Download 28 The solar system object in the photograph below is 56 kilometers

28 The solar system object in the photograph below is 56 kilometers long.
The object in the photograph is most likely
(1) an asteroid
(2) Neptune
(3) Earth’s Moon
(4) Mercury
29 Which graph best shows the range of density in each of Earth’s layers?
12
12
12
12
10
8
6
4
10
8
6
4
10
8
6
4
8
6
4
0
0
0
0
(1)
P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’12
Layer
O
u
co ter
re
In
co ner
re
O
u
co ter
re
In
co ner
re
O
u
co ter
re
In
co ner
re
Layer
Layer
(2)
(3)
[8]
Cr
us
t
M
an
tle
2
Cr
us
t
M
an
tle
2
Cr
us
t
M
an
tle
2
Cr
us
t
M
an
tle
2
O
u
co ter
re
In
co ner
re
10
Density (g/cm3)
14
Density (g/cm3)
14
Density (g/cm3)
14
Density (g/cm3)
14
Layer
(4)
Base your answers to questions 58 and 59 on the table below, which shows weather data recorded at Albany,
New York.
Data Table
Location
Temperature
(°F)
Dewpoint
(°F)
Cloud Cover
(%)
Pressure
(mb)
Wind
Direction
Wind Speed
(knots)
Albany
58
36
25
1017.0
from the west
20
58 Complete the station model in your answer booklet, using the proper format to
accurately represent these six weather conditions. [1]
59 State one reason why rain was unlikely at the time the data was collected. Support
your answer by using the data. [1]
Base your answers to questions 60 and 61 on the passage below.
Average temperatures on Earth are primarily the result of the total amount
of insolation absorbed by Earth’s surface and atmosphere compared to the amount of
long-wave energy radiated back into space. Scientists believe that the addition of
greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere gradually increases global temperatures.
60 Identify one major greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
[1]
61 Explain how increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere
increases global temperatures. [1]
Base your answers to questions 62 and 63 on the diagram below, which shows Earth’s orbit and the orbit of
a comet within our solar system.
Comet
Sun
Earth
(Not drawn to scale)
62 Explain how this comet’s orbit illustrates the heliocentric model of our solar system.
[1]
63 Explain why the time required for one revolution of the comet is more than the time
required for one revolution of Earth. [1]
PS/E. Sci.–Jan. ’11
[18]
53 The photograph below shows an impact crater approximately 1 mile wide located in
Diablo Canyon, Arizona. Describe the event that produced this crater. [1]
Barringer Crater, Arizona, U.S.A. (photo courtesy of NASA)
54 A weather station records the following data:
Air pressure is 1,001.0 millibars.
Wind is from the south.
Wind speed is 25 knots.
Using the proper weather map symbols, place this information in the correct locations
on the weather station model provided in your answer booklet. [3]
55 On the United States time zone map provided in your answer booklet, indicate the
standard time in each time zone when it is 9 a.m. in the Central Time Zone. The dashed
lines represent the standard-time meridians for each time zone. Be sure to indicate the
time for all three zones. [1]
P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’02
[14]
Base your answers to questions 45 through 47 on the data table below, which shows information about the
four largest asteroids found in our solar system.
Data Table
Name
Average Diameter
(kilometers)
Period of
Revolution
(years)
Ceres
848.4
4.60
Pallas
498.1
4.61
Juno
247.0
4.36
Vesta
468.3
3.63
45 The asteroids shown in the data table are located between the orbits of
(1) Venus and Earth
(3) Mars and Jupiter
(2) Earth and Mars
(4) Jupiter and Saturn
46 Compared to the diameter of Earth’s Moon, the diameter of Ceres is about
(1) one-fourth of the Moon’s diameter
(2) one-half of the Moon’s diameter
(3) twice the diameter of the Moon
(4) four times the diameter of the Moon
47 The surface rocks of Vesta contain significant amounts of the mineral pyroxene. If
rocks on Vesta are similar to rocks on Earth, which two igneous rocks would most
likely be found on the surface of Vesta?
