HS Sample Set 7, Round 14 from NSB

Questions in Packet

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Isotelus rex [i-SOH-te-luhs REKS] was discovered in 1998 and is the largest found fossil of what organism? W) Dinosaur X) Whale Y) Fish Z) Trilobite

W: W) Dinosaur

X: X) Whale

Y: Y) Fish

Z: Z) Trilobite

Answer: Z) Z) Trilobite

BONUS ess phrase

Assuming there is no divergence or convergence and the column of air cannot stretch or contract, as we follow the air at a constant speed and a constant 500 millibar level, it begins to flow southeastward, where the value of Earth’s vorticity decreases. The conservation of what factor then causes the air to head northeastward?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ABSOLUTE VORTICITY

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which of the following fish is endemic to the island of Cozumel? W) Splendid toadfish X) Coelacanth Y) Mola mola Z) Orange roughy

W: W) Splendid toadfish

X: X) Coelacanth

Y: Y) Mola mola

Z: Z) Orange roughy

Answer: W) W) Splendid toadfish

BONUS bio order

Arrange proximally to distally the following four components of a bird’s contour feather: 1) superior umbilicus; 2) rachis; 3) calamus; 4) inferior umbilicus.

Choices:

  • Superior umbilicus
  • Rachis
  • Calamus
  • Inferior umbilicus

Correct Order:

  • 4
  • 3
  • 1
  • 2

TOSS-UP math phrase

Given $$g(x) = 5 + \frac{x^2}{\sin(x^2)},$$ find $$\displaystyle \lim_{x\to 0} g(x).$$

Acceptable Answers:

  • 6

BONUS math multiple_choice

What is $$\frac{dy}{dx}$$ for the curve $$x^2 + y^2 = 2$$ at the point (1, 1)? W) -1 X) -1/2 Y) 0 Z) 3/2

W: W) -1

X: X) -1/2

Y: Y) 0

Z: Z) 3/2

Answer: W) W) -1

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

Judged to be an intervention that delivers high impact per development dollar, improved cooking stoves aim to reduce greenhouse gas contribution by reducing the amount of what substance? W) Carbon dioxide X) Black carbon Y) Methane Z) Nitrous oxide

W: W) Carbon dioxide

X: X) Black carbon

Y: Y) Methane

Z: Z) Nitrous oxide

Answer: X) X) Black carbon

BONUS energy multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT a common use for flue gas desulfurization products? W) Raw material for drywall X) Raw material for plywood Y) Fill for structural applications Z) Feed stock in cement production

W: W) Raw material for drywall

X: X) Raw material for plywood

Y: Y) Fill for structural applications

Z: Z) Feed stock in cement production

Answer: X) X) Raw material for plywood

TOSS-UP chem phrase

What simple system is used to describe molecular vibrations in quantum mechanics?

Acceptable Answers:

  • HARMONIC OSCILLATOR
  • BALL AND SPRING

BONUS chem phrase

In free-radical polymerization, there are two possible termination steps. One is combination of free radicals. What is the other?

Acceptable Answers:

  • DISPROPORTIONATION

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

Which of the following quark compositions does NOT have a total strangeness quantum number of zero? W) Up, down X) Up, strange Y) Strange, anti-strange Z) Down, down

W: W) Up, down

X: X) Up, strange

Y: Y) Strange, anti-strange

Z: Z) Down, down

Answer: X) X) Up, strange

BONUS phys multiple_choice

A concave spherical mirror has a radius of 200 centimeters. What object distance in centimeters from this mirror is needed to form a real image that is one fourth of the size of the object? W) 100 X) 125 Y) 250 Z) 500

W: W) 100

X: X) 125

Y: Y) 250

Z: Z) 500

Answer: Z) Z) 500

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following organisms were NOT extinct by the end of the Cretaceous period? W) Ichthyosaurs X) Cycliophora Y) Quetzalcoatlus Z) Plesiosaurs

W: W) Ichthyosaurs

X: X) Cycliophora

Y: Y) Quetzalcoatlus

Z: Z) Plesiosaurs

Answer: X) X) Cycliophora

BONUS ess phrase

The orbit of an asteroid in our solar system has a semi-major axis of 4 AU. To the nearest integer, and in years, what is its period?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 8

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

The following are examples of proteins that are not functional because of some problem. In which of the following examples does the problem result from damage primarily to the secondary structure of the protein? W) The protein has been exposed to urea, which has disrupted its hydrogen bonds X) A mutation is at the active site of a protein and the protein has lost catalytic activity Y) A mutation is at the dimer interface of a protein and prevents its dimerization Z) A protein has been exposed to an oily chemical that disrupts its hydrophobic core

W: W) The protein has been exposed to urea, which has disrupted its hydrogen bonds

X: X) A mutation is at the active site of a protein and the protein has lost catalytic activity

Y: Y) A mutation is at the dimer interface of a protein and prevents its dimerization

Z: Z) A protein has been exposed to an oily chemical that disrupts its hydrophobic core

Answer: W) W) The protein has been exposed to urea, which has disrupted its hydrogen bonds

BONUS bio order

Arrange the following six layers found in a one-year old woody sapling from most lateral to most medial: 1) Cortex; 2) Phloem fibers; 3) Pith; 4) Secondary phloem; 5) Periderm; 6) Secondary xylem.

