Earth's diameter is approximately 12,700 kilometers. Which of the following layers is located approximately 6,000 kilometers beneath Earth's surface and is composed primarily of iron and nickel?
- A. The core
- B. The crust
- C. The lithosphere
- D. The mantle
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The core, located about 6,000 kilometers beneath Earth's surface, is primarily composed of iron and nickel, making it the densest layer of the planet. The crust, option B, is the outermost layer and is much shallower, averaging only about 30 kilometers thick. Option C, the lithosphere, includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, but it does not reach anywhere near 6,000 kilometers deep. The mantle, option D, lies between the crust and the core, extending to about 2,900 kilometers down, but it is primarily composed of silicate minerals, not iron and nickel.
The core, located about 6,000 kilometers beneath Earth's surface, is primarily composed of iron and nickel, making it the densest layer of the planet. The crust, option B, is the outermost layer and is much shallower, averaging only about 30 kilometers thick. Option C, the lithosphere, includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, but it does not reach anywhere near 6,000 kilometers deep. The mantle, option D, lies between the crust and the core, extending to about 2,900 kilometers down, but it is primarily composed of silicate minerals, not iron and nickel.
Other Related Questions
Which of the following best describes a chemical change?
- A. The melting of ice into water.
- B. The breaking of a piece of glass.
- C. The burning of wood in a fireplace.
- D. The bending of a metal wire.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
A chemical change involves a transformation that alters the substance's chemical structure. Option A describes a physical change, where ice melts into water without changing its chemical composition. Option B also represents a physical change; breaking glass does not alter the glass's chemical identity. Option D, bending a metal wire, is another physical change, as the metal's composition remains the same despite its shape being altered. In contrast, burning wood in a fireplace (Option C) results in new substances, such as ash and gases, indicating a chemical change has occurred.
A chemical change involves a transformation that alters the substance's chemical structure. Option A describes a physical change, where ice melts into water without changing its chemical composition. Option B also represents a physical change; breaking glass does not alter the glass's chemical identity. Option D, bending a metal wire, is another physical change, as the metal's composition remains the same despite its shape being altered. In contrast, burning wood in a fireplace (Option C) results in new substances, such as ash and gases, indicating a chemical change has occurred.
Which TWO of the following statements about the universe are true?
- A. The universe is expanding.
- B. The Milky Way galaxy contains most of the stars in the universe.
- C. A star's size, temperature, and composition typically remain constant throughout its life cycle.
- D. A black hole is usually detected by the intense visible light it emits.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A accurately reflects current astronomical understanding, as evidence shows the universe is expanding due to the redshift of distant galaxies. Option B is incorrect; while the Milky Way is large, it contains only a small fraction of the universe's stars, which are spread across billions of galaxies. Option C is misleading; stars undergo significant changes in size, temperature, and composition throughout their life cycles, particularly during phases like red giant or supernova. Option D is also false; black holes do not emit visible light; they are detected through their gravitational effects and the radiation from material falling into them.
Option A accurately reflects current astronomical understanding, as evidence shows the universe is expanding due to the redshift of distant galaxies. Option B is incorrect; while the Milky Way is large, it contains only a small fraction of the universe's stars, which are spread across billions of galaxies. Option C is misleading; stars undergo significant changes in size, temperature, and composition throughout their life cycles, particularly during phases like red giant or supernova. Option D is also false; black holes do not emit visible light; they are detected through their gravitational effects and the radiation from material falling into them.
Which of the following was the dependent variable in this investigation?
- A. The wingspan
- B. The flight distance
- C. The stopwatch
- D. The tape measure
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
In this investigation, the dependent variable is the outcome that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable. Flight distance (B) reflects how far something travels, which depends on the conditions set by the experiment. Wingspan (A) is an independent variable if it is being manipulated to see its effect on flight distance. The stopwatch (C) is a tool used to measure time and does not represent a variable in the experiment. Similarly, the tape measure (D) is an instrument for measuring distance, not a variable being tested. Thus, flight distance is the key outcome that reflects the effects of the experiment.
In this investigation, the dependent variable is the outcome that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable. Flight distance (B) reflects how far something travels, which depends on the conditions set by the experiment. Wingspan (A) is an independent variable if it is being manipulated to see its effect on flight distance. The stopwatch (C) is a tool used to measure time and does not represent a variable in the experiment. Similarly, the tape measure (D) is an instrument for measuring distance, not a variable being tested. Thus, flight distance is the key outcome that reflects the effects of the experiment.
Which THREE of the following are health problems associated with long-term exposure to air pollution?
- A. Accelerated aging of the lungs
- B. Increased lung capacity
- C. Increased risk of asthma
- D. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to several significant health issues. Option A, accelerated aging of the lungs, is accurate as pollutants can damage lung tissue over time, reducing function. Option C is also correct; exposure to air pollution is linked to a higher incidence of asthma, particularly in children, due to airway inflammation and increased sensitivity. Option D is valid as well; numerous studies show that air pollution significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Conversely, Option B, increased lung capacity, is incorrect. Air pollution typically impairs lung function rather than enhancing it, leading to reduced capacity over time.
Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to several significant health issues. Option A, accelerated aging of the lungs, is accurate as pollutants can damage lung tissue over time, reducing function. Option C is also correct; exposure to air pollution is linked to a higher incidence of asthma, particularly in children, due to airway inflammation and increased sensitivity. Option D is valid as well; numerous studies show that air pollution significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Conversely, Option B, increased lung capacity, is incorrect. Air pollution typically impairs lung function rather than enhancing it, leading to reduced capacity over time.