HS Sample Set 5, Round 1 from NSB

Questions in Packet

TOSS-UP chem phrase

When chemists do flame tests, they often view the flame through a colored transparent piece of glass to filter out any sodium contamination. What color glass do they use?

Acceptable Answers:

  • COBALT BLUE
  • BLUE, COBALT

BONUS chem phrase

Specifying the sign, what is the oxidation state of phosphorus in Na₂P₂O₆?

Acceptable Answers:

  • +5

DO NOT ACCEPT:

  • 5

TOSS-UP math phrase

What is the magnitude of the phase shift of the function y = sin x to y = 2 sin(3 x – π) – 4?

Acceptable Answers:

  • π/3

BONUS math phrase

An isosceles triangle has a base of 30 feet and height of 15 feet. In feet, how far apart are the legs 10 feet above the base?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 10

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

A charged particle moves through an area of space at a constant speed and direction. Which of the following statements is TRUE? W) There is no magnetic field X) There could be magnetic and electric fields oriented in the same direction Y) There could be magnetic and electric fields oriented perpendicularly to one another Z) There could be magnetic and electric fields oriented opposite to one another

W: W) There is no magnetic field

X: X) There could be magnetic and electric fields oriented in the same direction

Y: Y) There could be magnetic and electric fields oriented perpendicularly to one another

Z: Z) There could be magnetic and electric fields oriented opposite to one another

Answer: Y) Y) There could be magnetic and electric fields oriented perpendicularly to one another

BONUS phys phrase

A household appliance runs on 120 volts and has an internal resistance of 100 ohms. Providing your answer to the nearest integer, how much power, in watts, does this appliance use?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 144

TOSS-UP bio phrase

What is the name of the hormone that controls metamorphosis in amphibians?

Acceptable Answers:

  • THYROXINE
  • T4

BONUS bio phrase

In glycolysis, what is the net yield of ATP molecules generated per glucose molecule?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 2

TOSS-UP chem phrase

What element has the lowest boiling point?

Acceptable Answers:

  • HELIUM

BONUS chem multiple_choice

Which of the following bonds is the MOST polar? W) B–C X) B–N Y) B–O Z) B–F

W: W) B–C

X: X) B–N

Y: Y) B–O

Z: Z) B–F

Answer: Z) Z) B–F

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

Which of the following is TRUE of beta particles? W) They have a charge equal and opposite to alpha particles X) They are more penetrating than gamma particles of the same energy Y) They are common decay products of alpha particles Z) They can be electrons or positrons

W: W) They have a charge equal and opposite to alpha particles

X: X) They are more penetrating than gamma particles of the same energy

Y: Y) They are common decay products of alpha particles

Z: Z) They can be electrons or positrons

Answer: Z) Z) They can be electrons or positrons

BONUS phys phrase

The resistance of a certain wire is 10 ohms. What would be the resistance in ohms if the radius of the wire were doubled?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 2.5

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

America’s first satellite, Explorer I, had all of the following technology aboard, EXCEPT: W) Internal and external temperature sensors X) Data transmitting antennas Y) Solar panels Z) Micrometeorite impact microphone

W: W) Internal and external temperature sensors

X: X) Data transmitting antennas

Y: Y) Solar panels

Z: Z) Micrometeorite impact microphone

Answer: Y) Y) Solar panels

BONUS ess phrase

Lightning is most likely to occur at what time of day: morning, afternoon, evening, or night?

Acceptable Answers:

  • AFTERNOON

TOSS-UP phys phrase

Given g = 10 m/s², if a ball is tossed upward at an initial velocity of 20 m/s, what will be its velocity in m/s at 2.5 s?

Acceptable Answers:

  • –5
  • 5 DOWN

DO NOT ACCEPT:

  • 5

BONUS phys phrase

The frequency of light from a laser radiation source is 6 × 10¹⁴ Hz. Using 3 × 10⁸ m/s as the speed of light, what is the wavelength of this light in nanometers?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 500

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

In terms of energy, which of the following happens after a skydiver reaches terminal velocity? W) Kinetic energy increases exponentially with distance X) Gravitational potential energy ceases to be present Y) Gravitational potential energy is converted into thermal energy Z) Kinetic energy increases linearly with distance

W: W) Kinetic energy increases exponentially with distance

X: X) Gravitational potential energy ceases to be present

Y: Y) Gravitational potential energy is converted into thermal energy

Z: Z) Kinetic energy increases linearly with distance

Answer: Y) Y) Gravitational potential energy is converted into thermal energy

BONUS energy phrase

Non-hydraulic elevators typically use very small motors and block and tackle pulleys. What system component helps reduce the amount of the car’s weight that the motor has to lift?

