Download Grade8-PhysicalScience-Comp2

RANKIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
GRADE 8 SCIENCE TEST ITEMS- STRAND 2
(Physical Science)
Compiled November 2010
Teachers can use these sample Science test items (pulled from MDE
Sample tests) on formative or summative assessments as determined
appropriate in their classroom.
Physical Science
Blueprint= 6 Objectives/10 Items
Competency 2: Apply concepts relating to an understanding of
chemical and physical changes, interactions involving energy, and
forces that affect motion of objects.
a. Identify patterns found in chemical symbols, formulas,
reactions, and equations that apply to the law of conservation
of mass. (DOK 1)
 Chemical symbols and chemical formulas of common
substances such as NaCl (table salt), H20 (water), C6H12O6
(sugar), O2 (oxygen gas), CO2 (carbon dioxide), and N2
(nitrogen gas)
 Mass of reactants before a change and products after a
change
 Balanced chemical equations such as photosynthesis
and respiration
1. Which chemical equation is balanced to show that mass is conserved during
the reaction?
Above item – DOK 2, PLD advanced, Answer G
2. The following equation shows photosynthesis in plants.
Which of these products are made as a result of photosynthesis? (2a)
A. Water and oxygen
B. Glucose and oxygen
C. Carbon dioxide and water
D. Glucose and carbon dioxide
Above item – DOK 1, PLD basic, Answer B
b. Predict the properties and interactions of given elements using
the periodic table of the elements. (DOK 2)
 Metals and nonmetals
 Acids and bases
 Chemical changes in matter (e.g., rusting [slow oxidation],
combustion [fast oxidation], food spoilage)
3. Yolanda learned the following about acids:
• They are made of elements from the periodic table.
• Most contain hydrogen.
• Very reactive elements tend to form stronger bonds.
• In general, the weaker the bond between hydrogen and another element in an
acid, the stronger the acid will be.
Yolanda then studied the elements in group 17 of the following periodic table.
Based on what Yolanda learned, which acid formed from an element in group 17
is weakest? (2b)
A. HF
B. HCl
C. HBr
D. HI
Above item – DOK 2, PLD proficient, Answer A
4. Balloons can be filled with hydrogen gas (H2) or helium gas (He) to make
them rise. Why is it safer to use helium instead of hydrogen in the balloons? (2b)
A. Helium gas is lighter.
B. Helium gas can irritate the skin.
C. Hydrogen gas is easy to obtain.
D. Hydrogen gas can burn in oxygen.
Above item – DOK 1, PLD basic, Answer D
5. Which property of gold (Au) makes it different from iron (Fe)? (2b)
E. It does not rust.
F. It conducts electricity.
G. It can be made into many shapes.
H. It can be mixed with other metals.
Above item – DOK 1, PLD basic, Answer E
c. Distinguish the motion of an object by its position, direction
of motion, speed, and acceleration and represent resulting
data in graphic form in order to make a prediction. (DOK 2)
6. The following graph shows the position of a cart along a motorized rail.
If the cart continues to move at this rate, what will be its distance after 8 minutes?
(2c)
A. 80 meters
B. 85 meters
C. 95 meters
D. 100 meters
Above item – DOK 2, PLD proficient, Answer B
7. The following diagram shows the direction of motion of two objects of equal
mass just before they collide. (2c)
Above item – DOK 3, PLD advanced, Answer F
d. Relate how electrical energy transfers through electric circuits,
generators, and power grids, including the importance of
contributions from Mississippi companies. (DOK 2)
 The Electrical Power Products Division of Howard Industries, a
leading manufacturer of electrical distribution equipment in
such locations as Laurel and Ellisville, MS
 Kuhlman Electric Corporation, located in Crystal Springs, MS
8. Power grids use alternating current (AC) in transmission and distribution
systems. Which statement explains why AC is used instead of direct current (DC)?
(2d)
F. Transmission wires cannot carry enough direct current to supply the needs of the
power grid.
G. The voltage can be changed in an alternating current system to transfer energy
more efficiently.
H. Electrical energy must be transmitted as alternating current because that is how
it is produced at power plants.
J. Direct current would not be useful to electric company customers because
appliances operate on alternating current.
Above item – DOK 2, PLD proficient, Answer G
9. Which list shows the path of electricity from a local power substation to a lamp in
a home? (2d)
A. Substation transformer junction box outlet electric circuit of lamp
B. Substation outlet junction box transformer electric circuit of lamp
C. Substation junction box transformer outlet transformer electric circuit of lamp
D. Substation transformer junction box outlet transformer electric circuit of lamp
Above item – DOK 2, PLD proficient, Answer A
10. Hydroelectric plants generate power for homes and businesses in many parts
of the United States. How does a hydroelectric plant transform energy? (2d)
A. By burning fossil fuels that release chemical energy
B. By harnessing the energy of the wind to produce electrical energy
C. By changing solar energy into mechanical energy
D. By converting the energy of moving water into electrical energy
Above item – DOK 1, PLD basic, Answer D
e. Contrast various components of the electromagnetic
spectrum (e.g., infrared, visible light, ultraviolet) and predict
their impacts on living things. (DOK 2)
11. Infrared light is often used in reptile habitats. Which of these explains how a
reptile benefits from infrared light? (2e)
A. Infrared light destroys bacteria and other microorganisms.
B. Infrared light increases the body temperature of the animals.
C. Infrared light makes it possible for reptiles to see their surroundings.
D. Infrared light makes it possible for humans to see the animals in their natural
habitat.
Above item – DOK 2, PLD proficient, Answer B
12.
.
Which type of electromagnetic wave has a wavelength longer than that of yellow
light? (2e)
F. Infrared Radiation
G. UV Rays
H. X-rays
J. Gamma Rays
Above item – DOK 1, PLD basic, Answer F
13. Cell phones, radar, and televisions are examples of devices that function by
using electromagnetic waves. What property of electromagnetic waves makes
them useful for phone, radar, and television signals? (2e)
E. Electromagnetic waves cannot be changed.
F. Electromagnetic waves can travel long distances.
G. Electromagnetic waves travel at different speeds.
H. Electromagnetic waves are harmful at high frequencies.
Above item – DOK 1, PLD basic, Answer F
f. Recognize Newton’s Three Laws of Motion and identify
situations that illustrate each law (e.g., inertia, acceleration,
action, reaction forces). (DOK 2)
14. Which equation expresses Newton’s second law of motion? (2f)
Above item – DOK 1, PLD basic, Answer A
15. A probe traveling through outer space is moving at a constant velocity.
Which statement applies to the motion of this probe? (2f)
A. An unbalanced force is acting on the probe, causing it to accelerate.
B. The probe will undergo constant acceleration until a force acts on it.
C. The probe will continue on its current path until an unbalanced force acts on it.
D. The force that makes the probe move through space is equal to its mass divided
by its velocity.
Above item – DOK 1, PLD proficient, Answer C
16. According to Newton’s second law of motion, in which of these situations is
the object accelerating? (2f)
F. A book on a shelf
G. A rock sitting on the ground
H. A helium balloon tied to a lamp post
J. A ball that has been thrown upward
Above item – DOK 1, PLD basic, Answer J
17. Jennifer rolled a marble up and over a ramp very quickly. Which diagram
shows the path that the marble will travel? (2f)
Above item – DOK 1, PLD proficient, Answer D