(1) basalt and scoria
(3) peridotite and pumice
(2) dunite and granite
(4) rhyolite and pegmatite
P.S./E. Sci.–August ’09
[13]
[OVER]
29 Which diagram most accurately represents the relative diameters of Earth and Mercury?
Earth
Earth
Mercury
Mercury
(1)
(3)
Mercury
Earth
Earth
(2)
Mercury
(4)
30 Which diagram represents the tilt of Earth’s axis relative to the Sun’s rays on December 15?
N Pole
S Pole
(1)
N Pole
N Pole
Sun’s
Sun’s
Sun’s
Sun’s
rays
rays
rays
rays
S Pole
(2)
(3)
S Pole
(4)
31 The cross section below shows four rock units, A, B, C, and D.
Key
Contact
metamorphism
Igneous rock
Which rock unit is youngest in age?
(1) A
(2) B
P.S./E. Sci.– June ’11
(3) C
(4) D
[6]
10 Which pair of shaded circles best represents the relative sizes of Earth and Venus when drawn to scale?
Earth
Venus
Earth
(1)
Earth
Venus
(2)
Venus
(3)
Earth
Venus
(4)
11 The weather instrument below is used to determine dewpoint and relative humidity.
°C
°C
50
40
50
40
30
20
30
20
10
0
10
0
Wet cloth wick
Reservoir
of water
Based on the temperatures shown, the approximate dewpoint and relative humidity
are
(1) –19°C and 4%
(3) 8°C and 40%
(2) –5°C and 25%
(4) 12°C and 53%
P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’08
[3]
[OVER]
8 The bar graph below shows one planetary characteristic, identified as X, plotted for the planets of our solar
system.
Planet Characteristic
Characteristic X
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
Planet
un
e
pt
Ne
an
us
Ur
ur
n
Sa
t
te
r
Ju
pi
ar
s
M
Ea
rth
Ve
nu
s
M
er
cu
ry
0.00
Which characteristic of the planets in our solar system is represented by X?
(1) mass
(3) eccentricity of orbit
(2) density
(4) period of rotation
0°
Latitude
(1)
P.S./E. Sci.–June ’09
90° N
0°
Latitude
90° N
(2)
Average Surface
Temperature
Average Surface
Temperature
Average Surface
Temperature
Average Surface
Temperature
9 Which graph best represents the general relationship between latitude and average surface temperature?
0°
Latitude
(3)
[3]
90° N
0°
Latitude
90° N
(4)
[OVER]
0.300
0.250
0.200
0.150
0.100
0.050
0
Eccentricity
Eccentricity
11 Which bar graph correctly shows the orbital eccentricity of the planets in our solar system?
M
V
E
M
J
Planets
S
U
N
0.300
0.250
0.200
0.150
0.100
0.050
0
M
V
E
0.300
0.250
0.200
0.150
0.100
0.050
0
M
V
E
M
J
S
U
N
S
U
N
(3)
Eccentricity
Eccentricity
(1)
M
Planets
J
Planets
S
U
N
0.300
0.250
0.200
0.150
0.100
0.050
0
M
(2)
V
E
M
J
Planets
(4)
12 The diagram below shows Earth in its orbit around the Sun. Positions A, B, C, and D represent Earth at
the beginning of each season.
Position D
N
S
Position A
N
N
Position C
Sun
S
S
N
S
Position B
(Not drawn to scale)
At which lettered position of Earth does New York State experience the first day
of summer?
(1) A
(3) C
(2) B
(4) D
P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’08
[3]
[OVER]
Part A
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (1–35): For each statement or question, write on your separate answer sheet the number of the
word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. Some questions
may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.
6 The diagram below represents the elliptical orbit
of a moon revolving around a planet. The foci of
this orbit are the points labeled F1 and F2.
1 Which list of three planets and Earth’s Moon is
arranged in order of increasing equatorial diameter?
(1) Earth’s Moon, Pluto, Mars, Mercury
(2) Pluto, Earth’s Moon, Mercury, Mars
(3) Mercury, Mars, Earth’s Moon, Pluto
(4) Mars, Mercury, Pluto, Earth’s Moon
Moon
Planet
2 If Earth’s axis were tilted 35° instead of 23.5°, the
average temperatures in New York State would
most likely
(1) decrease in both summer and winter
(2) decrease in summer and increase in winter
(3) increase in summer and decrease in winter
(4) increase in both summer and winter
F1
F2
(Drawn to scale)
3 Which star has a higher luminosity and a lower
temperature than the Sun?
(1) Rigel
(3) Alpha Centauri
(2) Barnard’s Star
(4) Aldebaran
What is the approximate eccentricity of this
elliptical orbit?
