praxis elementary science 5005 practice test

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

Of the following, which has Earth completed when it makes one revolution around the Sun?
  • A. One Earth year
  • B. One Earth day
  • C. One light year
  • D. One lunar month
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

When Earth completes one revolution around the Sun, it takes approximately 365.25 days, which defines one Earth year. Option B, one Earth day, represents the time it takes for Earth to rotate on its axis, not its orbit around the Sun. Option C, one light year, is a measure of distance that light travels in one year, not a measure of time related to Earth's orbit. Option D, one lunar month, refers to the time it takes for the Moon to orbit Earth, which is about 29.5 days, and is unrelated to Earth's revolution around the Sun.

Other Related Questions

The preceding figure represents a cloud that has formed in the atmosphere above Earth's surface. Which of the following diagrams best illustrates the arrangement of charges in the cloud and on Earth's surface just before a cloud-to-ground lightning strike?
Question image
  • A. Cloud: top (+), middle (-), bottom (+); Ground: (-)
  • B. Cloud: top (+), middle (+), bottom (-); Ground: (+)
  • C. Cloud: top (-), middle (+), bottom (+); Ground: (-)
  • D. Cloud: top (+), middle (-), bottom (-); Ground: (+)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

In a thunderstorm, clouds typically develop a charge separation where the upper region becomes positively charged and the lower region negatively charged. This charge distribution is crucial for lightning formation. Option D accurately represents this arrangement: the top of the cloud is positively charged, the middle is negatively charged, and the bottom is also negatively charged, while the ground becomes positively charged in response to the cloud's negative charge. Option A incorrectly places a positive charge at the bottom of the cloud, which does not align with typical charge distributions. Option B misrepresents the charges by having two positive regions in the cloud, which is unlikely. Option C also fails by placing the top of the cloud negatively charged, contradicting the established understanding of charge distribution in storm clouds.
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.
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 best describes a chemical change?
  • A. The melting of ice into water.
  • B. The breaking of a piece of glass.
  • C. The burning of wood in a fireplace.
  • D. The bending of a metal wire.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

A chemical change involves a transformation that alters the substance's chemical structure. Option A describes a physical change, where ice melts into water without changing its chemical composition. Option B also represents a physical change; breaking glass does not alter the glass's chemical identity. Option D, bending a metal wire, is another physical change, as the metal's composition remains the same despite its shape being altered. In contrast, burning wood in a fireplace (Option C) results in new substances, such as ash and gases, indicating a chemical change has occurred.