MS Sample Set 6, Round 5 from NSB

Questions in Packet

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

The suffix, “wort,” is commonly found in the names of which of the following? W) Leaf X) Seed Y) Herb Z) Root

W: W) Leaf

X: X) Seed

Y: Y) Herb

Z: Z) Root

Answer: Y) Y) Herb

BONUS bio multiple_choice

To which of the following virus classes does HIV belong? W) Adenovirus X) Retrovirus Y) Rhabdovirus Z) Papovavirus

W: W) Adenovirus

X: X) Retrovirus

Y: Y) Rhabdovirus

Z: Z) Papovavirus

Answer: X) X) Retrovirus

TOSS-UP ess phrase

What type of tectonic plate environment is found off the coast of the Pacific Northwest and creates the Cascade Mountain chain?

Acceptable Answers:

  • SUBDUCTION ZONE
  • OCEAN-CONTINENT CONVERGENT ZONE

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Which of the following does NOT typically happen when a moist prevailing wind hits a mountain range? W) A rain shadow occurs on the leeward side of the mountain X) Leeward airmass subsidence and warming results Y) As air moves up the windward side of the mountain, it expands and warms Z) The windward side of a mountain receives a lot of rain

W: W) A rain shadow occurs on the leeward side of the mountain

X: X) Leeward airmass subsidence and warming results

Y: Y) As air moves up the windward side of the mountain, it expands and warms

Z: Z) The windward side of a mountain receives a lot of rain

Answer: Y) Y) As air moves up the windward side of the mountain, it expands and warms

TOSS-UP phys phrase

On the periodic table, what is the name of the group of elements that includes lithium, potassium, cesium, and francium?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ALKALI METALS
  • GROUP 1, GROUP 1A

BONUS phys phrase

When light from a light bulb passes through two polarizers whose axes are oriented 45 degrees apart, what percentage of the original light passes through both polarizers?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 25%

TOSS-UP math phrase

What is the slope of the line through the points (17, –13) and (17, 8)?

Acceptable Answers:

  • UNDEFINED
  • NO SLOPE

BONUS math phrase

Consider the following equation: y = (24x – 36)/x². When y = 3, what are the possible values for x?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 6, 2

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Which of the following is responsible for generating Earth’s magnetic field? W) Movement of iron in Earth’s core X) The Moon’s strong gravitational pull on Earth Y) Solar wind streaming toward Earth Z) Earth’s revolution

W: W) Movement of iron in Earth’s core

X: X) The Moon’s strong gravitational pull on Earth

Y: Y) Solar wind streaming toward Earth

Z: Z) Earth’s revolution

Answer: W) W) Movement of iron in Earth’s core

BONUS general multiple_choice

Which of the following provides the best evidence to support the idea that two different species might have a common ancestor? W) They share similar morphological features X) They have similar appendages for movement Y) Their fossils were discovered in the same location Z) Many of their genes are the same

W: W) They share similar morphological features

X: X) They have similar appendages for movement

Y: Y) Their fossils were discovered in the same location

Z: Z) Many of their genes are the same

Answer: Z) Z) Many of their genes are the same

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

Which of the following statements best describes the importance of composting? W) It is necessary for the growth of fruits and vegetables X) It helps to prevent air pollution Y) It puts organic material back in the ground Z) It prevents the decomposition of organic material

W: W) It is necessary for the growth of fruits and vegetables

X: X) It helps to prevent air pollution

Y: Y) It puts organic material back in the ground

Z: Z) It prevents the decomposition of organic material

Answer: Y) Y) It puts organic material back in the ground

BONUS energy multiple_choice

Of the following, which should NOT go into a compost pile? W) Leaves X) Grass Y) Dairy products Z) Coffee grains

W: W) Leaves

X: X) Grass

Y: Y) Dairy products

Z: Z) Coffee grains

Answer: Y) Y) Dairy products

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is a club fungus? W) Toadstools X) Hepatics Y) Glass sponges Z) Basidia

W: W) Toadstools

X: X) Hepatics

Y: Y) Glass sponges

Z: Z) Basidia

Answer: W) W) Toadstools

BONUS bio phrase

“Adam’s apple” is a common nickname for what anatomical structure?

Acceptable Answers:

  • LARYNX

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Index fossils are most useful for which of the following reasons? W) They lived during only one short period of time X) They are not geographically widespread Y) They provide high resolution carbon isotope-based date ranges Z) They are not prone to weathering

W: W) They lived during only one short period of time

X: X) They are not geographically widespread

Y: Y) They provide high resolution carbon isotope-based date ranges

Z: Z) They are not prone to weathering

Answer: W) W) They lived during only one short period of time

BONUS ess multiple_choice

What happens to rain water when sulfur and nitrogen oxides released by burning fossil fuels combine with water vapor in the air? W) It becomes acidic X) It becomes warmer than normal Y) It becomes more regionally concentrated Z) It becomes a buffering agent

W: W) It becomes acidic

X: X) It becomes warmer than normal

Y: Y) It becomes more regionally concentrated

Z: Z) It becomes a buffering agent

Answer: W) W) It becomes acidic

TOSS-UP phys phrase

In an electrochemical cell, at which electrode does oxidation occur?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ANODE

BONUS phys multiple_choice

A saturated aqueous solution of potassium chloride contains 34 grams of solute. Which of the following terms best describes an aqueous solution containing 30 grams of potassium chloride? W) Nonpolar X) Nonelectrolyte Y) Supersaturated Z) Unsaturated

W: W) Nonpolar

X: X) Nonelectrolyte

Y: Y) Supersaturated

Z: Z) Unsaturated

Answer: Z) Z) Unsaturated

TOSS-UP math phrase

When sketching the line y = 10x – 10, the line will go through which quadrants?