(1) 0.3
(3) 0.7
(2) 0.5
(4) 1.4
4 Starlight from distant galaxies provides evidence
that the universe is expanding because this
starlight shows a shift in wavelength toward the
(1) red-light end of the visible spectrum
(2) blue-light end of the visible spectrum
(3) ultraviolet-ray end of the electromagnetic
spectrum
(4) gamma-ray end of the electromagnetic spectrum
7 The coldest climates on Earth are located at or
near the poles primarily because Earth’s polar
regions
(1) receive mostly low-angle insolation
(2) receive less total yearly hours of daylight
(3) absorb the greatest amount of insolation
(4) are usually farthest from the Sun
8 Compared to an inland location, a location on an
ocean shore at the same elevation and latitude is
likely to have
(1) cooler winters and cooler summers
(2) cooler winters and warmer summers
(3) warmer winters and cooler summers
(4) warmer winters and warmer summers
5 On which day of the year would the intensity of
insolation at Kingston, New York, most likely be
greatest?
(1) March 21
(3) September 23
(2) June 21
(4) December 21
P.S./E. Sci.–June ’05
[2]
Part A
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (1–35): For each statement or question, write on your separate answer sheet the number of the
word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. Some questions
may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.
5 The diagram below is a constructed ellipse.
F1 and F2 are the foci of the ellipse.
1 One complete cycle of the phases of the Moon
takes approximately one
(1) day
(3) month
(2) week
(4) year
2 The diagram below shows the Moon at four positions in its orbit around Earth.
F1
F2
1
Earth
2
North
Pole
4
The eccentricity of this constructed ellipse is closest to the eccentricity of the orbit of which planet?
(1) Mercury
(3) Saturn
(2) Earth
(4) Pluto
Rays from
the Sun
6 The diagram below shows the noontime shadow
cast by a vertical post located in New York State.
3
(Not drawn to scale)
D
An observer on Earth could see a solar eclipse
when the Moon is at position
(1) 1
(3) 3
(2) 2
(4) 4
C
A
B
3 Which two stars have the most similar luminosity
and temperature?
(1) Betelgeuse and Barnard’s Star
(2) Rigel and Betelgeuse
(3) Alpha Centauri and the Sun
(4) Sirius and Procyon B
Which letter indicates a location west of the post?
(1) A
(3) C
(2) B
(4) D
4 Which planet would float if it could be placed in
water?
(1) Mercury
(3) Saturn
(2) Earth
(4) Pluto
P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’04
7 On March 21, at which location in New York State
would sunrise occur first?
(1) Riverhead
(3) Buffalo
(2) Syracuse
(4) Massena
[2]
Part A
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (1–35): For each statement or question, write on your separate answer sheet the number of the
word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. Some questions
may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.
1 A Foucault pendulum appears to change its
direction of swing over a period of several hours
because of Earth’s
(1) rotation
(3) tilted axis
(2) revolution
(4) gravity
4 The diagrams below represent Earth’s ocean
tides at four different positions of the Moon.
Which diagram shows the Moon position that will
produce the highest high tides and the lowest low
tides? (The diagrams are not drawn to scale.)
Key
2 The same side of the Moon always faces Earth
because the
(1) Moon’s period of rotation is longer than its
period of revolution around Earth
(2) Moon’s period of rotation is shorter than its
period of revolution around Earth
(3) Moon rotates once as it completes one
revolution around Earth
(4) Moon does not rotate as it completes one
revolution around Earth
E = Earth
M = Moon
H = High tide
L = Low tide
M
H
L
Sun
M H
E
H
Sun
L
L
(3)
Sun
E
H
H
H
L
Sun
L
L
M
Star
F2
(2)
L
E
H
M
(4)
5 From which New York State location would
Polaris be observed to have an altitude closest to
43° above the northern horizon?
(1) Binghamton
(3) Watertown
(2) Utica
(4) New York City
What is the approximate eccentricity of this
ellipse?
(1) 0.22
(3) 0.68
(2) 0.47
(4) 1.47
P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’06
L
H
(1)
3 The diagram below shows the elliptical orbit of a
planet revolving around a star. The star and F2
are the foci of this ellipse.
E
[2]
Part B–2
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (51–65): Record your answers in the spaces provided in your answer booklet. Some questions
may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Base your answers to questions 51 through 53 on the diagram below, which represents a model of Earth’s
orbit. Earth is closest to the Sun at one point in its orbit (perihelion) and farthest from the Sun at another point
in its orbit (aphelion). The Sun and point B represent the foci of this orbit.
