MS Sample Set 3, Round 9 from NSB

Questions in Packet

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

The giant Arecibo telescope depicted in the movie Contact is: W) a gamma ray telescope X) an x-ray telescope Y) an adaptive optical infrared telescope Z) a radio telescope

W: W) a gamma ray telescope

X: X) an x-ray telescope

Y: Y) an adaptive optical infrared telescope

Z: Z) a radio telescope

Answer: Z) Z) a radio telescope

BONUS general multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT true about solutions: W) ethylene glycol, or antifreeze, lowers the freezing point of water in a car radiator X) reverse osmosis is used to convert salt water into fresh water Y) the presence of colloidal particles in solution is easily detected by a beam of light Z) a solution of hydrochloric acid acts as an ideal proton acceptor

W: W) ethylene glycol, or antifreeze, lowers the freezing point of water in a car radiator

X: X) reverse osmosis is used to convert salt water into fresh water

Y: Y) the presence of colloidal particles in solution is easily detected by a beam of light

Z: Z) a solution of hydrochloric acid acts as an ideal proton acceptor

Answer: Z) Z) a solution of hydrochloric acid acts as an ideal proton acceptor

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is the BEST explanation for what would happen to a red blood cell if it were placed in a 25% sugar solution: W) it would lose salt to the sugar solution and gain sugar and remain the same size X) it would gain salt and swell Y) it would lose water to the sugar solution and gain salt and remain the same size Z) it would lose water to the sugar solution and shrink

W: W) it would lose salt to the sugar solution and gain sugar and remain the same size

X: X) it would gain salt and swell

Y: Y) it would lose water to the sugar solution and gain salt and remain the same size

Z: Z) it would lose water to the sugar solution and shrink

Answer: Z) Z) it would lose water to the sugar solution and shrink

BONUS bio phrase

When blood returns to the human heart from the lower part of the body, to what specific chamber will the blood first enter?

Acceptable Answers:

  • right atrium

DO NOT ACCEPT:

  • atrium

TOSS-UP phys phrase

Butane is made up of what 2 elements?

Acceptable Answers:

  • carbon and hydrogen
  • C and H

BONUS phys phrase

If a block of wood floats with 22% of its volume not submerged, what is its density, to the second decimal place in grams per cubic centimeter?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 0.78

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Sinuous ridges of sand and gravel that form beneath the lower end of a glacier in the ablation zone are called: W) sandbars X) fjords Y) eskers Z) dikes

W: W) sandbars

X: X) fjords

Y: Y) eskers

Z: Z) dikes

Answer: Y) Y) eskers

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT typically true about tides: W) a complete tidal day is more than 24 hours long X) tides are influenced by gravitational attractions Y) the Sun’s influence on Earth’s tides is about 2-times greater than the Moon’s influence Z) each lunar day, some coastlines have 2 high tides and 2 low tides whereas some have only 1 high tide and 1 low tide

W: W) a complete tidal day is more than 24 hours long

X: X) tides are influenced by gravitational attractions

Y: Y) the Sun’s influence on Earth’s tides is about 2-times greater than the Moon’s influence

Z: Z) each lunar day, some coastlines have 2 high tides and 2 low tides whereas some have only 1 high tide and 1 low tide

Answer: Y) Y) the Sun’s influence on Earth’s tides is about 2-times greater than the Moon’s influence

TOSS-UP math multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT true about slopes: W) the slope of a line is defined as the ratio of vertical change to horizontal change X) if 2 non-vertical lines are perpendicular, their slopes are negative reciprocals Y) parallel lines have the same slope Z) if a line is parallel to the x-axis, its slope is 1

W: W) the slope of a line is defined as the ratio of vertical change to horizontal change

X: X) if 2 non-vertical lines are perpendicular, their slopes are negative reciprocals

Y: Y) parallel lines have the same slope

Z: Z) if a line is parallel to the x-axis, its slope is 1

Answer: Z) Z) if a line is parallel to the x-axis, its slope is 1

BONUS math phrase

Give the numerical value of 5 factorial minus 4 factorial.

