HS Sample Set 3, Round 15 from NSB

Questions in Packet

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

A material with a negative index of refraction has which of the following technologically significant implications? W) allowing imaging at resolutions below the diffraction limit of light X) superluminal light Y) improved spin coherence times Z) realization of high temperature superconductors

W: W) allowing imaging at resolutions below the diffraction limit of light

X: X) superluminal light

Y: Y) improved spin coherence times

Z: Z) realization of high temperature superconductors

Answer: W) W) allowing imaging at resolutions below the diffraction limit of light

BONUS phys multiple_choice

The experimental technique of x-ray diffraction would be inappropriate for obtaining which of the following physical parameters of a material: W) periodicity of a quantum well structure X) the atomic spacing of a crystal lattice Y) the amount of strain in a crystal lattice Z) impurity concentration in an unknown crystalline sample

W: W) periodicity of a quantum well structure

X: X) the atomic spacing of a crystal lattice

Y: Y) the amount of strain in a crystal lattice

Z: Z) impurity concentration in an unknown crystalline sample

Answer: Z) Z) impurity concentration in an unknown crystalline sample

TOSS-UP chem multiple_choice

What is the electronic pair geometry and the molecular geometry typical of the molecule with the general formula AB4U, where A represents the central atom, B represents the bonded atoms, and U represents the unbonded electron pair: W) tetrahedral and angular X) trigonal bipyramidal and seesaw Y) octahedral and square pyramidal Z) octahedral and square planar

W: W) tetrahedral and angular

X: X) trigonal bipyramidal and seesaw

Y: Y) octahedral and square pyramidal

Z: Z) octahedral and square planar

Answer: X) X) trigonal bipyramidal and seesaw

BONUS chem phrase

Give the net ionic equation that occurs when aqueous solutions of ammonium sulfate and barium nitrate are mixed.

Acceptable Answers:

  • Ba2+ + SO4 2- -> BaSO4

TOSS-UP bio phrase

What elemental ion is MOST commonly excreted in large amounts if the human adrenals are producing low levels of corticosteroid?

Acceptable Answers:

  • SODIUM
  • Na+

BONUS bio multiple_choice

If a person had low levels of corticosteroid, which of the following would be the BEST way to test whether the adrenal glands themselves are not functioning or if it is the fault of the pituitary gland: W) monitor the kidney for sodium excretion X) measure the blood plasma for high levels of potassium Y) inject small amounts of corticotropin and find if the adrenals produce corticosteroids Z) monitor the urine for high amounts of protein and sodium

W: W) monitor the kidney for sodium excretion

X: X) measure the blood plasma for high levels of potassium

Y: Y) inject small amounts of corticotropin and find if the adrenals produce corticosteroids

Z: Z) monitor the urine for high amounts of protein and sodium

Answer: Y) Y) inject small amounts of corticotropin and find if the adrenals produce corticosteroids

TOSS-UP math phrase

Solve the following trigonometric equation for x, giving your answer in radians such that 0 ≤ x < 2π: sin²x + sin x – 2 = 0

Acceptable Answers:

  • π/2

BONUS math phrase

Simplify the following trigonometric expression completely: tan θ / (sec θ – cos θ)

Acceptable Answers:

  • sin θ

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following BEST describes a fold in a layered rock that arches into a downward, trough-shaped fold: W) anticline X) graben Y) heterocline Z) syncline

W: W) anticline

X: X) graben

Y: Y) heterocline

Z: Z) syncline

Answer: Z) Z) syncline

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Which of the following statements is NOT true about tides: W) tidal range is not the same over a whole ocean basin X) tidal ranges generally increase with increasing distance from amphidromic points Y) tidal bores are true tidal waves Z) on average, tidal currents reach maximum velocity during flood current

W: W) tidal range is not the same over a whole ocean basin

X: X) tidal ranges generally increase with increasing distance from amphidromic points

Y: Y) tidal bores are true tidal waves

Z: Z) on average, tidal currents reach maximum velocity during flood current

Answer: Z) Z) on average, tidal currents reach maximum velocity during flood current

TOSS-UP general phrase

In Africa it is estimated that about 200 million people are infected with what water-borne parasitic disease known as Bilharzia?