Acceptable Answers:

  • COUNTERBALANCE
  • COUNTERWEIGHT

TOSS-UP math phrase

If f(x) = x² – 3 and g(x) = 6 – x, what is the value of f(g(16))?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 1

BONUS math phrase

According to Descartes’s Rule of Signs, what are the possible numbers of positive real roots that the following equation might have: x⁵ – 7x³ + 15x² + 3 = 10?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 1 OR 3

TOSS-UP ess multiple_choice

Which of the following will NOT result from variations in the Moon’s orbital plane with respect to the Earth? W) The Moon will continue to cause solar eclipses X) The Moon will pass over the Earth’s North Pole Y) There will continue to be lunar eclipses Z) The apparent path of the Moon in the sky will vary

W: W) The Moon will continue to cause solar eclipses

X: X) The Moon will pass over the Earth’s North Pole

Y: Y) There will continue to be lunar eclipses

Z: Z) The apparent path of the Moon in the sky will vary

Answer: X) X) The Moon will pass over the Earth’s North Pole

BONUS ess multiple_choice

What is the approximate average impact speed, in miles per hour, of a piece of orbital debris that strikes the Earth? W) 5,000 X) 10,000 Y) 20,000 Z) 30,000

W: W) 5,000

X: X) 10,000

Y: Y) 20,000

Z: Z) 30,000

Answer: Y) Y) 20,000

TOSS-UP phys phrase

Applying Bernoulli’s principle to vortices, where in a vortex should the pressure be highest?

Acceptable Answers:

  • CENTER
  • MIDDLE

BONUS phys phrase

Providing your answer as a decimal rounded to the nearest tenth, if a normal force of 1 newton is applied to the end of a fixed cylinder with a radius of 1 meter, what pressure, in pascals, is induced in the cylinder?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 0.3

TOSS-UP ess phrase

In the atmosphere, what ion is formed by the oxidation of sulfur oxides?

Acceptable Answers:

  • SULFATE
  • SO₄²⁻

BONUS ess phrase

What do we call the transfer of a property of the atmosphere, such as heat, cold, or humidity, by the horizontal movement of an air mass?

Acceptable Answers:

  • ADVECTION

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

Absorption refrigeration is commonly used in co-generation facilities. It differs from traditional compressor refrigeration by which of the following key characteristics? W) Size X) It is heat-sourced Y) It is electrically-sourced Z) Temperature

W: W) Size

X: X) It is heat-sourced

Y: Y) It is electrically-sourced

Z: Z) Temperature

Answer: X) X) It is heat-sourced

BONUS energy order

By name or number, order the following four fuels from least to greatest amount of carbon dioxide produced annually from stationary combustion in the United States: 1) Wood; 2) Coal; 3) Natural gas; 4) Kerosene.

Choices:

  • Wood
  • Coal
  • Natural gas
  • Kerosene

Correct Order:

  • 3
  • 4
  • 1
  • 2

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Members of the order Gymnophiona, otherwise known as Caecilians, do NOT have which of the following? W) Poison glands X) Teeth Y) Elongated organs Z) Legs

W: W) Poison glands

X: X) Teeth

Y: Y) Elongated organs

Z: Z) Legs

Answer: Z) Z) Legs

BONUS bio phrase

What group of hormones is responsible for both phototropism and gravitropism?

Acceptable Answers:

  • AUXINS

TOSS-UP math phrase

What is the measure in radians of an interior angle of a regular pentagon?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 3π/5

BONUS math multiple_choice

Suppose, in a certain part of the world, in any 50-year period, the probability of a major plague is 39%, the probability of a major famine is 52%, and the probability of both a plague and a famine is 15%. Given that there is a plague, which of the following is the probability of a famine? W) 0.240 X) 0.288 Y) 0.370 Z) 0.385

W: W) 0.240

X: X) 0.288

Y: Y) 0.370

Z: Z) 0.385

Answer: Z) Z) 0.385

TOSS-UP bio phrase

Submandibular, parotid, and lingual are adjectives referring to which type of gland?

Acceptable Answers:

  • SALIVARY

BONUS bio multiselect

By name or number, identify all of the following five events that could trigger secondary succession: 1) Forest fire; 2) Hurricane; 3) Lava flow; 4) Flood; 5) Tsunami.