Acceptable Answers:

  • 96

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT true in nutrition: W) poor diet and exercise in youths and adolescents are risk factors for osteoporosis in later life X) selenium is considered a trace element Y) calcium plays a central role in blood clotting and muscle function Z) vitamin E is a water-soluble vitamin

W: W) poor diet and exercise in youths and adolescents are risk factors for osteoporosis in later life

X: X) selenium is considered a trace element

Y: Y) calcium plays a central role in blood clotting and muscle function

Z: Z) vitamin E is a water-soluble vitamin

Answer: Z) Z) vitamin E is a water-soluble vitamin

BONUS general multiple_choice

Although bioflavinoids and phytochemicals are not true vitamins, they are commonly sold as a vitamin supplement and are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity. Which of the following is the BEST dietary source for these compounds: W) fish X) fruit Y) meat Z) dairy

W: W) fish

X: X) fruit

Y: Y) meat

Z: Z) dairy

Answer: X) X) fruit

TOSS-UP bio phrase

Stomata are each made of how many guard cells?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 2

BONUS bio multiselect

Name all of the following 4 cell types that function as dead cells for water transport in higher plants: tracheids; sieve tubes; parenchyma; vessel elements

Choices:

  • tracheids
  • sieve tubes
  • parenchyma
  • vessel elements

Correct Answers:

  • 1
  • 4

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

Acids are often defined as proton donors. Which of the following is the common form of this proton: W) salts X) positive hydrogen ion Y) positron Z) buffer

W: W) salts

X: X) positive hydrogen ion

Y: Y) positron

Z: Z) buffer

Answer: X) X) positive hydrogen ion

BONUS phys multiple_choice

Which of the following BEST explains where the bubbles in a boiling pot of water come from: W) the water is condensing X) hydrogen gas is produced and it rises quickly through the water Y) the water is vaporizing Z) oxygen from the atmosphere enters the water

W: W) the water is condensing

X: X) hydrogen gas is produced and it rises quickly through the water

Y: Y) the water is vaporizing

Z: Z) oxygen from the atmosphere enters the water

Answer: Y) Y) the water is vaporizing

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is a landform typically formed by glaciers and can be used to determine which way an ancient glacier moved: W) dike X) pluton Y) U-shaped valley Z) drumlin

W: W) dike

X: X) pluton

Y: Y) U-shaped valley

Z: Z) drumlin

Answer: Z) Z) drumlin

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is the global wind system that most influences weather between 60º and 90º north and south latitudes: W) tropical easterlies X) prevailing westerlies Y) trade winds Z) polar easterlies

W: W) tropical easterlies

X: X) prevailing westerlies

Y: Y) trade winds

Z: Z) polar easterlies

Answer: Z) Z) polar easterlies

TOSS-UP math phrase

Giving your answer in the simplest form, what is the slope-intercept equation of the line with a slope of 4 and passing through the point (0, 15)?

Acceptable Answers:

  • $y = 4x + 15$

BONUS math phrase

Find the solution set for the following inequality: $$15 - x \ge 3x + 6$$.

Acceptable Answers:

  • $x \le \tfrac{4}{9}$

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Coal-burning factory smokestacks in Chicago that release large quantities of pollutants that contribute to acid rain primarily affect which of the following areas: W) a regional area within the immediate vicinity of the factory X) within about a 1,000 kilometer radius of the factory Y) long-range downwind as far away as New England Z) most of the U.S. and Canada

W: W) a regional area within the immediate vicinity of the factory

X: X) within about a 1,000 kilometer radius of the factory

Y: Y) long-range downwind as far away as New England

Z: Z) most of the U.S. and Canada

Answer: Y) Y) long-range downwind as far away as New England

BONUS general multiple_choice

Almost all synthetic adhesives are: W) polymers X) protein based Y) ionic bonded non-metals Z) covalent-bonded metals

