Saturn's rings contain enormous numbers of particles. These particles sometimes experience collisions with each other. Scientists need to know how those collisions transfer energy in order to model the overall structure and composition of the rings. Images of particles in Saturn's rings reveal that only 50-60% of the particles' energy remains after a collision. To identify which types of particles could explain the observations, a scientist tests substances in a laboratory and measures the energy remaining after a collision, To Particles of those substances. The table shows the scientist's results.
Based on these results and assuming that whenever two materials are present their remaining energy is averaged, what would the scientist best conclude to be the composition of Saturn's rings?
- A. equal amounts of loose rocks and loose snow
- B. equal amounts of ice and bedrock
- C. a small amount of bedrock and a large amount of carbon rock
- D. large amounts of ice and smaller amounts of carbon rock
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The conclusion about Saturn's rings is supported by the composition of ice and carbon rock. Large amounts of ice are consistent with observations of Saturn’s rings, which are primarily composed of water ice particles. Smaller amounts of carbon rock align with the presence of darker materials found in the rings. Options A and B suggest equal amounts of materials that do not reflect the observed predominance of ice. Option C overestimates the presence of bedrock, which is not supported by scientific data. Thus, option D accurately captures the dominant composition of Saturn's rings.
The conclusion about Saturn's rings is supported by the composition of ice and carbon rock. Large amounts of ice are consistent with observations of Saturn’s rings, which are primarily composed of water ice particles. Smaller amounts of carbon rock align with the presence of darker materials found in the rings. Options A and B suggest equal amounts of materials that do not reflect the observed predominance of ice. Option C overestimates the presence of bedrock, which is not supported by scientific data. Thus, option D accurately captures the dominant composition of Saturn's rings.
Other Related Questions
Which instruction would be most appropriate for step 2 of the procedure?
- A. Provide both group A and group B participants with a daily magnesium supplement.
- B. Provide group A participants with a daily magnesium supplement and provide group B participants with a daily supplement that contains only inactive ingredients.
- C. Provide group A participants with a high-magnesium supplement and group B participants with a low-magnesium supplement...
- D. Provide both group A and group B participants with guidelines about which foods they should consume.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B is the most appropriate instruction for step 2 as it establishes a clear experimental control. By giving group A a magnesium supplement and group B an inactive placebo, it allows for a direct comparison of the effects of magnesium on the participants. Option A is incorrect because it does not create a control group; both groups would receive magnesium, making it impossible to determine its specific effects. Option C is flawed as it introduces an additional variable by varying the magnesium levels between groups, complicating the results. Option D fails to provide a direct intervention, which is essential for assessing the impact of magnesium supplementation.
Option B is the most appropriate instruction for step 2 as it establishes a clear experimental control. By giving group A a magnesium supplement and group B an inactive placebo, it allows for a direct comparison of the effects of magnesium on the participants. Option A is incorrect because it does not create a control group; both groups would receive magnesium, making it impossible to determine its specific effects. Option C is flawed as it introduces an additional variable by varying the magnesium levels between groups, complicating the results. Option D fails to provide a direct intervention, which is essential for assessing the impact of magnesium supplementation.
A diagram of a PV cell being exposed to sunlight is shown below. Click on the labels you want to select and drag them into the boxes to show the components of the PV cell.
- A. Phosphorus-injected layer
- B. Boron-injected layer
- C. Electric field
- D. Energy
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,B,C
The components of a photovoltaic (PV) cell include the phosphorus-injected layer, which serves as the n-type semiconductor, and the boron-injected layer, acting as the p-type semiconductor. Together, these layers create a junction that facilitates the movement of electrons when exposed to sunlight. The electric field between these layers is crucial for separating charge carriers, enabling electricity generation. Option D, "Energy," is not a structural component of the PV cell but rather a result of its operation. It does not represent a physical part of the cell, making it an incorrect choice.
The components of a photovoltaic (PV) cell include the phosphorus-injected layer, which serves as the n-type semiconductor, and the boron-injected layer, acting as the p-type semiconductor. Together, these layers create a junction that facilitates the movement of electrons when exposed to sunlight. The electric field between these layers is crucial for separating charge carriers, enabling electricity generation. Option D, "Energy," is not a structural component of the PV cell but rather a result of its operation. It does not represent a physical part of the cell, making it an incorrect choice.
The chemical composition and energy density of four fuels are shown in the table. Ethane, which has a chemical composition of C2H6, is also a fuel. What is the predicted energy density of ethane?
- A. 45 MJ/kg
- B. 42 MJ/kg
- C. 52 MJ/kg
- D. 48 MJ/kg
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To determine the predicted energy density of ethane (C2H6), one can analyze its molecular structure and compare it to the energy densities of similar hydrocarbons listed in the table. Ethane, being an alkane, typically has a higher energy density due to its saturated carbon-hydrogen bonds. Option A (45 MJ/kg) is lower than expected for alkanes of similar size. Option B (42 MJ/kg) underestimates the energy density, as it does not align with the general trend for hydrocarbons. Option D (48 MJ/kg) is closer but still below the typical range for ethane. Thus, option C (52 MJ/kg) aligns with the expected energy density for ethane, reflecting its molecular composition and energy potential.
To determine the predicted energy density of ethane (C2H6), one can analyze its molecular structure and compare it to the energy densities of similar hydrocarbons listed in the table. Ethane, being an alkane, typically has a higher energy density due to its saturated carbon-hydrogen bonds. Option A (45 MJ/kg) is lower than expected for alkanes of similar size. Option B (42 MJ/kg) underestimates the energy density, as it does not align with the general trend for hydrocarbons. Option D (48 MJ/kg) is closer but still below the typical range for ethane. Thus, option C (52 MJ/kg) aligns with the expected energy density for ethane, reflecting its molecular composition and energy potential.
What natural process is required to connect the ice core data to the Tunguska Event?
- A. the cycling of carbon in forest fires
- B. the interaction of comets with the solar wind
- C. the movement of glaciers due to gravity
- D. the constant mixing of the atmosphere
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Connecting ice core data to the Tunguska Event necessitates understanding atmospheric dynamics, which is achieved through the constant mixing of the atmosphere. This mixing disperses particles and gases, allowing researchers to correlate ice core samples with historical events, including the Tunguska explosion. Option A, the cycling of carbon in forest fires, is unrelated to the atmospheric conditions or the specific data derived from ice cores. Option B, the interaction of comets with the solar wind, pertains to space phenomena rather than terrestrial atmospheric processes. Option C, the movement of glaciers due to gravity, describes glacial dynamics but does not address the atmospheric mixing needed to link ice core data to the event.
Connecting ice core data to the Tunguska Event necessitates understanding atmospheric dynamics, which is achieved through the constant mixing of the atmosphere. This mixing disperses particles and gases, allowing researchers to correlate ice core samples with historical events, including the Tunguska explosion. Option A, the cycling of carbon in forest fires, is unrelated to the atmospheric conditions or the specific data derived from ice cores. Option B, the interaction of comets with the solar wind, pertains to space phenomena rather than terrestrial atmospheric processes. Option C, the movement of glaciers due to gravity, describes glacial dynamics but does not address the atmospheric mixing needed to link ice core data to the event.