Earth at
perihelion
Sun
B
Earth at
aphelion
Foci
(Not drawn to scale)
51 Explain why Earth’s orbit is considered to be elliptical.
[1]
52 Describe the change that takes place in the gravitational attraction between Earth
and the Sun as Earth moves from perihelion to aphelion and back to perihelion
during one year. [1]
53 Describe how the shape of Earth’s orbit would differ if the Sun and focus B were
farther apart. [1]
P.S./E. Sci.–August ’09
[15]
[OVER]
Base your answers to questions 67 and 68 on the diagram of the ellipse below.
F1
F2
67 Calculate the eccentricity of the ellipse to the nearest thousandth.
[1]
68 State how the eccentricity of the given ellipse compares to the eccentricity of the
orbit of Mars. [1]
P.S./E. Sci.–June ’03
[21]
[OVER]
13 Which characteristics of a building material
would provide the most energy-absorbing
exterior covering for a house?
(1) dark colored and smooth textured
(2) dark colored and rough textured
(3) light colored and smooth textured
(4) light colored and rough textured
8 The diagram below represents a simple geocentric
model. Which object is represented by the letter X?
x
14 When the time of day for a certain ship at sea is
12 noon, the time of day at the Prime Meridian
(0° longitude) is 5 p.m. What is the ship’s longitude?
(1) 45° W
(3) 75° W
(2) 45° E
(4) 75° E
( Not drawn to scale )
(1) Earth
(2) Sun
(3) Moon
(4) Polaris
15 The occurrence of parallel scratches on bedrock
in a U-shaped valley indicates that the area has
most likely been eroded by
(1) a glacier
(3) waves
(2) a stream
(4) wind
9 Which condition would cause surface runoff to
increase in a particular location?
(1) covering a dirt road with pavement
(2) reducing the gradient of a steep hill
(3) planting grasses and shrubs on a hillside
(4) having a decrease in the annual rainfall
16 Which weather change usually occurs when the
difference between the air temperature and the
dewpoint temperature is decreasing?
(1) The amount of cloud cover decreases.
(2) The probability of precipitation decreases.
(3) The relative humidity increases.
(4) The barometric pressure increases.
10 An increase in which gas would cause the most
greenhouse warming of Earth’s atmosphere?
(1) nitrogen
(3) carbon dioxide
(2) oxygen
(4) hydrogen
11 Scientists believe that Earth’s early atmosphere
changed in composition as a result of
(1) the appearance of oxygen-producing organisms
(2) the drifting of the continents
(3) the changes in Earth’s magnetic field
(4) a transfer of gases from the Sun
17 In which list are the forms of electromagnetic
energy arranged in order from longest to
shortest wavelengths?
(1) gamma rays, x rays, ultraviolet rays, visible
light
(2) radio waves, infrared rays, visible light,
ultraviolet rays
(3) x rays, infrared rays, blue light, gamma rays
(4) infrared rays, radio waves, blue light, red light
12 Which atmospheric conditions would cause
smoke from a campfire on a beach to blow
toward the ocean?
(1) warm air over the land and cool air over the
ocean
(2) humid air over the land and dry air over the
ocean
(3) low-density air over the land and highdensity air over the ocean
(4) high air pressure over the land and low air
pressure over the ocean
P.S. E./Sci.–June ’02
18 On a clear summer day, the surface of land is
usually warmer than the surface of a nearby
body of water because the water
(1) receives less insolation
(2) reflects less insolation
(3) has a higher density
(4) has a higher specific heat
[4]
33 The photographs below show the surface of the Moon as seen from Earth over an 80-minute period during
a single night.
Which motion is responsible for this changing appearance of the Moon?
(1) The Moon moves into the shadow of Earth.
(2) The Moon moves into the shadow of the Sun.
(3) The Sun moves into the shadow of Earth.
(4) The Sun moves into the shadow of the Moon.
34 The diagram below shows cutaway views of the inferred interior layers of the planets Mercury and Venus.
Mercury
Venus
an
Ma
M
Core
(nickeliron)
ntle (rock)
oc
tle (r k)
Core
(nickeliron)
(Not drawn to scale)
What is the reason for the development of the interior layers of these two planets?
(1) Impact events added the mantle rock above the cores.
(2) Heat from the Sun melted the surface rocks to form the mantles above the cores.
(3) Gravity separated the cores and mantles due to their density differences.
(4) Rapid heat loss caused the cores to solidify before the mantles.
P.S./E. Sci.–August ’09
[8]
Base your answers to questions 59 and 60 on the data table below, which provides information about four of
Jupiter’s moons.