Acceptable Answers:

  • SHISTOSOMIASIS

BONUS general multiple_choice

A steroid will dissolve BEST in which of the following: W) acetone X) 50% ethanol Y) 95% ethanol Z) distilled water

W: W) acetone

X: X) 50% ethanol

Y: Y) 95% ethanol

Z: Z) distilled water

Answer: W) W) acetone

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is the BEST explanation of why Population One stars have a high metal content: W) old stars lose their metals as they age X) old stars convert their metals to non-metals Y) young stars acquire metals when they form from previous stars that created the metals Z) all stars accumulate metals early in their development

W: W) old stars lose their metals as they age

X: X) old stars convert their metals to non-metals

Y: Y) young stars acquire metals when they form from previous stars that created the metals

Z: Z) all stars accumulate metals early in their development

Answer: Y) Y) young stars acquire metals when they form from previous stars that created the metals

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is the BEST description of the composition of our Sun: W) 71% hydrogen, 27% helium, and 2% other X) 80% hydrogen, 19% helium, and 1% other Y) 90% hydrogen, 9% helium, and 1% other Z) 99% hydrogen, 1% helium

W: W) 71% hydrogen, 27% helium, and 2% other

X: X) 80% hydrogen, 19% helium, and 1% other

Y: Y) 90% hydrogen, 9% helium, and 1% other

Z: Z) 99% hydrogen, 1% helium

Answer: W) W) 71% hydrogen, 27% helium, and 2% other

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

Consider an electrician who is about to drill holes through a series of 2-inch by 10-inch by 16-foot floor joists that are supported only at their ends by walls. Which of the following hole locations would DECREASE the load strength of each joist the LEAST: W) 7 feet in from one of the supporting walls near the bottom edge X) 7 feet from one of the supporting walls near the top edge Y) 1 foot from one of the supporting walls near the bottom edge Z) 1 foot from one of the supporting walls half way down from the top edge

W: W) 7 feet in from one of the supporting walls near the bottom edge

X: X) 7 feet from one of the supporting walls near the top edge

Y: Y) 1 foot from one of the supporting walls near the bottom edge

Z: Z) 1 foot from one of the supporting walls half way down from the top edge

Answer: Z) Z) 1 foot from one of the supporting walls half way down from the top edge

BONUS phys phrase

A metal alloy beam 10-meters long expands in length at 0.25% per kelvin at temperatures about room temperature. If the beam is heated from 0ºC to 30ºC, how many centimeters will it increase in length?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 75

TOSS-UP chem multiple_choice

Phenylalanine (read as: FEE-nal-AL-ah-neen) is converted into which of the following amino acids by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase: W) tyrosine X) tryptophan Y) threonine Z) methionine

W: W) tyrosine

X: X) tryptophan

Y: Y) threonine

Z: Z) methionine

Answer: W) W) tyrosine

BONUS chem multiple_choice

In the equation for the Gibbs free energy change, if ∆H is positive and ∆S is positive, then the reactions are: W) product-favored only at high temperatures X) product-favored only at low temperatures Y) product-favored at all temperatures Z) reactant-favored at all temperatures

W: W) product-favored only at high temperatures

X: X) product-favored only at low temperatures

Y: Y) product-favored at all temperatures

Z: Z) reactant-favored at all temperatures

Answer: W) W) product-favored only at high temperatures

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which of the following would most hematologists agree is the MOST likely reason mammalian erythrocytes contain no nuclei or mitochondria: W) to prevent oxidation of hemoglobin X) to allow for more hemoglobin molecules per red blood cell Y) to limit the lifespan of the red cell to 120 days Z) to allow it to retain its bi-concave shape

W: W) to prevent oxidation of hemoglobin

X: X) to allow for more hemoglobin molecules per red blood cell

Y: Y) to limit the lifespan of the red cell to 120 days

Z: Z) to allow it to retain its bi-concave shape

Answer: X) X) to allow for more hemoglobin molecules per red blood cell

BONUS bio phrase

What molecule in the lac operon exerts its control by inactivating the repressor?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ALLOLACTOSE

TOSS-UP math phrase

Giving your answer in standard form, give the equation of a circle with center at (12, 7) and a radius of 4.

Acceptable Answers:

  • (x – 12)^2 + (y – 7)^2 = 16

BONUS math phrase

Find every value of k such that the following equation has exactly one real number root: 16x^2 + kx + 9 = 0.