Acceptable Answers:

  • I, III, IV
  • FIRST, THIRD, AND FOURTH

BONUS math phrase

What is the slope-intercept form of the equation for the line that is perpendicular to y = 5(x + 66) and has a y-intercept of 0.7?

Acceptable Answers:

  • y = –1/5 x + 0.7
  • y = –0.2x + 0.7

TOSS-UP general phrase

What kind of circuit consists of multiple different components, but has only one path for the current to follow?

Acceptable Answers:

  • SERIES

BONUS general phrase

Given the balanced chemical equation 4P + 5O₂ → 2P₂Oₓ, what should x equal?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 5

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

Which of the following best describes an advantage of using an incinerator for solid waste? W) It helps to reduce air pollution X) It reduces the volume of materials that go to landfills Y) It allows waste products to be recycled Z) If operated as permitted, it is not at all hazardous to plants, animals, and people

W: W) It helps to reduce air pollution

X: X) It reduces the volume of materials that go to landfills

Y: Y) It allows waste products to be recycled

Z: Z) If operated as permitted, it is not at all hazardous to plants, animals, and people

Answer: X) X) It reduces the volume of materials that go to landfills

BONUS energy phrase

What term describes the process of changing the design, manufacture, or use of materials to reduce their quantity or toxicity before they become municipal solid waste?

Acceptable Answers:

  • SOURCE REDUCTION

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

When present in large numbers, which of the following can cause red tides? W) Ulva X) Euglena Y) Diatoms Z) Dinoflagellates

W: W) Ulva

X: X) Euglena

Y: Y) Diatoms

Z: Z) Dinoflagellates

Answer: Z) Z) Dinoflagellates

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Which of the following chemical bonds is most important in DNA secondary structure? W) Covalent X) Hydrogen Y) Peptide Z) Ionic

W: W) Covalent

X: X) Hydrogen

Y: Y) Peptide

Z: Z) Ionic

Answer: X) X) Hydrogen

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following statements is NOT true about Antarctica? W) It has long periods of constant darkness X) Much of the sunlight it receives is reflected back to space Y) Cold air masses are continuously flowing off of the Antarctic ice cap Z) A great amount of snow falls in Antarctica

W: W) It has long periods of constant darkness

X: X) Much of the sunlight it receives is reflected back to space

Y: Y) Cold air masses are continuously flowing off of the Antarctic ice cap

Z: Z) A great amount of snow falls in Antarctica

Answer: Z) Z) A great amount of snow falls in Antarctica

BONUS ess multiple_choice

The geysers and hot springs found in Yellowstone Park are likely heated by which of the following? W) The mantle X) Local magma chambers Y) Crustal fault friction Z) Crustal radiation

W: W) The mantle

X: X) Local magma chambers

Y: Y) Crustal fault friction

Z: Z) Crustal radiation

Answer: X) X) Local magma chambers

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

Which of the following does the subscript 3 indicate in the molecular formula for calcium carbonate? W) There are 3 oxygen atoms in one molecule of calcium carbonate X) There are 3 carbon atoms in one molecule of calcium carbonate Y) There are 3 calcium atoms in one molecule of calcium carbonate Z) There are 3 atoms each of oxygen, carbon and calcium in one molecule of calcium carbonate

W: W) There are 3 oxygen atoms in one molecule of calcium carbonate

X: X) There are 3 carbon atoms in one molecule of calcium carbonate

Y: Y) There are 3 calcium atoms in one molecule of calcium carbonate

Z: Z) There are 3 atoms each of oxygen, carbon and calcium in one molecule of calcium carbonate

Answer: W) W) There are 3 oxygen atoms in one molecule of calcium carbonate

BONUS phys phrase

An ice-auger is an example of what type of simple machine?

Acceptable Answers:

  • SCREW

TOSS-UP math multiple_choice

The equation $$\frac{x^2}{4} + \frac{y^2}{9} = 1$$ has a graph that is an example of which of the following shapes? W) Parabola X) Ellipse Y) Circle Z) Torus

W: W) Parabola

X: X) Ellipse

Y: Y) Circle

Z: Z) Torus

Answer: X) X) Ellipse

BONUS math phrase

Eight National Science Bowl contestants meet for the first time. Each shakes the hand of the other seven, except for one pair of contestants who refuse to shake each other’s hands. How many handshakes are exchanged?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 27

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Which of the following is the term for the transfer of energy through matter by the collision of atoms in a material? W) Conduction X) Convection Y) Confluence Z) Radiation

W: W) Conduction

X: X) Convection

Y: Y) Confluence

Z: Z) Radiation

Answer: W) W) Conduction

BONUS general phrase

What happens to the strength of the electric field due to an electron as you get closer to the electron?