Data Table
Moons of Density
Jupiter
(g/cm3)
Io
Europa
Ganymede
Callisto
3.5
3.0
1.9
1.9
Diameter
(km)
Distance from Jupiter
(km)
3630
3138
5262
4800
421,600
670,900
1,070,000
1,883,000
59 Identify the planet in our solar system that is closest in diameter to Callisto.
[1]
60 In 1610, Galileo was the first person to observe, with the aid of a telescope, these four
moons orbiting Jupiter. Explain why Galileo’s observation of this motion did not
support the geocentric model of our solar system. [1]
Base your answers to questions 61 and 62 on the cross section below, which shows a portion of Earth’s
interior layers and the location of an earthquake epicenter. Letter A represents a seismic station on Earth’s
surface. Letter B represents a location in Earth’s interior.
A
Mantle
Outer
core
B
Earthquake
epicenter
Inner
core
(Not drawn to scale)
61 Explain why seismic station A receives P-waves but not S-waves from this
earthquake. [1]
62 What is the approximate depth at location B?
P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08
[18]
[1]
Part C
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (66–85): Record your answers in the spaces provided in your answer booklet. Some questions
may require the use of the 2010 Edition Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Earth Science.
Base your answers to questions 66 through 68 on the table below, which shows information about five large
objects in the Kuiper Belt. The Kuiper Belt is located approximately 30 to 1000 astronomical units (AU) from
the Sun. An astronomical unit is the average distance between Earth and the Sun, 149.6 million kilometers.
Kuiper Belt Data
Orbit Characteristics
Kuiper Belt
Objects
Closest Distance
to the Sun
(AU)
Farthest Distance
from the Sun
(AU)
Eccentricity
Approximate
Equatorial Diameter
(km)
Varuna
40.47
45.13
0.053
900
Eris
37.77
97.56
0.442
2400
Quaoar
41.92
45.28
0.039
1260
Sedna
76.15
975.05
0.855
1500
Ixion
30.04
49.36
0.243
1065
66 The diagram in your answer booklet shows the orbits of some of the planets in our
solar system. The approximate average distances from the Sun, in astronomical
units, are indicated. On the diagram, place an X to show the closest distance of Ixion
to the Sun. [1]
67 On the graph in your answer booklet, construct a bar graph of the equatorial
diameter of each of the Kuiper Belt objects listed in the table. The diameter of
Earth’s Moon has been graphed for comparison. [1]
68 Identify the Kuiper Belt object with the longest period of revolution and state the
evidence that supports that conclusion. [1]
69 On the weather station model in your answer booklet, using the proper format,
record the four weather conditions shown below. [1]
Dewpoint:
Air pressure:
Wind:
Wind speed:
P.S./E. Sci.–June ’11
48°F
998.3 mb
from the southeast
10 knots
[17]
[OVER]
Part B–1
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (36–50): For each statement or question, write on your separate answer sheet the number of the
the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. Some questions may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Base your answers to questions 36 through 38 on the diagram below, which represents the elliptical orbit of
a planet traveling around a star. Points A, B, C, and D are four positions of this planet in its orbit.
D
A
Star
C
Foci
Direction
of
movement
B
(Drawn to scale)
36 The calculated eccentricity of this orbit is
approximately
(1) 0.1
(3) 0.3
(2) 0.2
(4) 0.4
38 As the planet revolves in orbit from position A
to position D, the orbital velocity will
(1) continually decrease
(2) continually increase
(3) decrease, then increase
(4) increase, then decrease
37 The gravitational attraction between the star
and the planet will be greatest at position
(1) A
(3) C
(2) B
(4) D
P.S. E./Sci.–June ’02
[8]
Part B–1
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (36–50): For each statement or question, write on your separate answer sheet the number of the
word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. Some questions
may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Base your answers to questions 36 through 39 on the passage and diagram below. The diagram shows the
orbits of the four inner planets and the asteroid Hermes around the Sun. Point A represents a position along
Hermes’ orbit.
The Curious Tale of Asteroid Hermes
It’s dogma [accepted belief] now: an asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago and
wiped out the dinosaurs. But in 1980 when scientists Walter and Luis Alvarez first
suggested the idea to a gathering at the American Association for Advancement of
Sciences, their listeners were skeptical. Asteroids hitting Earth? Wiping out species? It
seemed incredible.
