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

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.
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.
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 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.