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 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.

Other Related Questions

The speed of light in empty space, that is, a vacuum, is 300,000 km/s. The speed of sound in empty space is:
  • B. greater than 0 but less than 300,000 km/s
  • C. 300,000 km/s
  • D. greater than 300,000 km/s
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The speed of sound requires a medium, such as air or water, to propagate; it cannot travel through a vacuum. Therefore, the speed of sound in empty space is effectively zero. Option B suggests that the speed of sound is greater than 0 but less than 300,000 km/s, which is incorrect because sound cannot exist in a vacuum. Option C states it is 300,000 km/s, which misrepresents sound's nature, as this speed is specific to light. Option D claims it is greater than 300,000 km/s, which is impossible since sound cannot travel in a vacuum at all. Thus, the only valid conclusion is that the speed of sound in empty space is zero.
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.
A student is conducting an experiment to determine how the temperature of water affects the rate at which sugar dissolves. The student uses four beakers with the same amount of water at different temperatures: 20C, 40C, 60C, and 80C. The student adds the same amount of sugar to each beaker and stirs for the same length of time. Which of the following is the independent variable in this experiment?
  • A. The amount of sugar added to each beaker.
  • B. The temperature of the water in each beaker.
  • C. The time it takes for the sugar to dissolve.
  • D. The amount of stirring done in each beaker.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

In this experiment, the temperature of the water in each beaker is the independent variable, as it is the factor that the student deliberately changes to observe its effect on sugar dissolution. Option A, the amount of sugar, remains constant across all beakers, making it a controlled variable rather than an independent one. Option C, the time taken for sugar to dissolve, is the dependent variable, as it is measured to assess the impact of the temperature. Option D, the amount of stirring, is also controlled to ensure consistency in the experiment. Thus, only the temperature is varied to determine its influence on the rate of dissolution.
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.