STAAR Category 1

How many neutrons does the an element with an atomic number of 3 and a mass of 6.9 contain?

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

The mass of an unidentified rock is 15.5 grams. Students determine the volume of the rock by placing the rock in a cylinder with water. The students calculate the density of the rock. They determine the identity of the rock based on the density ranges in the table.

The students most likely have which type of rock?

• Coal

• Dolomite

• Peridotite

• Sandstone

The diagram shows a model of an atom. The model has four different symbols on it. Each symbol represents a different role for one of the particles within the atom.

In this model, which particle determines the reactivity of this atom?

• Particle W

• Particle X

• Particle Y

• Particle Z

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

The chart lists organisms in five different categories living near the Texas Gulf Coast.

Based on the chart, which food chain best models a flow of energy in this ecosystem?

• Sun  -> Mosquitoes  -> Shrimp  -> Coyotes

• Sun  -> Algae  -> Shrimp  -> Red drum

• Sun  -> Pygmy sunfish  -> Shrimp  -> Wood duck

• Sun  -> Willow oaks  -> Algae  -> River otters

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Atoms of which two elements have a combined total of 23 protons?

• Sodium, Na, and magnesium, Mg

• Boron, B, and carbon, C

• Copper, Cu, and zinc, Zn

• None of these

Which statement best describes evidence that a chemical reaction occurs as a cake bakes?

• The water in the cake batter evaporates.

• The cake rises as gas bubbles form in the baking cake.

• The cake takes the shape of the container in which it is baked.

• The water in the cake batter is used to keep the cake moist as it bakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

A student is trying to classify an unidentified, solid gray material as a metal or a nonmetal. Which question will best help the student classify the material?

• Is the material malleable or ductile?

• Does the material feel hard to the touch?

• Will the material float in water?

• Does the material feel rough or smooth?

How many atoms of each element are in one molecule of 2-heptanone?

• 4 carbon atoms, 11 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom

• 7 carbon atoms, 14 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom

• 7 carbon atoms, 11 hydrogen atoms, and 8 oxygen atoms

• 6 carbon atoms, 14 hydrogen atoms, and 3 oxygen atoms

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

The atomic number of krypton is 36. If the mass number of a krypton atom is 84, which table shows the number of subatomic particles inside and outside the nucleus of the krypton atom?

• a

• b

• c

• d

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Researchers are investigating processes that happen during digestion. Which answer choice describes only a physical change during digestion?

• Hydrochloric acid in the stomach breaks down proteins.

• Chewing in the mouth breaks food into small pieces.

• Enzymes in saliva start the digestion of starches before food is swallowed.

• Bacteria in the intestines convert dietary fiber into fats.