MS Sample Set 7, Round 3 from NSB

Questions in Packet

TOSS-UP math phrase

What is the x-intercept of the graph with equation y = 7?

Acceptable Answers:

  • THERE IS NONE

BONUS math multiple_choice

If a line passes through point (1, 6) and has a slope of 4, which of the following is the equation of the line? W) x = 2y + 4 X) x = 4y + 2 Y) y = 4x + 2 Z) y = 2x + 4

W: W) x = 2y + 4

X: X) x = 4y + 2

Y: Y) y = 4x + 2

Z: Z) y = 2x + 4

Answer: Y) Y) y = 4x + 2

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

Which of the following does NOT correctly describe force in the context of a moving object? W) It is a vector X) It has a magnitude Y) It is dependent on mass Z) It is independent of acceleration

W: W) It is a vector

X: X) It has a magnitude

Y: Y) It is dependent on mass

Z: Z) It is independent of acceleration

Answer: Z) Z) It is independent of acceleration

BONUS phys phrase

Identify the following three elements as a metal, metalloid and nonmetal, respectively: silicon, sodium, neon.

Acceptable Answers:

  • Metal = sodium; Metalloid = silicon; Nonmetal = neon

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

All chordates possess which of the following? W) A notochord X) A spinal cord Y) Lungs Z) A four-chambered heart

W: W) A notochord

X: X) A spinal cord

Y: Y) Lungs

Z: Z) A four-chambered heart

Answer: W) W) A notochord

BONUS general multiselect

Identify all of the following four parties who know which subjects are in which treatment groups in a double blind study involving human subjects: 1) the subjects; 2) the investigators who carry out the study; 3) the investigators who plan the study; 4) the statisticians who analyze the data.

Choices:

  • the subjects
  • the investigators who carry out the study
  • the investigators who plan the study
  • the statisticians who analyze the data

Correct Answers:

  • 4

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Most gemstones belong to what class of minerals? W) Phosphates X) Oxides Y) Carbonates Z) Silicates

W: W) Phosphates

X: X) Oxides

Y: Y) Carbonates

Z: Z) Silicates

Answer: Z) Z) Silicates

BONUS ess phrase

A supraglacial lake would be located at which of the following locations?

Acceptable Answers:

  • On top of a glacier

TOSS-UP bio phrase

What is the term for a heritable change in the character of a gene or a change in the sequence of base pairs in a DNA molecule?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Mutation

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Which of the following will most likely reduce genetic variation in a population? W) Disruptive selection X) Directional selection Y) Stabilizing selection Z) Genetic drift

W: W) Disruptive selection

X: X) Directional selection

Y: Y) Stabilizing selection

Z: Z) Genetic drift

Answer: Y) Y) Stabilizing selection

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell exchanges which of the following ions? W) OH⁻ X) Cl⁻ Y) H⁺ Z) Al

W: W) OH⁻

X: X) Cl⁻

Y: Y) H⁺

Z: Z) Al

Answer: Y) Y) H⁺

BONUS energy phrase

What two states together account for approximately one fifth of the nation’s nuclear power generation?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Illinois and Pennsylvania

TOSS-UP math phrase

Providing your answer as a mixed number, what is $$1\frac{3}{4} + 2\frac{7}{8}$$?

Acceptable Answers:

  • $$4\frac{5}{8}$$

BONUS math phrase

For what value of k does $$kx + 7y = 10$$ have a slope of 3?

Acceptable Answers:

  • -21

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

Which of the following elements would be expected to have the most polar bond when bonded with oxygen? W) Sulfur X) Fluorine Y) Hydrogen Z) Nitrogen

W: W) Sulfur

X: X) Fluorine

Y: Y) Hydrogen

Z: Z) Nitrogen

Answer: Y) Y) Hydrogen

BONUS phys multiselect

Identify all of the following four choices that are electrically neutral: 1) gamma rays; 2) positrons; 3) alpha particles; 4) beta particles.

