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.
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
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.
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.
On the periodic table, elements in the same row are characterized by:
- A. an increasing number of neutrons from left to right.
- B. a decreasing number of neutrons from left to right.
- C. an increasing number of protons from left to right.
- D. a decreasing number of protons from left to right.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Elements in the same row, or period, of the periodic table are arranged by increasing atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons. Therefore, as you move from left to right across a row, the number of protons increases. Option A is incorrect because the number of neutrons does not consistently increase across a row; it varies based on the specific isotopes of each element. Option B is also incorrect for the same reason, as neutrons can vary independently of proton count. Option D is incorrect since it suggests a decrease in protons, which contradicts the fundamental organization of the periodic table.
Elements in the same row, or period, of the periodic table are arranged by increasing atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons. Therefore, as you move from left to right across a row, the number of protons increases. Option A is incorrect because the number of neutrons does not consistently increase across a row; it varies based on the specific isotopes of each element. Option B is also incorrect for the same reason, as neutrons can vary independently of proton count. Option D is incorrect since it suggests a decrease in protons, which contradicts the fundamental organization of the periodic table.
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.
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 TWO of the following statements about the universe are true?
- A. The universe is expanding.
- B. The Milky Way galaxy contains most of the stars in the universe.
- C. A star's size, temperature, and composition typically remain constant throughout its life cycle.
- D. A black hole is usually detected by the intense visible light it emits.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A accurately reflects current astronomical understanding, as evidence shows the universe is expanding due to the redshift of distant galaxies. Option B is incorrect; while the Milky Way is large, it contains only a small fraction of the universe's stars, which are spread across billions of galaxies. Option C is misleading; stars undergo significant changes in size, temperature, and composition throughout their life cycles, particularly during phases like red giant or supernova. Option D is also false; black holes do not emit visible light; they are detected through their gravitational effects and the radiation from material falling into them.
Option A accurately reflects current astronomical understanding, as evidence shows the universe is expanding due to the redshift of distant galaxies. Option B is incorrect; while the Milky Way is large, it contains only a small fraction of the universe's stars, which are spread across billions of galaxies. Option C is misleading; stars undergo significant changes in size, temperature, and composition throughout their life cycles, particularly during phases like red giant or supernova. Option D is also false; black holes do not emit visible light; they are detected through their gravitational effects and the radiation from material falling into them.