and eventually accumulates in the oceans. This process happens on a global scale, hence the significant amount of carbon dioxide in the oceans compared to the atmosphere.

What technique is used to determine the age of Earth's rocks and fossils?

• Radium dating

• Radioactive dating

• Earth rock dating

• Isotope dating

Answer explanation

Radioactive dating is the correct answer. This technique is used to determine the age of rocks and fossils on Earth. It involves the use of isotopes and the knowledge of their decay rates. Other options like radium dating, Earth rock dating, or isotope dating are not the specific terms used for this technique.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What happens when two tectonic plates collide?

• They both stop moving

• Volcanoes always mark the boundary between them

• That region is safe from earthquakes

• They continue moving, creating a variety of formations

Answer explanation

When two tectonic plates collide, they don't just stop moving or make the region safe from earthquakes. Nor do volcanoes always mark their boundary. Instead, the plates keep moving, leading to the creation of various geological formations. This explains why the correct answer is 'they continue moving, creating a variety of formations'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following is NOT caused by the rotation of the Earth?

• Wind currents

• Seasons

• Magnetic field

• Ocean currents

Answer explanation

The rotation of Earth affects the wind and ocean currents due to the Coriolis effect, and it causes the change of seasons due to the axis tilt relative to the Sun. However, the magnetic field of Earth is generated by its inner core's movement, not its rotation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6