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 best describes what happens when two magnets repel each other?
  • A. The objects are pulled toward one another.
  • B. The objects are pushed away from one another.
  • C. An electric spark jumps from one object to another.
  • D. Nothing happens until the objects are touched.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

When two magnets repel each other, they exert forces that push away from one another due to their like poles (north-north or south-south). This repulsion is a fundamental property of magnetism. Option A is incorrect because it describes attraction, which occurs when opposite poles (north-south) interact. Option C is misleading; electric sparks are not a typical result of magnet repulsion. Option D is also wrong, as repulsion occurs before any physical contact, demonstrating the active interaction between the magnets. Thus, the best description of this phenomenon is that the objects are pushed away from one another.

Other Related Questions

Recycling will best benefit the environment by minimizing which THREE of the following?
  • A. The consumption of raw materials
  • B. The incineration of materials in combustion for energy
  • C. The amount of materials in landfills
  • D. The reuse of materials in new products
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,B,C

Recycling effectively minimizes the consumption of raw materials (A) by reusing existing materials, reducing the need for new resource extraction. It also decreases the amount of materials sent to landfills (C), which helps mitigate environmental issues associated with waste accumulation. Additionally, recycling reduces the incineration of materials for energy (B), lowering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Option D, the reuse of materials in new products, is not minimized by recycling; rather, recycling facilitates this process. Therefore, A, B, and C are the primary benefits of recycling for environmental protection.
Which of the following best explains why an ice skater is able to coast on ice for a long distance without pushing off in a straight line across the ice?
  • A. The force of friction on the blades of the skates is greater than the force of friction on the ice.
  • B. The force of friction on the blades of the skates is less than the force of friction on the ice.
  • C. The ice exerts a constant forward force on the skater.
  • D. The buoyant force on the blades of the skates is greater than the weight of the skater.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

An ice skater can glide smoothly due to the minimal friction between the skate blades and the ice, which is significantly lower than the friction experienced on other surfaces. This reduced friction allows the skater to maintain momentum over longer distances without needing to push off. Option A is incorrect because it suggests greater friction on the blades, which would hinder movement. Option C is misleading, as the ice does not exert a forward force; instead, the skater continues moving due to existing momentum. Option D is also wrong; while buoyancy affects weight in water, it does not apply to ice skating, where weight and friction are the primary factors.
Which THREE of the following processes depend directly on energy from the Sun?
  • A. Seafloor spreading
  • B. The water cycle
  • C. Photosynthesis
  • D. Atmospheric circulation
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B,C,D

Energy from the Sun drives several essential processes on Earth. **The water cycle (B)** relies on solar energy to evaporate water from oceans and lakes, facilitating condensation and precipitation. **Photosynthesis (C)** is directly powered by sunlight, as plants convert solar energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen and glucose. **Atmospheric circulation (D)** is influenced by solar heating, which creates temperature gradients that drive wind patterns and weather systems. In contrast, **seafloor spreading (A)** is a geological process driven by tectonic activity and heat from the Earth's interior, not solar energy.
Which of the following best describes a comet?
  • A. A small planet orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.
  • B. A chunk composed primarily of metal that enters Earth's atmosphere.
  • C. A chunk composed primarily of rock, ice, and dust orbiting the Sun in an elliptical path.
  • D. A dark region that appears periodically on the surface of the Sun.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C accurately describes a comet as a chunk composed primarily of rock, ice, and dust that orbits the Sun in an elliptical path. This definition captures the essential components and behavior of comets. Option A incorrectly defines a comet as a small planet, which is misleading; comets are distinct from asteroids and do not have the same characteristics. Option B describes a meteoroid, which is a metallic chunk entering Earth's atmosphere, not a comet. Option D refers to sunspots, which are dark regions on the Sun's surface, unrelated to comets. Each incorrect option misrepresents the nature of comets, highlighting the unique characteristics of these celestial bodies.