Acceptable Answers:

  • 24, –24

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following BEST describes the dynamics of a typical alpine glacier: W) the relative position of particles within the ice remains stationary X) retreating glaciers carve out V-shaped valleys Y) high pressures created by the mass movement of ice can produce meltwater deep within a glacier Z) they move downhill primarily under the influence of ice avalanching

W: W) the relative position of particles within the ice remains stationary

X: X) retreating glaciers carve out V-shaped valleys

Y: Y) high pressures created by the mass movement of ice can produce meltwater deep within a glacier

Z: Z) they move downhill primarily under the influence of ice avalanching

Answer: Y) Y) high pressures created by the mass movement of ice can produce meltwater deep within a glacier

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Which of the following BEST describes winds that form when the Sun sets atop a mountain and, since the air is cooler at the top, it flows down the mountain side into the valley: W) chinook X) katabatic Y) geostrophic Z) Ekman spirals

W: W) chinook

X: X) katabatic

Y: Y) geostrophic

Z: Z) Ekman spirals

Answer: X) X) katabatic

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Consider a pond that has high amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen. The pond shows signs of large amounts of algae. This pond would most likely be considered: W) anticlinic X) oligotrophic Y) synclinic Z) eutrophic

W: W) anticlinic

X: X) oligotrophic

Y: Y) synclinic

Z: Z) eutrophic

Answer: Z) Z) eutrophic

BONUS general multiple_choice

The galvanic series typically lists metals in which of the following orders: W) cathodic versus anodic X) passive versus reactive Y) pure metal versus alloy Z) lowest to highest electrode potential

W: W) cathodic versus anodic

X: X) passive versus reactive

Y: Y) pure metal versus alloy

Z: Z) lowest to highest electrode potential

Answer: W) W) cathodic versus anodic

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is the BEST reason why the Sun’s corona primarily emits x-rays: W) it has a high-strength magnetic field X) it is where most of the neutrinos escape to outer space Y) it is a convecting zone Z) it is very hot

W: W) it has a high-strength magnetic field

X: X) it is where most of the neutrinos escape to outer space

Y: Y) it is a convecting zone

Z: Z) it is very hot

Answer: Z) Z) it is very hot

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is a spacecraft that is stationed to continuously observe the Sun: W) Chandra X) Hubble Y) SOHO Z) Galileo 3

W: W) Chandra

X: X) Hubble

Y: Y) SOHO

Z: Z) Galileo 3

Answer: Y) Y) SOHO

TOSS-UP general phrase

What is the name of the hybrid super computer in Yokohama, Japan, specifically designed for atmospheric modeling calculations?

Acceptable Answers:

  • THE EARTH SIMULATOR

BONUS general multiple_choice

Which of the following BEST describes the field of study called spintronics: W) studying the angular momentum of celestial bodies X) using high strength centripetal forces to separate materials in solution Y) nanoscale electronics that involve manipulation and observation of electron spin Z) quantum manipulation of quark and gluon spin states

W: W) studying the angular momentum of celestial bodies

X: X) using high strength centripetal forces to separate materials in solution

Y: Y) nanoscale electronics that involve manipulation and observation of electron spin

Z: Z) quantum manipulation of quark and gluon spin states

Answer: Y) Y) nanoscale electronics that involve manipulation and observation of electron spin

TOSS-UP chem multiple_choice

Which of the following will NOT produce a precipitate after the two aqueous solutions are mixed: W) barium chloride and sodium sulfate X) lead nitrate and sodium chloride Y) sodium bromide and rubidium chloride Z) mercury(I) nitrate and calcium chloride

W: W) barium chloride and sodium sulfate

X: X) lead nitrate and sodium chloride

Y: Y) sodium bromide and rubidium chloride

Z: Z) mercury(I) nitrate and calcium chloride

Answer: Y) Y) sodium bromide and rubidium chloride

BONUS chem multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT an example of a weak base: W) NH3 X) NH4+ Y) CH3NH2 Z) C6H5NH2

W: W) NH3

X: X) NH4+

Y: Y) CH3NH2

Z: Z) C6H5NH2

Answer: X) X) NH4+

TOSS-UP math phrase

Giving your answer as a circle, parabola, ellipse, or hyperbola, if a conic section has an eccentricity that is 0.333, what type is it?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ELLIPSE

BONUS math phrase

Give the center and radius of the following equation of a circle: x^2 + y^2 + 8x – 2y + 13 = 0.