Choices:

  • Forest fire
  • Hurricane
  • Lava flow
  • Flood
  • Tsunami

Correct Answers:

  • 1
  • 2
  • 4
  • 5

TOSS-UP energy multiple_choice

Which of the following BEST describes the process of coal liquefaction? W) It converts coal into synthetic fuels X) It reduces carbon dioxide emissions in coal plants Y) It removes sulfur from coal in coal plants Z) It converts coal into an easily transportable form

W: W) It converts coal into synthetic fuels

X: X) It reduces carbon dioxide emissions in coal plants

Y: Y) It removes sulfur from coal in coal plants

Z: Z) It converts coal into an easily transportable form

Answer: W) W) It converts coal into synthetic fuels

BONUS energy multiple_choice

Which of the following is a disadvantage of flexible fuel vehicles? W) They get about 25% fewer miles per gallon when fueled with E85 X) They experience significant loss in power when operating on E85 Y) They are very different than gasoline-only models Z) The technology is untested

W: W) They get about 25% fewer miles per gallon when fueled with E85

X: X) They experience significant loss in power when operating on E85

Y: Y) They are very different than gasoline-only models

Z: Z) The technology is untested

Answer: W) W) They get about 25% fewer miles per gallon when fueled with E85

TOSS-UP phys multiple_choice

An elephant steps on an electrical extension cord that is connected to a lit lamp. Assuming that the lamp remains plugged in and the cord unbroken, which of the following happens to the light intensity coming from the lamp? W) It goes out X) It becomes dimmer Y) It becomes brighter Z) It is unchanged

W: W) It goes out

X: X) It becomes dimmer

Y: Y) It becomes brighter

Z: Z) It is unchanged

Answer: Z) Z) It is unchanged

BONUS phys phrase

If a fuse can dissipate 600 watts of power without blowing, how much current, in amperes, can it pass at 120 volts without melting?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 5

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

Which of the following BEST explains why water molds are NOT classified as fungi? W) They have cell walls of cellulose and produce motile spores X) They are decomposers Y) They are multinucleate Z) They have cell walls of chitin and when aggregated function like a multicellular organism

W: W) They have cell walls of cellulose and produce motile spores

X: X) They are decomposers

Y: Y) They are multinucleate

Z: Z) They have cell walls of chitin and when aggregated function like a multicellular organism

Answer: W) W) They have cell walls of cellulose and produce motile spores

BONUS bio multiselect

By name or number, identify all of the following five choices that are considered embryophyta: 1) Gymnosperms; 2) Diatoms; 3) Mosses; 4) Dinoflagellates; 5) Ferns.

Choices:

  • Gymnosperms
  • Diatoms
  • Mosses
  • Dinoflagellates
  • Ferns

Correct Answers:

  • 1
  • 3
  • 5

TOSS-UP math phrase

If the median of the five numbers 1, 7, 14, 28, and x is 10, what is x?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 10

BONUS math phrase

To what value does the geometric series that starts 1/3 + 1/9 + 1/27 + … converge?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 1/2

TOSS-UP chem multiple_choice

Which of the following substances has the highest boiling point? W) Water X) Methanol Y) Ethyl alcohol Z) Diethyl ether

W: W) Water

X: X) Methanol

Y: Y) Ethyl alcohol

Z: Z) Diethyl ether

Answer: W) W) Water

BONUS chem phrase

The pressure of 2 moles of an ideal gas at 27 °C is 1.2 atm. Providing your answer to the nearest tenth, if the temperature is increased by 100 °C and the volume of the gas doubles, what is the new pressure of the gas in atmospheres?

Acceptable Answers:

  • 0.8

TOSS-UP ess phrase

What geologic features of Io are responsible for loading Jupiter’s atmosphere with heavy ionized particles?

Acceptable Answers:

  • VOLCANOES

BONUS ess phrase

On Mars, how do the ages of the higher elevation and heavily cratered southern highlands compare to the ages of the lower elevation and flat northern lowlands?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Southern highlands are older
  • Northern lowlands are younger

TOSS-UP chem phrase

What is the common name given to the industrial reaction in which nitrogen and hydrogen are reacted with a catalyst, forming ammonia?

Acceptable Answers:

  • HABER PROCESS

BONUS chem phrase

What is the molecular formula for strontium nitrite?

Acceptable Answers:

  • Sr(NO₂)₂

TOSS-UP bio multiple_choice

The drug Digoxin from the Digitalis plant slows the reuptake of calcium by the sarcoplasmic reticulum. What is the effect of this on the strength and rate of heart contractions? W) Strengthens and slows the heartbeat X) Strengthens and speeds the heartbeat Y) Weakens and slows the heartbeat Z) Weakens and speeds the heartbeat

W: W) Strengthens and slows the heartbeat

X: X) Strengthens and speeds the heartbeat

Y: Y) Weakens and slows the heartbeat

Z: Z) Weakens and speeds the heartbeat

Answer: W) W) Strengthens and slows the heartbeat

BONUS bio phrase

In eudicots, lateral roots arise from the mitotic activity of which tissue layer?

Acceptable Answers:

  • PERICYCLE