Choices:

  • Cortex
  • Phloem fibers
  • Pith
  • Secondary phloem
  • Periderm
  • Secondary xylem

Correct Order:

  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 4
  • 6
  • 3

TOSS-UP math multiple_choice

What is the principal value in radians for $$\arccos\!\bigl(-\tfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\bigr)$$? W) $-\tfrac{\pi}{6}$ X) $-\tfrac{\pi}{3}$ Y) $\tfrac{5\pi}{6}$ Z) $\tfrac{11\pi}{6}$

W: W) $-\tfrac{\pi}{6}$

X: X) $-\tfrac{\pi}{3}$

Y: Y) $\tfrac{5\pi}{6}$

Z: Z) $\tfrac{11\pi}{6}$

Answer: Y) Y) $\tfrac{5\pi}{6}$

BONUS math phrase

Find $$\tan\bigl(\arccos(2x)\bigr)$$ in terms of \(x\).

Acceptable Answers:

  • \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{1 - 4x^2}}{2x}\)

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

Roughly what percentage of the energy density of the universe is dark energy? W) 13% X) 35% Y) 72% Z) 99%

W: W) 13%

X: X) 35%

Y: Y) 72%

Z: Z) 99%

Answer: Y) Y) 72%

BONUS energy multiple_choice

Which of the following does NOT help explain why the theoretical yield of cellular respiration is never actually achieved? W) Pyruvate must be actively transported out of the mitochondria X) Phosphate is actively transported into the mitochondria Y) ADP and ATP are actively exchanged across the inner mitochondrial membrane Z) The inner mitochondrial membrane leaks protons

W: W) Pyruvate must be actively transported out of the mitochondria

X: X) Phosphate is actively transported into the mitochondria

Y: Y) ADP and ATP are actively exchanged across the inner mitochondrial membrane

Z: Z) The inner mitochondrial membrane leaks protons

Answer: W) W) Pyruvate must be actively transported out of the mitochondria

TOSS-UP chem phrase

What is the relationship of the organic compounds diethyl ether, n-butyl alcohol, and methyl propyl ether?

Acceptable Answers:

  • STRUCTURAL ISOMERS
  • CONSTITUTIONAL ISOMERS

BONUS chem multiple_choice

Which of the following types of electrodes can cause problems because it is time-sensitive and its measurements result in a cumulative response? W) Enzyme X) Gas sensing Y) Solid state Z) Liquid membrane

W: W) Enzyme

X: X) Gas sensing

Y: Y) Solid state

Z: Z) Liquid membrane

Answer: W) W) Enzyme

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

A body with a 2 kilogram mass has position vector $$\mathbf{r}(t) = 3\,\mathbf{i} + 2t^2\,\mathbf{j}\,\text{meters}.$$ What is the velocity at \(t = 1\) second? W) \(\mathbf{1j}\) X) \(\mathbf{4j}\) Y) \(3\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j}\) Z) \(1\mathbf{i} + 1\mathbf{j}\)

W: W) \(\mathbf{1j}\)

X: X) \(\mathbf{4j}\)

Y: Y) \(3\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j}\)

Z: Z) \(1\mathbf{i} + 1\mathbf{j}\)

Answer: X) X) \(\mathbf{4j}\)

BONUS phys multiple_choice

Two objects with masses \(m_1\) and \(m_2\) are hanging vertically by different springs of spring constants \(k_1\) and \(k_2\). If \(m_1 = 3m_2\) and \(k_1=2k_2\), what is the ratio \(x_1/x_2\) of their stretches? W) 2/3 X) 3/2 Y) 4 Z) 6

W: W) 2/3

X: X) 3/2

Y: Y) 4

Z: Z) 6

Answer: X) X) 3/2

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Where do the strongest winds in Antarctica, which can reach 200 miles per hour, originate? W) Antarctic east coast X) Antarctic polar plateau Y) Antarctic circumpolar wave Z) Weddell Sea

W: W) Antarctic east coast

X: X) Antarctic polar plateau

Y: Y) Antarctic circumpolar wave

Z: Z) Weddell Sea

Answer: X) X) Antarctic polar plateau

BONUS ess order

By number, put the following four Earth events in chronological order from earliest to most recent: 1) first evidence of ice at the poles; 2) opening of the Red Sea; 3) separation of Australia and Antarctica post-Pangaea; 4) collision of India with Asia.

