Science Pass Sampler

The graph shows the temperature of the different layers of Earth’s atmosphere. What can be a valid interpretation of the data?

• The temperature in the Thermosphere decreases with increasing altitude.

• The Stratosphere is the warmest layer except in its upper region.

• The Mesosphere is the warmest layer of Earth’s atmosphere.

• The temperature in the Troposphere increases with decreasing altitude.

Ice samples from glaciers provide evidence that today's atmosphere contains more carbon dioxide than ancient atmospheres on Earth did. Why is this increase in carbon dioxide a concern to scientists?

• It contributes to the rapid expansion of continental glaciers.

• It contributes to the rapid cooling of the warm ocean currents.

• It contributes to the gradual warming of the atmosphere.

• It contributes to the loss of radiant energy from the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Why is deforestation a major problem in terms of its effect on global warming?

• Plants' root systems absorb many toxins from the soil which might contaminate the water supply.

• Plants remove significant amounts of carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis.

• Plants remove significant amounts of nitrogen dioxide gas from the atmosphere through the process of denitrification.

• Plants' root systems hold the soil in place, and when they are gone, there is increased pollution from runoff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

In order to reduce the possible impacts of global warming, scientists state that humans need to produce fewer greenhouse gases. Which statement describes a method that will reduce greenhouse gas output the most?

• Use energy efficient appliances.

• Recycle paper and plastic.

• Burn natural gas instead of coal to produce electricity.

• Use solar and wind power to produce electricity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-6

As part of the water cycle, water from Earth’s surface enters the clouds and finally falls back to the ground in the form of rain. What is the correct sequence of processes water undergoes?

• evaporation → condensation → precipitation

• precipitation → condensation → evaporation

• condensation → evaporation → precipitation

• evaporation → precipitation → condensation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What would most likely happen if all evaporation of water stopped?

• Runoff would increase.

• More clouds would form.

• No precipitation would fall.

• Moist air would be in the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

A student examines the processes of evaporation and condensation in the water cycle by filling a beaker with water and covering the beaker with a glass lid. She positions a lamp so that its light shines on the beaker, as shown in the image.

The student finds that condensation did not significantly collect on the glass lid. What change should the student make in the design process to make her results more accurate?

• Remove the lid and leave the beaker open to the light from lamp.

• Remove the lid and cover the beaker with a dark cloth.

• Turn the lid over and place some ice cubes on it.

• Turn the lid over and pour some warm water on it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

The diagram shows various stages of the water cycle labeled P, Q, R, and S.

Which statement about the stages of the water cycle is correct?

• Stage P is evaporation, which occurs immediately after stage Q, which shows condensation.

• Stage Q is condensation, which occurs immediately after stage P, which shows evaporation.

• Stage R is evaporation, which occurs immediately before stage S, which shows precipitation.

• Stage Q is condensation, which occurs immediately before stage P, which shows precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which gas of the Earth's atmosphere is classified as a greenhouse gas?

• Argon

• Carbon Dioxide

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Where does the greatest atmospheric pressure occur?

• Mesosphere

• Stratosphere

• Thermosphere

• Troposphere