HS Sample Set 4, Round 10 from NSB

Questions in Packet

TOSS-UP energy phrase

In an electrolytic cell, what is the sign of the charge associated with the anode?

Acceptable Answers:

  • POSITIVE
  • PLUS

BONUS energy multiple_choice

Which of the following has NOT been shown to be a practical use of electrolytic cells? W) Recovering pure metal from alloys X) Electrolysis Y) Plating of one metal with another Z) Manufacturing of sodium hydroxide

W: W) Recovering pure metal from alloys

X: X) Electrolysis

Y: Y) Plating of one metal with another

Z: Z) Manufacturing of sodium hydroxide

Answer: X) X) Electrolysis

TOSS-UP chem multiple_choice

What is the empirical formula for C₆H₁₂O₆? W) C₃H₄O₃ X) CHO Y) CH₂O Z) C₆H₁₂O₆

W: W) C₃H₄O₃

X: X) CHO

Y: Y) CH₂O

Z: Z) C₆H₁₂O₆

Answer: Y) Y) CH₂O

BONUS chem multiple_choice

What is the formula for iron II phosphate? W) Fe₃P₂ X) FePO₄ Y) Fe₃(PO₄)₂ Z) Fe₃(PO₃)₂

W: W) Fe₃P₂

X: X) FePO₄

Y: Y) Fe₃(PO₄)₂

Z: Z) Fe₃(PO₃)₂

Answer: Y) Y) Fe₃(PO₄)₂

TOSS-UP math multiple_choice

Find the derivative of 2x eˣ. W) 2e 2x x + X) 2xex + ex Y) 2xex + 2ex Z) 2xex

W: W) 2e 2x x +

X: X) 2xex + ex

Y: Y) 2xex + 2ex

Z: Z) 2xex

Answer: Y) Y) 2xex + 2ex

BONUS math phrase

What matrix is the multiplicative inverse of the 2×2 matrix \[ [3\;1];[5\;2] \]?

Acceptable Answers:

  • [2 −1; −5 3]

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

How can 2 batteries and three capacitors be arranged to store the maximum amount of energy? W) Connect the capacitors in parallel and the batteries in series X) Connect the capacitors in series and the batteries in parallel Y) Connect the capacitors and batteries in parallel Z) Connect the capacitors and batteries in series

W: W) Connect the capacitors in parallel and the batteries in series

X: X) Connect the capacitors in series and the batteries in parallel

Y: Y) Connect the capacitors and batteries in parallel

Z: Z) Connect the capacitors and batteries in series

Answer: W) W) Connect the capacitors in parallel and the batteries in series

BONUS phys phrase

What would be the total capacitance in microfarads and total voltage of 3 four-microfarad capacitors in parallel and two 1.5 V batteries in series?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 12 microfarads and 3 volts

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following best explains why eliminating one trophic level in an ecosystem often results in a decrease in organisms two trophic levels down? W) Abundance of prey in the eliminated trophic level X) Increased predation by organisms one trophic level down Y) Increased predation by organisms two trophic levels down Z) Increased predator diversity

W: W) Abundance of prey in the eliminated trophic level

X: X) Increased predation by organisms one trophic level down

Y: Y) Increased predation by organisms two trophic levels down

Z: Z) Increased predator diversity

Answer: X) X) Increased predation by organisms one trophic level down

BONUS ess multiple_choice

What property of diatoms make them useful as climate proxies? W) The chemical makeup of their shells reflects the water chemistry at their time of formation X) The narrow temperature range in which they exist makes them markers for paleo-ocean temperatures Y) Their well-preserved digestive system provide ample evidence for ancient food webs Z) Their limited diversity and low adaptability make them key indicators of specific aquatic environments

W: W) The chemical makeup of their shells reflects the water chemistry at their time of formation

X: X) The narrow temperature range in which they exist makes them markers for paleo-ocean temperatures

Y: Y) Their well-preserved digestive system provide ample evidence for ancient food webs

Z: Z) Their limited diversity and low adaptability make them key indicators of specific aquatic environments

Answer: W) W) The chemical makeup of their shells reflects the water chemistry at their time of formation

TOSS-UP math phrase

What is the largest triangular number less than 25?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 21