W: W) polymers

X: X) protein based

Y: Y) ionic bonded non-metals

Z: Z) covalent-bonded metals

Answer: W) W) polymers

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is the BEST description of the primary function of a protein enzyme: W) a catalyst made of amino acids X) a string of amino acids added to a sugar to make the sugar stronger Y) to store genetic information Z) as a short term form of energy storage

W: W) a catalyst made of amino acids

X: X) a string of amino acids added to a sugar to make the sugar stronger

Y: Y) to store genetic information

Z: Z) as a short term form of energy storage

Answer: W) W) a catalyst made of amino acids

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT true about the human eye: W) the cornea acts as a lens with a fixed shape X) images that are formed on the retina are inverted Y) most of the eye is filled with a liquid called the aqueous humor Z) vitamin A is important for light absorbing molecules critical in vision

W: W) the cornea acts as a lens with a fixed shape

X: X) images that are formed on the retina are inverted

Y: Y) most of the eye is filled with a liquid called the aqueous humor

Z: Z) vitamin A is important for light absorbing molecules critical in vision

Answer: Y) Y) most of the eye is filled with a liquid called the aqueous humor

TOSS-UP phys phrase

What atomic particle is most directly responsible for fissioning each nucleus in an atomic chain reaction?

Acceptable Answers:

  • neutron

BONUS phys multiple_choice

Which of the following must increase for the particles in a closed container of a constant volume if the temperature in the container increases: W) kinetic energy X) heat of fusion Y) total mass Z) mechanical energy

W: W) kinetic energy

X: X) heat of fusion

Y: Y) total mass

Z: Z) mechanical energy

Answer: W) W) kinetic energy

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is a simple device that can be used to show that the Earth rotates on its axis: W) the astrolabe X) Foucault Pendulum Y) gnomon Z) an interferometer

W: W) the astrolabe

X: X) Foucault Pendulum

Y: Y) gnomon

Z: Z) an interferometer

Answer: X) X) Foucault Pendulum

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT true about magma: W) volcanic glass results when magma cools very slowly X) fluid basaltic magma typically produces the least pyroclastic material Y) granitic magma contains more silica and water than basaltic magma Z) andesitic magma is dominant in volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean Basin

W: W) volcanic glass results when magma cools very slowly

X: X) fluid basaltic magma typically produces the least pyroclastic material

Y: Y) granitic magma contains more silica and water than basaltic magma

Z: Z) andesitic magma is dominant in volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean Basin

Answer: W) W) volcanic glass results when magma cools very slowly

TOSS-UP math phrase

Find the midpoint of the line segment joining the following pair of points: (4, 1) and (12, 7).

Acceptable Answers:

  • (8, 4)

BONUS math phrase

If one endpoint of a given line segment is at point (-2, 1) and the midpoint is at (8, 1), find the other endpoint.

Acceptable Answers:

  • (18, 1)

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT true: W) when diluting strong acids, it is safer to pour the acid into the water X) carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas Y) iron plays a central role in the chlorophyll molecule Z) the pH of soapy water is basic

W: W) when diluting strong acids, it is safer to pour the acid into the water

X: X) carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas

Y: Y) iron plays a central role in the chlorophyll molecule

Z: Z) the pH of soapy water is basic

Answer: Y) Y) iron plays a central role in the chlorophyll molecule

BONUS general multiple_choice

Which of the following diseases is LEAST likely to respond to antibiotics: W) pertussis or whooping cough X) tetanus Y) hepatitis C Z) strep throat

W: W) pertussis or whooping cough

X: X) tetanus

Y: Y) hepatitis C

Z: Z) strep throat

Answer: Y) Y) hepatitis C

TOSS-UP bio phrase

Many raptors suffered great declines in their populations in the mid-20th century by exposure to what outlawed insecticide?