At that very moment, unknown to the audience, an asteroid named Hermes
halfway between Mars and Jupiter was beginning a long plunge toward our planet. Six
months later it would pass 300,000 miles from Earth’s orbit, only a little more than the
distance to the Moon….
Hermes approaches Earth’s orbit twice every 777 days. Usually our planet is far
away when the orbit crossing happens, but in 1937, 1942, 1954, 1974 and 1986,
Hermes came harrowingly [dangerously] close to Earth itself. We know about most
of these encounters only because Lowell Observatory astronomer Brian Skiff
rediscovered Hermes on Oct. 15, 2003.
Astronomers around the world have been tracking it carefully ever since.…
Excerpted from “The Curious Tale of Asteroid Hermes,” Dr. Tony Phillips, Science @ NASA, November 3, 2003
Orbit of
Asteroid Hermes
Mercury
Sun
Mars
A
Venus
Earth
(Not drawn to scale)
P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08
[12]
Base your answers to questions 64 and 65 on the graph below, which shows the distance from the Sun and
the period of revolution for four planets in our solar system labeled A, B, C, and D.
Periods of Planetary Revolution
200
180
D
Period of Revolution
(in Earth years)
160
140
120
100
C
80
60
B
40
A
20
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
Distance from Sun
(million km)
64 State the name of each of the planets represented by A, B, C, and D.
[1]
65 Describe the relationship between the distance from the Sun and the period of
revolution for these four planets. [1]
PS/E. Sci.–Jan. ’11
[19]
[OVER]
Base your answers to questions 63 through 65 on the data table below, which shows the average distance
from the Sun, the average surface temperature, and the average orbital velocity for each planet in our solar
system.
Data Table
Planet
Mercury
Average
Distance
from Sun
(millions
of km)
Average
Surface
Temperature
(°C)
Average
Orbital
Velocity
(km/sec)
58
167
47.9
Venus
108
457
35.0
Earth
150
14
29.8
Mars
228
–55
24.1
Jupiter
778
–153
13.1
Saturn
1427
–185
9.7
Uranus
2869
–214
6.8
Neptune
4496
–225
5.4
63 State the relationship between the average distance from the Sun and the average
surface temperature of the Jovian planets. [1]
64 Venus has an atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide. Mercury has almost
no atmosphere. Explain how the presence of the carbon dioxide in Venus’
atmosphere causes the average surface temperature on Venus to be higher than the
average surface temperature on Mercury. [1]
65 On the graph in your answer booklet, draw a line to indicate the general relationship
between a planet’s average distance from the Sun and its average orbital velocity. [1]
P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09
[20]
Base your answers to questions 66 through 69 on the graph below, which shows two conditions responsible
for the formation and composition of some planets in our solar system. The distances of Earth and Neptune
from the Sun, in astronomical units (AU), are shown beneath the horizontal axis. (1 AU = 149.6 million kilometers). The plotted line on this graph shows the relationship between a planet’s distance from the Sun and the
inferred temperature at its formation. The regions within the graph indicate the composition of planets formed
within these zones.
Temperature That Existed When
Some Planets Formed (K)
Main Composition of Planets
Aluminum oxide
1,500
Iron
1,000
Silicates
500
Carbon-rich silicates
0
Frozen gases
0
5
Earth
10
15
20
Distance from the Sun (AU)*
25
30
Neptune
* 1 AU equals the average distance from Earth to the Sun or 149.6 million kilometers.
66 According to the graph, Neptune was mainly composed of which material at the time
of its formation? [1]
67 Saturn is located 9.5 AU from the Sun. State the approximate temperature at which
Saturn formed. [1]
68 State the relationship between a planet’s distance from the Sun and the temperature
at which that planet formed. [1]
69 What is Jupiter’s distance from the Sun, in astronomical units? Express your answer
to the nearest tenth. [1]
P.S./E. Sci.–Jan ’07
[22]
44 The table below shows the altitude and compass
direction of one planet, as viewed by an observer
in New York State at 10 p.m. on the first day of
each month from April through November.
Base your answers to questions 41 through 43 on
the map below, which shows the location of the PeruChile Trench.
North
America
South
America
Peru-Chile
Trench
Compass Direction
April
20°
SW
May
23°
SSW
June
25°
S
July
29°
SSE
August
33°
SE
September
38°
S
October
42°
SW
November
45°
S
Which graph best represents a plot of this
planet’s apparent path, as viewed by the observer
over the 7-month period?