BONUS math phrase

A man who is 6 ft tall spots a bird at the top of a 14-ft telephone pole. If the angle of elevation from his eyes to the top is 30°, to the nearest foot, how far away is he standing from the base?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 14

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

The human brain contains as many as 100 billion neurons… Which of the following is NOT true? W) Each neuron can connect to at least 1,000 other neurons X) Neurons have a short life span Y) Brain signals involve less than one-tenth the voltage of an ordinary flashlight battery Z) Some messages pass through the nervous system more quickly than others

W: W) Each neuron can connect to at least 1,000 other neurons

X: X) Neurons have a short life span

Y: Y) Brain signals involve less than one-tenth the voltage of an ordinary flashlight battery

Z: Z) Some messages pass through the nervous system more quickly than others

Answer: X) X) Neurons have a short life span

BONUS energy multiple_choice

Brain-computer interfaces… All of the following are current applications, except: W) Controlling a computer cursor via mental commands X) Interpreting brain signals for movement for someone who can’t physically move Y) Providing a communication link for people with “locked-in” syndrome Z) Repairing damaged neurons

W: W) Controlling a computer cursor via mental commands

X: X) Interpreting brain signals for movement for someone who can’t physically move

Y: Y) Providing a communication link for people with “locked-in” syndrome

Z: Z) Repairing damaged neurons

Answer: Z) Z) Repairing damaged neurons

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

During a head-on collision between a car and a truck moving at the same speed, afterward they separate along the same line. Which is correct? W) The truck will experience a greater speed than the car X) The car will experience a greater speed than the truck Y) The speeds of the truck and the car will be the same Z) Sometimes one, sometimes the other experiences greater speed

W: W) The truck will experience a greater speed than the car

X: X) The car will experience a greater speed than the truck

Y: Y) The speeds of the truck and the car will be the same

Z: Z) Sometimes one, sometimes the other experiences greater speed

Answer: X) X) The car will experience a greater speed than the truck

BONUS phys phrase

Mercury or other liquid barometers work by balancing the force exerted by the atmosphere with what?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Force exerted by the liquid

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

Which is true about hydrogen fuel cells? W) Fuel cells are similar to batteries and store hydrogen as an energy source X) Fuel cells extract hydrogen from other compounds in nature Y) Fuel cells dissolve water into hydrogen, creating oxygen and energy Z) Fuel cells convert chemical energy in hydrogen into electrical energy by combining H₂ with O₂ to produce water and energy

W: W) Fuel cells are similar to batteries and store hydrogen as an energy source

X: X) Fuel cells extract hydrogen from other compounds in nature

Y: Y) Fuel cells dissolve water into hydrogen, creating oxygen and energy

Z: Z) Fuel cells convert chemical energy in hydrogen into electrical energy by combining H₂ with O₂ to produce water and energy

Answer: Z) Z) Fuel cells convert chemical energy in hydrogen into electrical energy by combining H₂ with O₂ to produce water and energy

BONUS energy multiple_choice

If you were to use hydrogen fuel cells in spacecraft, which type would you most likely prefer? W) Phosphoric acid X) Molten carbonate Y) Solid oxide Z) Alkaline

W: W) Phosphoric acid

X: X) Molten carbonate

Y: Y) Solid oxide

Z: Z) Alkaline

Answer: Z) Z) Alkaline

TOSS-UP ess phrase

Three of these rocks belong together. Which does NOT belong: 1) gneiss; 2) granite; 3) basalt; 4) limestone?

Acceptable Answers:

  • limestone
  • 4

BONUS ess multiple_choice

What kind of minerals do copper ores tend to be? W) Native element X) Carbonate and sulfide Y) Oxide and phosphate Z) Hydrocarbon and halide

W: W) Native element

X: X) Carbonate and sulfide

Y: Y) Oxide and phosphate

Z: Z) Hydrocarbon and halide

Answer: X) X) Carbonate and sulfide

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

What kind of behavior causes bees to visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen? W) Learned X) Conditioned Y) Sensitization Z) Instinctual

W: W) Learned

X: X) Conditioned

Y: Y) Sensitization

Z: Z) Instinctual

Answer: Z) Z) Instinctual

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Honey doesn't spoil easily because it is a: W) Isotonic solution X) Hypertonic solution Y) Hypotonic solution Z) Inorganic solution