Choices:

  • gamma rays
  • positrons
  • alpha particles
  • beta particles

Correct Answers:

  • 1

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Sharks and salmon have evolved different adaptations. Which of the following statements is true? W) Sharks lay eggs while salmon give birth to live young X) Sharks have cartilaginous skeletons while salmon have bony skeletons Y) Salmon possess gills while sharks do not Z) Sharks possess opercula while salmon do not

W: W) Sharks lay eggs while salmon give birth to live young

X: X) Sharks have cartilaginous skeletons while salmon have bony skeletons

Y: Y) Salmon possess gills while sharks do not

Z: Z) Sharks possess opercula while salmon do not

Answer: X) X) Sharks have cartilaginous skeletons while salmon have bony skeletons

BONUS general phrase

What inner planet of our solar system is known for its clouds of sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Venus

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following rocks has both high porosity and high permeability? W) Claystone X) Sandstone Y) Granite Z) Marble

W: W) Claystone

X: X) Sandstone

Y: Y) Granite

Z: Z) Marble

Answer: X) X) Sandstone

BONUS ess phrase

As a result of pressure, the melting point of glacial ice is known to decrease 0.7 °C per kilometer of depth. At what depth will a glacier begin to melt if it has a constant temperature of -2 °C? (to nearest tenth of a kilometer)

Acceptable Answers:

  • 2.9 km

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Angiosperms are plants that do what? W) Reproduce exclusively by spores X) Have flowers and fruits Y) Parasitize other plants Z) Produce seeds, but not flowers

W: W) Reproduce exclusively by spores

X: X) Have flowers and fruits

Y: Y) Parasitize other plants

Z: Z) Produce seeds, but not flowers

Answer: X) X) Have flowers and fruits

BONUS bio order

A student electrophoreses a sample of restriction-digested DNA. Upon staining, four distinct bands appear on the gel: A – 1500 base pairs; B – 2000 base pairs; C – 1000 base pairs; D – 3000 base pairs. Based on the size of the restriction fragments, in what order do the bands appear on the gel, starting from the band closest to the well?

Choices:

  • 1500 base pairs
  • 2000 base pairs
  • 1000 base pairs
  • 3000 base pairs

Correct Order:

  • 4
  • 2
  • 1
  • 3

TOSS-UP energy phrase

If 6 amperes of current flow through a 5 Ω resistor, what is the voltage across the resistor?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 30

BONUS energy multiple_choice

Approximately how many days could a single person be fed from the corn needed to produce enough 100% ethanol to fuel a single SUV? W) 34 X) 234 Y) 365 Z) 1089

W: W) 34

X: X) 234

Y: Y) 365

Z: Z) 1089

Answer: Y) Y) 365

TOSS-UP math phrase

In the following proportion, solve for x over the real numbers: $$(x - 1) / 8 = 6(x + 1).$$

Acceptable Answers:

  • ±7

BONUS math phrase

Dividing a certain number by 2 yields the same result as subtracting 15 from 3 times the number. Find the number.

Acceptable Answers:

  • 6

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

When a substance contains more of a dissolved compound than can be dissolved by the solvent under standard conditions, it is referred to as which of the following? W) Saturated X) Dissaturated Y) Over saturated Z) Super saturated

W: W) Saturated

X: X) Dissaturated

Y: Y) Over saturated

Z: Z) Super saturated

Answer: Z) Z) Super saturated

BONUS phys phrase

In the balanced combustion reaction of one mole of propane with excess oxygen to form water and carbon dioxide, identify the number of moles, respectively, of carbon dioxide and water formed.

Acceptable Answers:

  • Carbon dioxide = 3; Water = 4

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Lightning can NOT form between which of the following media? W) Cloud and air X) Air and ground Y) Cloud and cloud Z) Ground and cloud

W: W) Cloud and air

X: X) Air and ground

Y: Y) Cloud and cloud

Z: Z) Ground and cloud

Answer: X) X) Air and ground

BONUS general phrase

Most organisms need nitrogen to create important compounds like amino acids and proteins, but cannot directly access nitrogen from the atmosphere. What is the name of the process that makes atmospheric nitrogen accessible to individuals in the food web?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Nitrogen fixation

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following types of volcano usually covers the most acreage on the surface of the Earth? W) Lava dome X) Cinder cone Y) Stratovolcano Z) Shield volcano

W: W) Lava dome

X: X) Cinder cone

Y: Y) Stratovolcano

Z: Z) Shield volcano

Answer: Z) Z) Shield volcano

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Black smokers are most likely to be found in association with what type of undersea geological site? W) Subduction zone X) Slip-strike fault Y) Methane seep Z) Spreading center

W: W) Subduction zone

X: X) Slip-strike fault

Y: Y) Methane seep

Z: Z) Spreading center

Answer: Z) Z) Spreading center

TOSS-UP bio phrase

What is the nitrogenous base found in RNA that is NOT present in DNA?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Uracil

BONUS bio phrase

What is the structural polysaccharide that forms the exoskeleton of arthropods and is the building material in the cell walls of some fungi?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Chitin

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Many fish possess a swim bladder filled with air for what purpose? W) Buoyancy X) Circulation Y) Digestion Z) Respiration

W: W) Buoyancy

X: X) Circulation

Y: Y) Digestion

Z: Z) Respiration

Answer: W) W) Buoyancy

BONUS general multiple_choice

Which of the following pairs of countries is NOT located on the same tectonic plate? W) Great Britain and Russia X) China and India Y) Greenland and Mexico Z) Malaysia and Norway

W: W) Great Britain and Russia

X: X) China and India

Y: Y) Greenland and Mexico

Z: Z) Malaysia and Norway

Answer: X) X) China and India

TOSS-UP math phrase

What is the arithmetic mean of the numbers: -20, -12, 7, 9?