Acceptable Answers:

  • CENTER = (–4, 1); RADIUS = 2

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

Which of the following BEST explains how a linear accelerator speeds up charged particles: W) creating large electric fields that push particles along on electromagnetic waves X) using magnets to push them along their trajectories Y) using superconducting magnets to accelerate particles to near light speed Z) using synchrotron radiation to ionize particles which are then accelerated by superconducting magnets

W: W) creating large electric fields that push particles along on electromagnetic waves

X: X) using magnets to push them along their trajectories

Y: Y) using superconducting magnets to accelerate particles to near light speed

Z: Z) using synchrotron radiation to ionize particles which are then accelerated by superconducting magnets

Answer: W) W) creating large electric fields that push particles along on electromagnetic waves

BONUS phys multiple_choice

Particle accelerators used by physicists are generally linear or circular. Which of the following is a major advantage of linear designs over circular: W) high energy electrons can only be obtained in linear accelerators X) linear accelerators do not need the large, expensive magnets of circular accelerators and do not have as much radiation loss Y) they typically can produce more chances for collisions because they use fixed targets Z) they can be used in fixed target experiments while circular accelerators cannot

W: W) high energy electrons can only be obtained in linear accelerators

X: X) linear accelerators do not need the large, expensive magnets of circular accelerators and do not have as much radiation loss

Y: Y) they typically can produce more chances for collisions because they use fixed targets

Z: Z) they can be used in fixed target experiments while circular accelerators cannot

Answer: X) X) linear accelerators do not need the large, expensive magnets of circular accelerators and do not have as much radiation loss

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following probably originated in the Jurassic Period from thecodonts or early theropod dinosaurs: W) ammonoids X) marsupials Y) proboscidians Z) birds

W: W) ammonoids

X: X) marsupials

Y: Y) proboscidians

Z: Z) birds

Answer: Z) Z) birds

BONUS ess multiple_choice

In soil taxonomy, which of the following is a leached acidic soil rich in iron oxides and aluminum and typically found in the Eastern U.S. and Canada under forest landscapes: W) pedocals X) pedalfers Y) particulites Z) laterites

W: W) pedocals

X: X) pedalfers

Y: Y) particulites

Z: Z) laterites

Answer: X) X) pedalfers

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is the most effective allosteric inhibitor of enzymes such as phosphofructokinase, in glycolysis: W) ADP X) ATP Y) cyclic AMP Z) NAD+

W: W) ADP

X: X) ATP

Y: Y) cyclic AMP

Z: Z) NAD+

Answer: X) X) ATP

BONUS bio phrase

In a human heart, if the end diastolic volume is a constant 30 cubic centimeters and the heart rate is a constant 60 beats per minute, what is the cardiac output, in milliliters, if the stroke volume is 80 milliliters?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 4800

TOSS-UP ess phrase

In what region of the electromagnetic spectrum is a supernova most commonly detected?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ULTRAVIOLET
  • UV

BONUS ess phrase

What are the 3 general layers of the Sun’s atmosphere from INNERMOST to OUTERMOST?

Acceptable Answers:

  • PHOTOSPHERE; CHROMOSPHERE; CORONA

TOSS-UP phys phrase

What are the respective frequencies of the second and third harmonics of a string with a fundamental frequency of 262 hertz?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 524 and 786

BONUS phys order

Assuming that they roll without sliding, order the following 3 objects from the one with the SMALLEST rotational velocity down an arbitrarily long inclined plane to the one with the LARGEST, after 5 seconds: 1) a one-inch-diameter o-ring 2) a three-quarter inch-diameter marble 3) a quarter

Choices:

  • a one-inch-diameter o-ring
  • a three-quarter inch-diameter marble
  • a quarter

Correct Order:

  • 1
  • 3
  • 2

TOSS-UP chem phrase

What rule states that electrons occupy all the orbitals of a given subshell singly before pairing begins and that these unpaired electrons have parallel spins?

Acceptable Answers:

  • HUND’S RULE
  • HUND’S RULE OF MAXIMUM MULTIPLICITY

BONUS chem phrase

Knowing that gallium is in group 13 and Period 4, give the simplified ground-state electron configuration, starting with the last filled noble gas configuration of argon:

Acceptable Answers:

  • [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p1
  • [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p1
  • 4s2 3d10 4p1
  • 3d10 4s2 4p1

TOSS-UP bio phrase

A tetrad in prophase one of meiosis has how many chromosomes and chromatids, respectively?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 2, 4

BONUS bio phrase

In beta oxidation of fats, long-chain hydrocarbon fatty acids feed into the Krebs cycle most commonly via what central molecule of glucose metabolism?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ACETYL CoA
  • ACETYL CO-ENZYME A

TOSS-UP chem phrase

What is the only amino acid that is not optically active?

Acceptable Answers:

  • GLYCINE

BONUS chem phrase

Consider two tanks that are connected by a closed valve. Tank A contains 6 liters of nitrogen gas at a pressure of 24 atmospheres and tank B contains 2 liters of oxygen gas at a pressure of 16 atmospheres. If the temperature is constant and the valve is opened, what is the pressure, in atmospheres, of the gas mixture at equilibrium?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 22