W: W) Isotonic solution

X: X) Hypertonic solution

Y: Y) Hypotonic solution

Z: Z) Inorganic solution

Answer: X) X) Hypertonic solution

TOSS-UP math multiple_choice

What are the solutions for x in the equation $$x - 2x = 8^2\,$$? W) 0 X) 0 and 2 Y) 4 and −2 Z) −4 and 2

W: W) 0

X: X) 0 and 2

Y: Y) 4 and −2

Z: Z) −4 and 2

Answer: Y) Y) 4 and −2

BONUS math phrase

Solve for x in simplest form: $$3x^2 + 2x = 2.$$

Acceptable Answers:

  • $$\frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{7}}{3}$$
  • $$-\frac{1}{3} \pm \frac{\sqrt{7}}{3}$$

TOSS-UP ess phrase

Other than precipitation, what is the most important factor defining a biome?

Acceptable Answers:

  • temperature

BONUS ess order

Put the following parts of an ecosystem in order from smallest to largest: 1) biome; 2) community; 3) population; 4) ecosystem; 5) organism; 6) species.

Choices:

  • biome
  • community
  • population
  • ecosystem
  • organism
  • species

Correct Order:

  • 5
  • 6
  • 3
  • 2
  • 4
  • 1

TOSS-UP math phrase

Factor completely over the integers: $$a^3 - 8.$$

Acceptable Answers:

  • $$(a - 2)(a^2 + 2a + 4)$$

BONUS math phrase

Factor completely over the integers: $$a^5 + 32.$$

Acceptable Answers:

  • $$(a + 2)(a^4 - 2a^3 + 4a^2 - 8a + 16)$$

TOSS-UP chem phrase

Onions, shallots and leeks contain substances that cause our eyes to water. What element is common to those substances?

Acceptable Answers:

  • sulfur

BONUS chem multiple_choice

Which of the following 1.0 M solutions will have the largest boiling-point elevation? W) Sodium bromide X) Magnesium iodide Y) Sucrose Z) Potassium phosphate

W: W) Sodium bromide

X: X) Magnesium iodide

Y: Y) Sucrose

Z: Z) Potassium phosphate

Answer: Z) Z) Potassium phosphate

TOSS-UP phys phrase

Mirages, such as the silvery glimmer on a hot highway, are caused by heating of the air near the ground. What property of the heated air is changed?

Acceptable Answers:

  • index of refraction
  • density of the air

BONUS phys multiple_choice

A steadily increasing force is applied to a box that remains at rest then begins to accelerate. What happens to the frictional force? W) Remains constant X) Increases throughout Y) Increases then drops to a lower, nonzero value Z) Increases then drops to zero

W: W) Remains constant

X: X) Increases throughout

Y: Y) Increases then drops to a lower, nonzero value

Z: Z) Increases then drops to zero

Answer: Y) Y) Increases then drops to a lower, nonzero value

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

As an airmass ascends, its water-vapor capacity changes, causing which of the following? W) Cloud formation and possible precipitation X) Evaporation and drying Y) Snow Z) Hurricane conditions

W: W) Cloud formation and possible precipitation

X: X) Evaporation and drying

Y: Y) Snow

Z: Z) Hurricane conditions

Answer: W) W) Cloud formation and possible precipitation

BONUS ess phrase

What are the names of the three primary atmospheric circulation cells between equator and poles?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Hadley cell; Ferrel cell; Polar cell

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which process will almost certainly result in genetic variation of offspring? W) Population dispersion X) Enzyme production Y) Cell differentiation Z) Zygote fertilization

W: W) Population dispersion

X: X) Enzyme production

Y: Y) Cell differentiation

Z: Z) Zygote fertilization

Answer: Z) Z) Zygote fertilization

BONUS bio multiple_choice

If a parent experiences a mutation, all subsequent offspring will: W) Always carry the mutated gene, but only as recessive X) Always carry it, but never express it phenotypically Y) Only carry it if it is heritable Z) Never carry it, as mutations cannot be heritable

W: W) Always carry the mutated gene, but only as recessive

X: X) Always carry it, but never express it phenotypically

Y: Y) Only carry it if it is heritable

Z: Z) Never carry it, as mutations cannot be heritable

Answer: Y) Y) Only carry it if it is heritable

TOSS-UP chem phrase

What is the shape of the carbon bonding structure in diamond?