Acceptable Answers:

  • IT INCREASES

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

Which of the following classes of coal has the highest carbon content? W) Anthracite X) Bituminous Y) Lignite Z) Peat

W: W) Anthracite

X: X) Bituminous

Y: Y) Lignite

Z: Z) Peat

Answer: W) W) Anthracite

BONUS energy multiple_choice

Approximately how long would a 100 watt bulb burn on the energy needed to manufacture one throw-away soft drink can? W) 10 minutes X) 5 hours Y) 10 hours Z) 100 hours

W: W) 10 minutes

X: X) 5 hours

Y: Y) 10 hours

Z: Z) 100 hours

Answer: Y) Y) 10 hours

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is a distinguishing characteristic of cheetah paws? W) They have a sixth toe X) Their claws are semi-retractable Y) They have an extra dewclaw Z) Their claws are covered with a sheath of skin

W: W) They have a sixth toe

X: X) Their claws are semi-retractable

Y: Y) They have an extra dewclaw

Z: Z) Their claws are covered with a sheath of skin

Answer: X) X) Their claws are semi-retractable

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is the best example of a vestigial structure on a marine organism? W) Pelvic bones on a whale X) Scales on a fish Y) Dorsal fin on a shark Z) Antennae on a lobster

W: W) Pelvic bones on a whale

X: X) Scales on a fish

Y: Y) Dorsal fin on a shark

Z: Z) Antennae on a lobster

Answer: W) W) Pelvic bones on a whale

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

The presence of fossilized marine organisms in rocks high above sea level is best explained by which of the following statements? W) They were once land animals X) They were carried there by other animals Y) They were once beneath the sea and tectonic processes raised the sediments Z) They were once part of a volcanic eruption

W: W) They were once land animals

X: X) They were carried there by other animals

Y: Y) They were once beneath the sea and tectonic processes raised the sediments

Z: Z) They were once part of a volcanic eruption

Answer: Y) Y) They were once beneath the sea and tectonic processes raised the sediments

BONUS ess phrase

What kind of clouds are primarily composed of ice particles, form in the upper parts of thunderstorms, and have streaks of snow that fall from their edges?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ANVIL
  • CUMULONIMBUS INCUS

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

Which of the following solutions will conduct electricity the best? W) A saturated sugar-water solution X) A concentrated ethanol-water solution Y) A saturated salt-water solution Z) An unsaturated hydrogen-oxygen solution

W: W) A saturated sugar-water solution

X: X) A concentrated ethanol-water solution

Y: Y) A saturated salt-water solution

Z: Z) An unsaturated hydrogen-oxygen solution

Answer: Y) Y) A saturated salt-water solution

BONUS phys multiple_choice

Given a neutral atom of iron, which of the following causes it to have a charge of +2? W) It gains an electron X) It loses an electron Y) It gains two electrons Z) It loses two electrons

W: W) It gains an electron

X: X) It loses an electron

Y: Y) It gains two electrons

Z: Z) It loses two electrons

Answer: Z) Z) It loses two electrons

TOSS-UP math multiple_choice

Which of the following is the smallest integer greater than $101^{1/2}$? W) 9 X) 10 Y) 11 Z) 12

W: W) 9

X: X) 10

Y: Y) 11

Z: Z) 12

Answer: Y) Y) 11

BONUS math phrase

Given two coplanar angles whose sides are all noncollinear, what are all of the different numbers of points in which the angles can intersect?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 0, 1, 2, 3, 4

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

At which of the following locations does the continental shelf begin? W) At the bottom of the continental slope X) At the shoreline Y) At the ocean floor Z) At the mid-ocean ridge

W: W) At the bottom of the continental slope

X: X) At the shoreline

Y: Y) At the ocean floor

Z: Z) At the mid-ocean ridge

Answer: X) X) At the shoreline

BONUS general phrase

What are the two most common types of root systems?

Acceptable Answers:

  • FIBROUS AND TAPROOT
  • ADVENTITIOUS

TOSS-UP math phrase

If 8 is 20% of a given number, what is 10% of the number?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 4

BONUS math phrase

If 273 students, or 7/8 of a graduating class, plan to attend college, how many students are there in the graduating class?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 312

TOSS-UP bio phrase

What is the name for the cellular structure that is responsible for manufacturing proteins?

Acceptable Answers:

  • RIBOSOMES
  • ROUGH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM, ROUGH ER

BONUS bio order

List the following five classifications in order from least to most specific: 1) genus; 2) order; 3) phylum; 4) domain; 5) family.

Choices:

  • genus
  • order
  • phylum
  • domain
  • family

Correct Order:

  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 5
  • 1