Choices:

  • First evidence of ice at the poles
  • Opening of the Red Sea
  • Separation of Australia and Antarctica post-Pangaea
  • Collision of India with Asia

Correct Order:

  • 3
  • 4
  • 1
  • 2

TOSS-UP bio phrase

In muscle cells, the sarcoplasmic reticulum is an important organelle that permits the muscle cell to contract. It acts to store a particular chemical until it is electrically excited. What chemical is stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum?

Acceptable Answers:

  • CALCIUM
  • CALCIUM ION, Ca$^{2+}$

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Which of the following microscopy methods would be most appropriate for observing the distribution of GFP in a cell? W) Simple light microscope X) Atomic force microscope Y) Fluorescence light microscope Z) Transmission electron microscope

W: W) Simple light microscope

X: X) Atomic force microscope

Y: Y) Fluorescence light microscope

Z: Z) Transmission electron microscope

Answer: Y) Y) Fluorescence light microscope

TOSS-UP chem multiple_choice

Which of the following molecules has a permanent dipole moment? W) Carbon dioxide X) Methane Y) Hydrogen sulfide Z) Molecular nitrogen

W: W) Carbon dioxide

X: X) Methane

Y: Y) Hydrogen sulfide

Z: Z) Molecular nitrogen

Answer: Y) Y) Hydrogen sulfide

BONUS chem order

List the five halogens in order of increasing first ionization energy.

Choices:

  • Astatine
  • Iodine
  • Bromine
  • Chlorine
  • Fluorine

Correct Order:

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

TOSS-UP math phrase

Solve for \(x\): $$14 - \sqrt{3 - x} = 9.$$

Acceptable Answers:

  • -22

BONUS math phrase

A circle of radius 2 is centered at the point (2, 3). What is the slope of the line tangent to the circle at the point where \(x = 3\) and \(y > 3\)?

Acceptable Answers:

  • \(-\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}\)

DO NOT ACCEPT:

  • \(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)

TOSS-UP chem multiple_choice

What is the change in the parent atom’s atomic number upon alpha particle emission? W) It decreases by 2 X) It decreases by 1 Y) It increases by 1 Z) It increases by 2

W: W) It decreases by 2

X: X) It decreases by 1

Y: Y) It increases by 1

Z: Z) It increases by 2

Answer: W) W) It decreases by 2

BONUS chem phrase

Providing your answer in proper point group abbreviation, to what point group does the molecule 1,2-difluoroethane belong?

Acceptable Answers:

  • C$_{2h}$

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

If the tension in a stretched string is multiplied by a factor of 9, the speed of the transverse wave is multiplied by what factor? W) 1/9 X) 1/3 Y) 3 Z) 9

W: W) 1/9

X: X) 1/3

Y: Y) 3

Z: Z) 9

Answer: Y) Y) 3

BONUS phys multiple_choice

Assuming the Boltzmann constant \(k = 1.38 \times 10^{-23}\,\mathrm{J/K}\), what is the average translational kinetic energy in joules of molecules of an ideal gas at \(127\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\)? W) \(2.6 \times 10^{-21}\) X) \(8.28 \times 10^{-21}\) Y) \(2.6 \times 10^{-22}\) Z) \(8.28 \times 10^{-22}\)

W: W) \(2.6 \times 10^{-21}\)

X: X) \(8.28 \times 10^{-21}\)

Y: Y) \(2.6 \times 10^{-22}\)

Z: Z) \(8.28 \times 10^{-22}\)

Answer: X) X) \(8.28 \times 10^{-21}\)

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

When two pyrimidine bases are adjacent on a DNA strand, exposure to UV light will commonly lead to formation of a cyclobutane ring between them, resulting in a bulky lesion in the DNA. Which of the following is an example of this lesion formed by UV exposure of neighboring pyrimidines? W) Transversion X) Cytosine deamination Y) Thymine dimer Z) Intercalation

W: W) Transversion

X: X) Cytosine deamination

Y: Y) Thymine dimer

Z: Z) Intercalation

Answer: Y) Y) Thymine dimer

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Which of the following statements is true regarding the mechanism of infection in prion diseases? W) Prions invade the cell nucleus, altering DNA transcription processes X) Prions induce abnormal folding in normal protein molecules Y) Prions bind to specific sites on a ribosome, rendering them useless Z) Prions bind to mRNA, leaving the nucleus, inducing post-transcriptional changes before translation