41 The Peru-Chile Trench marks the boundary
between the
(1) Pacific Plate and the Antarctic Plate
(2) Nazca Plate and the South American Plate
(3) North American Plate and the Cocos Plate
(4) Caribbean Plate and the Scotia Plate
90
Altitude (∞)
90
45
42 In which diagram do the arrows best represent the
motions of Earth’s crust at the Peru-Chile Trench?
Trench
Altitude
Altitude (∞)
Pacific
Ocean
Month
0
Trench
45
0
E SE S SW W
Compass Direction
(1)
Trench
45
Trench
0
(2)
Altitude (∞)
(3)
(1)
45
E SE S SW W
Compass Direction
(2)
(4)
(3)
90
Altitude (∞)
90
E SE S SW W
Compass Direction
0
E SE S SW W
Compass Direction
(4)
43 Which observation provides the best evidence of
the pattern of crustal movement at the PeruChile Trench?
(1) the direction of flow of warm ocean currents
(2) the mineral composition of samples of mafic
mantle rock
(3) comparison of the rates of sediment deposition
(4) the locations of shallow-focus and deepfocus earthquakes
P.S. E./Sci.–June ’01
[9]
[OVER]
8 The passage of the Moon into Earth’s shadow
causes a
(1) lunar eclipse
(3) new Moon
(2) solar eclipse
(4) full Moon
4 The diagram below represents two planets in our
solar system drawn to scale, Jupiter and planet A.
Planet A
Jupiter
9 The diagram below shows the latitude-longitude
grid on an Earth model. Points A and B are locations on the surface.
75°
Planet A most likely represents
(1) Earth
(3) Saturn
(2) Venus
(4) Uranus
60°
45°
A
B
30°
5 The graph below represents the brightness and
temperature of stars visible from Earth.
Bright
75°
Supergiants
C
0°
60°
Luminosity
in
15°
30°
B
en
c
qu
e
White
Dwarfs
Dim
Hot
On Earth, the solar time difference between
point A and point B would be
(1) 1 hour
(3) 12 hours
(2) 5 hours
(4) 24 hours
A
Temperature
Cool
10 The diagram below represents part of Earth’s
latitude-longitude system.
Which location on the graph best represents a
star with average brightness and temperature?
(1) A
(3) C
(2) B
(4) D
45°
30°
15°
0°
15°
30° 45°
30°
N
20°
6 The length of an Earth year is based on Earth’s
(1) rotation of 15°/hr
(2) revolution of 15°/hr
(3) rotation of approximately 1°/day
(4) revolution of approximately 1°/day
10°
L
0°
10°
20°
7 Earth’s hydrosphere is best described as the
(1) solid outer layer of Earth
(2) liquid outer layer of Earth
(3) magma layer located below Earth’s stiffer
mantle
(4) gaseous layer extending several hundred
kilometers from Earth into space
P.S. E./Sci.–June ’01
15°
0°
Giants
Se
30°
45°
D
Ma
15°
15°
90°
30°
What is the latitude and longitude of point L?
(1) 5° E 30° N
(3) 5° N 30° E
(2) 5° W 30° S
(4) 5° S 30° W
[3]
[OVER]
Planet
(2)
Mars
Earth
Mars
Earth
Planet
(4)
11 Which two kinds of adjoining bedrock would
most likely have a zone of contact metamorphism
between them?
(1) shale and conglomerate
(2) shale and sandstone
(3) limestone and sandstone
(4) limestone and granite
10 An environmental scientist needs to prepare a
report on the potential effects that a proposed
surface mine in New York State will have on the
watershed where the mine will be located. In
which reference materials will the scientist find
the most useful data with which to determine the
watershed’s boundaries?
(1) topographic maps
(2) geologic time scales
(3) tectonic plate maps
(4) planetary wind maps
P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’02
Venus
Mercury
Mars
Earth
Venus
Mercury
Period of Rotation
Planet
(3)
Period of Rotation
Planet
(1)
Venus
Mercury
Mars
Earth
Venus
Mercury
Period of Rotation
Period of Rotation
9 Which graph best represents the relative periods of rotation of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars?
[3]
[OVER]
Base your answers to questions 73 through 76 on the diagram below, which shows the heliocentric model of
a part of our solar system. The planets closest to the Sun are shown. Point B is a location on Earth’s equator.