Acceptable Answers:

  • -4

BONUS math phrase

The measures of the angles of a triangle are in the ratio of 2:3:5. What is the measure in degrees of the triangle’s largest angle?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 90°

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

A student is standing in an elevator that is moving. Taking upward to be positive and downward to be negative, which of the following could NOT be true? W) The student has a velocity equal to zero and a positive acceleration vector X) The student has an acceleration equal to zero and a positive velocity vector Y) The student has a positive acceleration vector and a negative velocity vector Z) The student has a negative acceleration vector and is slowing down

W: W) The student has a velocity equal to zero and a positive acceleration vector

X: X) The student has an acceleration equal to zero and a positive velocity vector

Y: Y) The student has a positive acceleration vector and a negative velocity vector

Z: Z) The student has a negative acceleration vector and is slowing down

Answer: W) W) The student has a velocity equal to zero and a positive acceleration vector

BONUS phys phrase

Electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength of 10⁻⁴ meters is in which region of the spectrum?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Infrared
  • Infrared region
  • Infrared band
  • IR
  • IR region
  • IR band

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Which of the following statements does NOT describe a disadvantage associated with exoskeletons? W) Increased risk of desiccation X) Restricted sensory input Y) Restricted movement Z) Limited body size

W: W) Increased risk of desiccation

X: X) Restricted sensory input

Y: Y) Restricted movement

Z: Z) Limited body size

Answer: W) W) Increased risk of desiccation

BONUS general multiselect

Many scientists believe viruses represent the boundary between the living and nonliving. They exhibit both similarities and differences when compared to living organisms. Identify all of the following four areas in which viruses are different from living organisms: 1) presence of genetic material; 2) reproduction; 3) evolution by natural selection; 4) metabolism.

Choices:

  • presence of genetic material
  • reproduction
  • evolution by natural selection
  • metabolism

Correct Answers:

  • 2
  • 4

TOSS-UP ess phrase

Based on Iceland’s location, what type of lava is most commonly seen erupting from Iceland’s volcanic vents?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Basalt

BONUS ess order

Place the following four geological time divisions in the correct order, from longest to shortest: 1) era; 2) epoch; 3) period; 4) eon.

Choices:

  • era
  • epoch
  • period
  • eon

Correct Order:

  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • 2

TOSS-UP bio phrase

Shingles is a localized skin rash that is often very painful and is caused by reactivation of the virus that previously caused what common childhood disease in the host?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Chickenpox

BONUS bio phrase

There are three primary locomotor structures that aid in movement of single-celled organisms. One type of structure is flagella. Name one of the two other types.

Acceptable Answers:

  • Cilia
  • Cilium
  • Pseudopodia
  • Pseudopod

TOSS-UP energy phrase

Nuclear reactors rely on a nuclear chain reaction to cleave atoms and release energy at a controlled rate. What subatomic particle drives this chain reaction?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Neutron

BONUS energy phrase

What is attributed with causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Dark energy

DO NOT ACCEPT:

  • Dark matter

TOSS-UP bio phrase

Several species of birds feed on ectoparasites that they clean off of large mammals. Specifically, this behavior is what kind of interaction?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Mutualism
  • Facultative mutualism

DO NOT ACCEPT:

  • Symbiosis

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is an example of chemosynthesis? W) A Venus flytrap breaking down the phosphates in a fly X) A plant obtaining fixated nitrogen from bacteria-rich soil Y) Prokaryotes obtaining energy from sulfur compounds from the sea vents on the ocean floor Z) A human being breaking down vitamins and minerals for metabolic digestion

W: W) A Venus flytrap breaking down the phosphates in a fly

X: X) A plant obtaining fixated nitrogen from bacteria-rich soil

Y: Y) Prokaryotes obtaining energy from sulfur compounds from the sea vents on the ocean floor

Z: Z) A human being breaking down vitamins and minerals for metabolic digestion

Answer: Y) Y) Prokaryotes obtaining energy from sulfur compounds from the sea vents on the ocean floor