Acceptable Answers:

  • tetrahedral

BONUS chem phrase

What is the characteristic shape of tourmaline crystals?

Acceptable Answers:

  • hexagonal

TOSS-UP bio phrase

Cutaneous sensation to the lateral dorsum of the hand is primarily provided by which nerve?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ulnar

BONUS bio multiple_choice

Which is NOT true regarding vertebrate muscle contractions? W) Tropomyosin binds Ca²⁺ and exposes myosin-binding sites on actin X) The H zone and I band become shorter Y) T-tubules spread action potentials into the fiber Z) Contraction terminates when Ca²⁺ is taken up by the sarcoplasmic reticulum

W: W) Tropomyosin binds Ca²⁺ and exposes myosin-binding sites on actin

X: X) The H zone and I band become shorter

Y: Y) T-tubules spread action potentials into the fiber

Z: Z) Contraction terminates when Ca²⁺ is taken up by the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Answer: W) W) Tropomyosin binds Ca²⁺ and exposes myosin-binding sites on actin

TOSS-UP phys phrase

What is the total resistance, in ohms, of two 10 Ω resistors in parallel?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 5

BONUS phys multiple_choice

If a 110 V circuit breaker is 30 A, how many 100 W bulbs could you add given a 250 W TV, 1500 W hair dryer, and 150 W computer? W) 10 X) 14 Y) 18 Z) 20

W: W) 10

X: X) 14

Y: Y) 18

Z: Z) 20

Answer: X) X) 14

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which planet has the longest year? W) Neptune X) Mars Y) Earth Z) Mercury

W: W) Neptune

X: X) Mars

Y: Y) Earth

Z: Z) Mercury

Answer: W) W) Neptune

BONUS ess phrase

What is it called when Mercury passes in front of the Sun?

Acceptable Answers:

  • a transit of Mercury
  • transit

TOSS-UP math multiple_choice

A cylinder and a cone share the same radius and height. What is the ratio of the cylinder’s volume to the cone’s? W) 1 : 1 X) 1.5 : 1 Y) 2 : 1 Z) 3 : 1

W: W) 1 : 1

X: X) 1.5 : 1

Y: Y) 2 : 1

Z: Z) 3 : 1

Answer: Z) Z) 3 : 1

BONUS math multiple_choice

A triangle has sides 4 cm, 6 cm, and the angle opposite the 4 cm side is 12°. How many non-congruent triangles fit this description? W) 0 X) 1 Y) 2 Z) An infinite number

W: W) 0

X: X) 1

Y: Y) 2

Z: Z) An infinite number

Answer: Y) Y) 2

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Darwin’s finches differ in beak shape and size. Which factor is the major influence? W) Access to different food sources X) Sexual competition Y) Protection against predators Z) Genetic drift

W: W) Access to different food sources

X: X) Sexual competition

Y: Y) Protection against predators

Z: Z) Genetic drift

Answer: W) W) Access to different food sources

BONUS bio phrase

Darwin’s finches evolved in overlapping ranges on the same islands. What type of speciation is this?

Acceptable Answers:

  • sympatric

TOSS-UP chem multiple_choice

The enthalpy in the reaction $$3Q + 2R + 300\text{ kJ} \rightarrow 6Y + Z$$ is +150 kJ per mole of: W) Q X) R Y) Y Z) Z

W: W) Q

X: X) R

Y: Y) Y

Z: Z) Z

Answer: X) X) R

BONUS chem multiple_choice

Which change will increase the rate of $$2\mathrm{Mg}(s) + \mathrm{O}_2(g) \rightarrow 2\mathrm{MgO}(s) + \text{heat}\;?$$ W) Increasing the concentration of oxygen X) Removing the magnesium oxide as soon as it is formed Y) Reducing the temperature Z) Decreasing the concentration of oxygen

W: W) Increasing the concentration of oxygen

X: X) Removing the magnesium oxide as soon as it is formed

Y: Y) Reducing the temperature

Z: Z) Decreasing the concentration of oxygen

Answer: W) W) Increasing the concentration of oxygen