B
Earth
Planet
Sun
Planet
Planet
Planet A
(Not drawn to scale)
73 State the name of planet A.
[1]
74 Explain why location B experiences both day and night in a 24-hour period.
[1]
75 On the graph in your answer booklet, draw a line to show the general relationship
between a planet’s distance from the Sun and the planet’s period of revolution. [1]
76 Identify one feature of the geocentric model of our solar system that differs from the
heliocentric model shown. [1]
P.S./E. Sci.–June ’09
[22]
Part A
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (1–35): For each statement or question, choose the word or expression that, of those given, best
completes the statement or answers the question. Some questions may require the use of the 2010 Edition
Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Earth Science. Record your answers on your separate answer sheet.
4 What evidence suggests that a mass extinction of
the dinosaurs occurred at the end of the
Cretaceous Period?
(1) an absence of dinosaur fossils in Paleocene
bedrock
(2) drawings of dinosaurs made by humans in
caves during the Paleocene Epoch
(3) an abundance of dinosaur fossils in Early
Cretaceous bedrock
(4) evolution of dinosaurs during the Late
Cretaceous Epoch
1 The diagram below shows the orbital paths of
Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and a comet named Wild 2.
Jupiter
Sun
Mars
Earth
Wild 2
5 Compared to Jovian planets, terrestrial planets
have
(1) larger masses
(2) larger equatorial diameters
(3) shorter periods of revolution
(4) shorter periods of rotation
(Not drawn to scale)
What is the approximate distance between the
Sun and Wild 2 when this comet is closest to the
Sun?
(1) 150 million kilometers
(2) 228 million kilometers
(3) 778 million kilometers
(4) 820 million kilometers
6 The motion of a Foucault pendulum provides
evidence that Earth
(1) varies in distance from the Sun
(2) is tilted on its axis
(3) spins on its axis
(4) travels around the Sun
7 In the Northern Hemisphere, planetary winds
deflect to the
(1) right, due to the Coriolis effect
(2) right, due to the Doppler effect
(3) left, due to the Coriolis effect
(4) left, due to the Doppler effect
2 The Sun revolves around the center of
(1) Polaris
(2) Aldebaran
(3) Earth
(4) the Milky Way Galaxy
3 Which motion is responsible for the regular
seasonal changes of the constellations visible in
the night sky?
(1) The stars orbit Earth.
(2) The stars orbit the Sun.
(3) The Moon orbits Earth.
(4) Earth orbits the Sun.
P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’11
8 Which air mass is associated with low relative
humidity and high air temperature?
(1) maritime polar
(3) continental polar
(2) maritime tropical
(4) continental tropical
[2]
Base your answers to questions 66 and 67 on the diagram below, which shows the orbit of planet D around
the star Upsilon Andromedae. The dashed lines show where the paths of the first four planets of our solar
system would be located if they were going around Upsilon Andromedae instead of the Sun. All distances are
drawn to scale.
Mars
Planet
D
Earth
Venus
Mercury
Star
Line of major axis
of orbits
Second
focus of
planet D’s orbit
66 Describe the eccentricity of planet D’s orbit relative to the eccentricities of the orbits
of the planets shown in our solar system. [1]
67 Describe the changes in gravitational force between planet D and the star Upsilon
Andromedae during one complete orbit around the star. Be sure to describe where
the force is greatest and where the force is least. [1]
P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’03
[24]
Base your answer to question 50 on the diagram below. This diagram shows a portion of the solar system.
Mars
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Sun
Asteroid
belt
Uranus
Saturn
Jupiter
(Not drawn to scale)
50 What is the average distance, in millions of kilometers, from the Sun to the asteriod
belt?
(1) 129
(2) 189
P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09
(3) 503
(4) 857
[16]
10 Which sequence correctly shows the relative size of the nine planets of our solar system?
(1)
u to
Pl une
pt
Ne us
an
Ur
Sa
tu r
n
uto
Pl
ne
ptu
Ne
us
an
Ur
n
tur
Sa
er
pit
Ju
rs
Ma
rth
Ea s
nu
Ve cury
r
Me
uto e
Pl ptun
Ne us
an
Ur
n
tur
Sa
er
pit
Ju
rs
Ma
rth
Ea
s
nu
Ve ry
rcu
Me
uto
Pl
ne
ptu
Ne
us
an
Ur
n
tur
er
pit
Ju
Sa
rs
Ma
rth
Ea s
nu y
Vercur
Me
[OVER]
[3]
P.S./E. Sci.–June ’04
er
pit
Ju
rs
Ma
r th
Ea
s
nu
Ve ry
r cu
Me
(2)
(3)
(4)