W: W) Prions invade the cell nucleus, altering DNA transcription processes

X: X) Prions induce abnormal folding in normal protein molecules

Y: Y) Prions bind to specific sites on a ribosome, rendering them useless

Z: Z) Prions bind to mRNA, leaving the nucleus, inducing post-transcriptional changes before translation

Answer: X) X) Prions induce abnormal folding in normal protein molecules

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following features forms because parts of a glacier move at varying speeds and in different directions? W) Moraines X) Moulan Y) Crevasses Z) Arêtes

W: W) Moraines

X: X) Moulan

Y: Y) Crevasses

Z: Z) Arêtes

Answer: Y) Y) Crevasses

BONUS ess order

Order the following four steps that are theorized to have occurred in the formation of our atmosphere: 1) plants evolve and oxygen increases dramatically; 2) the atmosphere gradually becomes rich in nitrogen; 3) outgassing leads to abundant water vapor; 4) photodissociation increases oxygen gradually.

Choices:

  • Plants evolve and oxygen increases dramatically
  • The atmosphere gradually becomes rich in nitrogen
  • Outgassing leads to abundant water vapor
  • Photodissociation increases oxygen gradually

Correct Order:

  • 3
  • 2
  • 4
  • 1

TOSS-UP math phrase

What is the scalar product of the vectors \(2\mathbf{i} - 3\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k}\) and \(\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k}\)?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 0

BONUS math phrase

What are the equations of all asymptotes—vertical, horizontal, or oblique—for the graph of the function $$f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 3x}{x - 1}\,?$$

Acceptable Answers:

  • \(x = 1\), \(y = x - 2\)

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

When dealing with a tank of 150 pounds of water on a platform, it is most energy intensive to do which of the following? W) Lift the 150 pounds of water 2 feet in the air X) Lower the 150 pounds of water by 2 feet Y) Decrease the temperature of the water by 2° Fahrenheit Z) Increase the temperature of the water by 1° Fahrenheit

W: W) Lift the 150 pounds of water 2 feet in the air

X: X) Lower the 150 pounds of water by 2 feet

Y: Y) Decrease the temperature of the water by 2° Fahrenheit

Z: Z) Increase the temperature of the water by 1° Fahrenheit

Answer: Y) Y) Decrease the temperature of the water by 2° Fahrenheit

BONUS energy phrase

What process accounts for most of the Earth’s geothermal energy?

Acceptable Answers:

  • RADIOACTIVE DECAY

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which of the following is NOT a point mutation? W) Missense X) Transversion Y) Inversion Z) Transition

W: W) Missense

X: X) Transversion

Y: Y) Inversion

Z: Z) Transition

Answer: Y) Y) Inversion

BONUS bio multiple_choice

The cotyledon is which of the following? W) Primary embryonic leaf X) Primary embryonic petal Y) Secondary embryonic leaf Z) Secondary embryonic petal

W: W) Primary embryonic leaf

X: X) Primary embryonic petal

Y: Y) Secondary embryonic leaf

Z: Z) Secondary embryonic petal

Answer: W) W) Primary embryonic leaf

TOSS-UP chem multiple_choice

Who was the inventor of the first electrochemical cell? W) Michael Faraday X) Alessandro Volta Y) James Maxwell Z) Benjamin Franklin

W: W) Michael Faraday

X: X) Alessandro Volta

Y: Y) James Maxwell

Z: Z) Benjamin Franklin

Answer: X) X) Alessandro Volta

BONUS chem phrase

A plastic undergoes deformation at \(740\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\). Given that its original cross-sectional area is \(70\,\mathrm{cm}^2\), its cross-sectional area after deformation is \(62\,\mathrm{cm}^2\), and its yield strength is \(300\,\mathrm{MPa}\), determine the percent cold work to the nearest whole number.

Acceptable Answers:

  • 11%

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

What physical unit is the product of velocity, magnetic field, and length? W) Volt X) Newton meter per ampere second squared Y) Joule per second squared Z) Newton per ampere

W: W) Volt

X: X) Newton meter per ampere second squared

Y: Y) Joule per second squared

Z: Z) Newton per ampere

Answer: W) W) Volt

BONUS phys phrase

A 1 meter long wire lying along the x-axis carries a current of 10.0 amperes in the negative x direction. The wire is in a uniform magnetic field \(1.0 \times 10^{-3}\,\mathrm{T}\). Expressing your answer in scientific notation with one significant figure, what is the magnitude of the magnetic force on the wire in newtons?

Acceptable Answers:

  • \(1 \times 10^{-2}\)