praxis elementary science 5005 practice test

A series of tests developed by ETS to assess the skills and knowledge of prospective teachers.

Which of the following are necessary for a generator to produce electricity?
  • A. Magnets and conducting wire
  • B. Natural gas and pistons
  • C. Steam and steam pipes
  • D. Moving water and a water turbine
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To generate electricity, a generator requires magnets and conducting wire (Option A). This combination is fundamental to electromagnetic induction, where a magnetic field moving relative to a conductor induces an electric current. Option B, involving natural gas and pistons, pertains to internal combustion engines rather than electrical generation directly. Option C, while steam and pipes are crucial in steam turbines, they do not represent the core principle of electricity generation. Option D focuses on hydropower, which, although effective, still relies on the basic principle of magnets and wire for electricity production. Thus, only Option A accurately describes the essential components for generating electricity.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following is always true of a chemical change?
  • A. Color, shape, or texture is altered.
  • B. Mass is increased.
  • C. A new substance is formed.
  • D. Gas or vapor is generated.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

A chemical change always results in the formation of a new substance, which is a fundamental characteristic distinguishing it from physical changes. Option A is incorrect because while color, shape, or texture may change, these alterations do not confirm a chemical change unless a new substance is produced. Option B is misleading; mass is conserved in chemical reactions, so it does not necessarily increase. Option D, while often true (as gases can be produced), is not universally applicable; some reactions do not produce gas. Hence, the formation of a new substance is the definitive indicator of a chemical change.
An object is lifted above the floor to a height X, as illustrated, and then released. Which of the following best describes the object's energy?
Question image
  • A. At height X, the energy is kinetic and changes to potential as the object falls.
  • B. At height X, the energy is potential and changes to kinetic as the object falls.
  • C. At height X, the energy is zero and the object gains both kinetic and potential energy as it falls.
  • D. At height X, the energy is potential and the object gains kinetic energy as it falls, while its potential energy decreases.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

At height X, the object possesses gravitational potential energy due to its elevated position. As it falls, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which increases as the object accelerates toward the ground. Option A is incorrect because at height X, the energy is primarily potential, not kinetic. Option C misrepresents the energy state; the energy is not zero at height X. Option D partially describes the process but does not clarify that the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, which is essential to understanding energy conservation during the fall.
Of the following gases, which is found in the atmosphere in the greatest concentration?
  • A. O2
  • B. N2
  • C. H2
  • D. CO2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Nitrogen (N2) constitutes about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the most abundant gas. Oxygen (O2), while essential for life, is present at around 21%, significantly less than nitrogen. Hydrogen (H2) is found in trace amounts and is not a major component of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is also present in much smaller concentrations, approximately 0.04%, and is primarily significant for its role in climate regulation. Therefore, nitrogen is the predominant gas, while the others are present in much lower concentrations.
A reaction occurs between two liquid substances in a sealed container. Based on the law of conservation of mass, what will happen to the mass of the sealed container and its contents overall?
  • A. If the reaction produces a gas, the mass will decrease.
  • B. If the reaction produces a solid, the mass will increase.
  • C. If the reaction produces a liquid, the mass will increase as well.
  • D. No matter what the reaction produces, the mass will remain the same.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. Therefore, regardless of whether a gas, solid, or liquid is produced, the total mass of the sealed container and its contents will remain constant. Option A is incorrect; while gas may escape in an open system, a sealed container retains all products, so mass does not decrease. Option B is misleading; while a solid may form, it does not increase the total mass, as the mass of reactants equals that of products. Option C also misinterprets mass conservation; producing a liquid does not add to the total mass. Thus, the overall mass remains unchanged throughout the reaction.