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 is the best way to measure the volume of an irregularly shaped solid, such as a rock?
  • A. Use a balance to measure the mass of the rock and divide by its density.
  • B. Place the rock in a graduated cylinder containing water and measure the change in water level.
  • C. Use a ruler to measure the length, width, and height of the rock and multiply them together.
  • D. Use a stopwatch to measure how long it takes the rock to fall a certain distance and calculate its volume from its speed.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Measuring the change in water level in a graduated cylinder provides an accurate method for determining the volume of an irregularly shaped solid, as it directly accounts for the object's displacement of water. Using a balance to measure mass and dividing by density (Option A) only works if the density is known, which is not practical for irregular shapes. Measuring dimensions (Option C) is ineffective since irregular shapes do not conform to simple geometric formulas. Lastly, using a stopwatch to calculate volume from falling speed (Option D) is unrelated to volume measurement and introduces unnecessary complexity.

Other Related Questions

Which THREE of the following are considered sources of freshwater?
  • A. Rivers
  • B. Aquifers
  • C. Oceans
  • D. Glaciers
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,B,D

Rivers, aquifers, and glaciers are all significant sources of freshwater. Rivers provide accessible water for ecosystems and human use, while aquifers store water underground, making it available for wells and springs. Glaciers, as large ice formations, hold substantial freshwater reserves that can feed rivers and lakes as they melt. In contrast, oceans are primarily saline and not suitable for direct human consumption or most agricultural uses. Therefore, they do not qualify as sources of freshwater, making options A, B, and D the correct choices.
A neutral atom always contains an equal number of which of the following?
  • A. Protons and electrons
  • B. Protons and neutrons
  • C. Neutrons and electrons
  • D. Protons and alpha particles
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

A neutral atom contains an equal number of protons and electrons, ensuring that the positive and negative charges balance each other out, resulting in no overall charge. Option B is incorrect because protons and neutrons do not need to be equal; the number of neutrons can vary, leading to different isotopes. Option C is also wrong, as neutrons do not have a charge and do not balance with electrons, which are negatively charged. Lastly, option D is incorrect since alpha particles, which consist of two protons and two neutrons, are not found in neutral atoms and do not play a role in charge balance.
Which of the following is true about the nucleus of an atom?
  • A. The nucleus has a negative charge.
  • B. The nucleus is neutral with no charge.
  • C. The electrons and protons are located in the nucleus.
  • D. The neutrons and protons are located in the nucleus.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons, making option D accurate. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral, contributing to the overall positive charge of the nucleus. Option A is incorrect because the nucleus does not have a negative charge; it is positively charged due to protons. Option B is also wrong, as the nucleus is not neutral; it has a positive charge from the protons. Lastly, option C is misleading because electrons are located outside the nucleus in electron shells, not within it.
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.