Earth Science Midterm Review

The approximate latitude of Binghamton, New York, is

• 42°05' N

• 42°05' S

• 75°55' E

• 75°55' W

Answer explanation

Binghamton, New York, is located at approximately 42°05' N latitude. The other options either indicate southern latitude or longitude, which are not applicable to Binghamton.

The arrows represent the direction of Earth's motion around the Sun. Which constellations are both visible at midnight to an observer when Earth is located at position D?

• Leo and Virgo

• Aries and Taurus

• Aquarius and Scorpio

• Pisces and Libra

Answer explanation

At position D, Earth is oriented such that Leo and Virgo are on the opposite side of the Sun, making them visible at midnight. The other constellations are not positioned for visibility at that time.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The constellations observed from the northeastern United States when Earth is at position A are different from the constellations observed when Earth is at position C because

• the lengths of day and night are different

• the stars move around Earth as shown by star trails

• Earth moves in its orbit

• Earth is tilted on its axis

Answer explanation

The constellations change as Earth moves in its orbit around the Sun. This orbital motion alters our perspective of the stars, leading to different constellations being visible from the northeastern United States at different positions.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Identify the nuclear reaction that combines hydrogen gas to form helium and produces most of the Sun’s energy.

• gravity

• fission

• fusion

• friction

Answer explanation

The nuclear reaction that combines hydrogen atoms to form helium is called fusion. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy, which is the primary source of the Sun's energy.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which type of electromagnetic energy has the shortest wavelength?

• infrared radiation

• radio wave radiation

• ultraviolet radiation

• x-ray radiation

Answer explanation

X-ray radiation has the shortest wavelength among the options provided. Wavelength decreases from radio waves to infrared, ultraviolet, and finally to x-rays, which are known for their high energy and penetrating ability.

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

The New York State index fossil Lichenaria is classified as a

• coral

• eurypterid

• crinoid

• nautiloid

Answer explanation

Lichenaria is classified as a coral, which is a type of marine invertebrate. It is known for its fossilized remains, making it an important index fossil for identifying specific geological periods in New York State.

Which statement best describes the air at point D?

• Its relative humidity is 0%.

• It contains unsaturated air.

• It is at a temperature below that of the dewpoint.

• It is saturated and has equal dewpoint and air temperatures.

Answer explanation

At point D, the air is saturated, meaning it has reached its maximum moisture capacity. This occurs when the air temperature equals the dewpoint, confirming that the correct statement is: 'It is saturated and has equal dewpoint and air temperatures.'

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which cross section best represents how surface winds form by midafternoon near a shoreline on a hot summer day?

• Cool air sinks over land, warm air rises over lake water.

• Cool air rises over land, warm air sinks over lake water.

• Warm air sinks over land, cool air rises over lake water.

• Warm air rises over land, cool air sinks over lake water.

Answer explanation

On a hot summer day, land heats up faster than water. Warm air rises over the land, creating a low-pressure area, while cooler air over the lake sinks, leading to a breeze from the lake to the land. Thus, warm air rises over land, cool air sinks over lake water.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The incomplete flowchart below shows some of the changes that occur in warm air as it rises to form a cloud. Which statement should be placed in the empty box to accurately complete the flowchart?

• The air warms as it expands.

• The air cools until it reaches the dewpoint.

• The air’s relative humidity decreases to zero.

• The air enters the thermosphere.

Answer explanation

As warm air rises, it expands and cools. The correct statement is that 'The air cools until it reaches the dewpoint,' which is essential for cloud formation, as it indicates the temperature at which condensation occurs.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Base your answer to this question on the diagram below, which represents Earth in its orbit around the Sun. The position of Earth on the first day of each season is labeled A, B, C, and D. At which location are the Sun’s noontime rays perpendicular (90°) to Earth’s surface at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

The Sun's rays are perpendicular to the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5° N during the summer solstice. In the diagram, this occurs at position C, where the Sun is directly overhead at noon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1