Acceptable Answers:

  • DDT
  • dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is the BEST explanation of why DDT was such a problem for raptors: W) it is stable and accumulates in animals as it moves up the food chain X) it causes extreme light sensitivity and since raptors have no eye lids it causes them to go blind quickly Y) it is highly concentrated in the kidneys of mice which are a main food source of most raptors Z) raptors are extremely sensitive to very low doses of DDT and it causes immediate death on exposure

W: W) it is stable and accumulates in animals as it moves up the food chain

X: X) it causes extreme light sensitivity and since raptors have no eye lids it causes them to go blind quickly

Y: Y) it is highly concentrated in the kidneys of mice which are a main food source of most raptors

Z: Z) raptors are extremely sensitive to very low doses of DDT and it causes immediate death on exposure

Answer: W) W) it is stable and accumulates in animals as it moves up the food chain

TOSS-UP phys phrase

How many atoms of each element are in the following chemical compound: Al(NO₃)₃?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Al = 1; N = 3; O = 9

BONUS phys multiselect

Name all of the following 4 choices that are natural polymers: starch; ethanol; DNA; dextrose

Choices:

  • starch
  • ethanol
  • DNA
  • dextrose

Correct Answers:

  • 1
  • 3

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Meandering streams are most commonly noted to form which of the following specific bodies of water: W) high mountain stagnant pond X) fen Y) bog Z) oxbow lake

W: W) high mountain stagnant pond

X: X) fen

Y: Y) bog

Z: Z) oxbow lake

Answer: Z) Z) oxbow lake

BONUS ess multiple_choice

Which of the following is believed to create Earth’s magnetic field: W) the tilt in Earth’s axis rocking Earth’s inner core X) the spinning of Earth’s outer core Y) the Coriolis effect Z) how fast the Earth revolves around the Sun

W: W) the tilt in Earth’s axis rocking Earth’s inner core

X: X) the spinning of Earth’s outer core

Y: Y) the Coriolis effect

Z: Z) how fast the Earth revolves around the Sun

Answer: X) X) the spinning of Earth’s outer core

TOSS-UP math phrase

What is the greatest common factor and the least common multiple of the following 3 numbers, respectively: 3, 6, and 8?

Acceptable Answers:

  • GCF = 1; LCM = 24

BONUS math phrase

Find the product of the following 2 binomials, giving your answer in standard form: $(-x - 3y)(-x + 3y)$.

Acceptable Answers:

  • $x^2 - 9y^2$

TOSS-UP general multiple_choice

Buffers in biological fluids primarily work to resist changes in: W) temperature X) pH Y) toxins Z) osmotic pressure

W: W) temperature

X: X) pH

Y: Y) toxins

Z: Z) osmotic pressure

Answer: X) X) pH

BONUS general order

Order the following 4 metric units from the SMALLEST to the LARGEST: microgram; nanogram; picogram; milligram

Choices:

  • microgram
  • nanogram
  • picogram
  • milligram

Correct Order:

  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 4

TOSS-UP bio phrase

Which one of the following 5 trees would be LEAST characteristic in a temperate deciduous forest: maple; aspen; red oak; birch; palm?

Acceptable Answers:

  • palm

BONUS bio phrase

What is the specific scientific term for organisms that can grow in high temperature environments, such as undersea thermal vents?

Acceptable Answers:

  • thermophiles
  • thermophilic organisms, thermophilic bacteria

TOSS-UP phys phrase

What is the ideal mechanical advantage of a ramp 16 meters long and 2 meters high that has a frictional coefficient of 2?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 8

BONUS phys phrase

How many amperes of current are running through a 3,600 watt space heater on a 120 volt electric line?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 30

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following types of sea floor is the youngest: W) abyssal plain X) abyssal hill Y) mid-ocean ridge Z) continental shelf

W: W) abyssal plain

X: X) abyssal hill

Y: Y) mid-ocean ridge

Z: Z) continental shelf

Answer: Y) Y) mid-ocean ridge

BONUS ess phrase

If the Earth were a perfect sphere without large continents and land masses, how many low and high equally proportioned tides would occur each lunar day?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 2 high and 2 low

TOSS-UP math phrase

Simplify the following, giving your answer in standard form: (expression omitted)

Acceptable Answers:

  • $1 + x$
  • $x + 1$

BONUS math phrase

Divide the polynomial $x^2 + 12x + 32$ by the quantity $x + 4$.

Acceptable Answers:

  • $x + 8$