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 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.

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 THREE of the following are health problems associated with long-term exposure to air pollution?
  • A. Accelerated aging of the lungs
  • B. Increased lung capacity
  • C. Increased risk of asthma
  • D. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,C,D

Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to several significant health issues. Option A, accelerated aging of the lungs, is accurate as pollutants can damage lung tissue over time, reducing function. Option C is also correct; exposure to air pollution is linked to a higher incidence of asthma, particularly in children, due to airway inflammation and increased sensitivity. Option D is valid as well; numerous studies show that air pollution significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Conversely, Option B, increased lung capacity, is incorrect. Air pollution typically impairs lung function rather than enhancing it, leading to reduced capacity over time.
The rotation of Earth around its axis is responsible for which of the following?
  • A. The force of gravity
  • B. The day and night cycle
  • C. The temperature differences between seasons
  • D. The movement of continents relative to one another
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The rotation of Earth around its axis creates the day and night cycle, as different parts of the planet face the Sun and then move into its shadow. This explains why we experience daytime and nighttime in a 24-hour period. Option A is incorrect; gravity is primarily caused by Earth's mass, not its rotation. Option C is also wrong; temperature differences between seasons are due to Earth's tilt and its orbit around the Sun, not its rotation. Lastly, option D misrepresents the concept; the movement of continents is influenced by tectonic activity, not the rotation of Earth.
Which of the following is a true statement about sodium chloride (NaCl)?
  • A. It is a gas at room temperature.
  • B. It is a compound formed from two elements.
  • C. It is a mixture formed from two different compounds.
  • D. It is an element that is unstable and reactive.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is indeed a compound formed from two elements: sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl), which combine in a fixed ratio through ionic bonding. Option A is incorrect; NaCl is a solid at room temperature, not a gas. Option C misrepresents NaCl as a mixture, but it is a pure compound, not formed from different compounds. Option D inaccurately describes NaCl as an element; it is a stable compound, not unstable or reactive under normal conditions. Thus, option B accurately reflects the nature of sodium chloride.