Two people are standing at the edge of a high cliff. One person throws a rock horizontally off the cliff. Which uncontrolled part of this investigation can prevent the rocks from hitting the ground at the same time?
- A. gravity
- B. mass of the rocks
- C. air resistance
- D. strength of the person
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
When a rock is thrown horizontally, it is influenced by both gravity and air resistance. Gravity acts equally on both rocks, ensuring they fall at the same rate. The mass of the rocks does not affect the time it takes to hit the ground in a vacuum, as all objects fall at the same rate regardless of mass. The strength of the person throwing the rock only affects the initial horizontal velocity, not the fall time. However, air resistance can vary based on the shape and size of the rocks, potentially causing differences in descent time. Thus, air resistance is the uncontrolled factor that can prevent the rocks from hitting the ground simultaneously.
When a rock is thrown horizontally, it is influenced by both gravity and air resistance. Gravity acts equally on both rocks, ensuring they fall at the same rate. The mass of the rocks does not affect the time it takes to hit the ground in a vacuum, as all objects fall at the same rate regardless of mass. The strength of the person throwing the rock only affects the initial horizontal velocity, not the fall time. However, air resistance can vary based on the shape and size of the rocks, potentially causing differences in descent time. Thus, air resistance is the uncontrolled factor that can prevent the rocks from hitting the ground simultaneously.
Other Related Questions
The cladogram shows the relatedness of several organisms based on shared characteristics. Which characteristic separates catfish from frogs?
- A. Suborbital fenestra
- B. Amniotic egg
- C. Four limbs
- D. Bony skeleton
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The presence of an amniotic egg is a key characteristic that distinguishes frogs from catfish. Frogs, as amphibians, undergo a life cycle that includes an aquatic larval stage, while catfish, as fish, do not produce amniotic eggs and instead lay eggs in water. Option A, suborbital fenestra, relates to skull structure and is not a defining characteristic that separates these groups. Option C, four limbs, applies to frogs but not to catfish, which possess fins instead. Option D, bony skeleton, is present in both groups, making it an insufficient distinguishing trait.
The presence of an amniotic egg is a key characteristic that distinguishes frogs from catfish. Frogs, as amphibians, undergo a life cycle that includes an aquatic larval stage, while catfish, as fish, do not produce amniotic eggs and instead lay eggs in water. Option A, suborbital fenestra, relates to skull structure and is not a defining characteristic that separates these groups. Option C, four limbs, applies to frogs but not to catfish, which possess fins instead. Option D, bony skeleton, is present in both groups, making it an insufficient distinguishing trait.
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.
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.
Which statement describes one feature of the Rutherford-Bohr atom model that the Thomson model does not share?
- A. The Rutherford-Bohr model identifies different elements by the numbers of particles present.
- B. The Rutherford-Bohr model maintains the observed neutral charge of atoms.
- C. The Rutherford-Bohr model correctly describes the types of particles in the atom.
- D. The Rutherford-Bohr model restricts the positive charge of the atom to the nucleus.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The Rutherford-Bohr model uniquely restricts the atom's positive charge to the nucleus, a significant advancement over the Thomson model, which depicts a diffuse positive charge throughout the atom. Option A is incorrect as both models can identify elements based on particle numbers, but the Rutherford-Bohr model adds more detail about electron arrangements. Option B is misleading; both models account for atomic neutrality, but the Rutherford-Bohr model provides a clearer structure. Option C is also inaccurate; while the Rutherford-Bohr model describes particles more accurately, it does not fundamentally change the types of particles present compared to Thomson's model.
The Rutherford-Bohr model uniquely restricts the atom's positive charge to the nucleus, a significant advancement over the Thomson model, which depicts a diffuse positive charge throughout the atom. Option A is incorrect as both models can identify elements based on particle numbers, but the Rutherford-Bohr model adds more detail about electron arrangements. Option B is misleading; both models account for atomic neutrality, but the Rutherford-Bohr model provides a clearer structure. Option C is also inaccurate; while the Rutherford-Bohr model describes particles more accurately, it does not fundamentally change the types of particles present compared to Thomson's model.