ged science and practice test

A a high school equivalency exam designed for individuals who did not graduate from high school but want to demonstrate they have the same knowledge and skills as a high school graduate

Read the brief passage about heat. After Benjamin Franklin argued that electricity was a fluid, the scientific community started discussing other phenomena as being related to fluids. In 1787, Lavoisier developed the idea that heat was an invisible fluid called a caloric fluid. This fluid would leave a hot substance and travel to a colder substance. Later, in 1783, Lavoisier demonstrated that oxygen was required for combustion. In 1798, Count Rumford observed that the process of boring out cannons from brass cylinders continuously produced heat. He also found the brass filings produced from the drilling process contained enough heat to boil water while retaining their weight. In the early 1940s, James Joule discovered that heat could be produced by moving a wire through a magnetic field.
Which statement from the passage refutes Lavoisier's idea that heat is a fluid that leaves a hot substance and travels to a colder substance?
  • A. He also found the brass filings produced from the drilling process contained enough heat to boil water while retaining their weight.
  • B. James Joule discovered that heat could be produced by moving a wire through a magnetic field.
  • C. Lavoisier demonstrated that oxygen was required for combustion.
  • D. Count Rumford observed that the process of boring out cannons from brass cylinders continuously produced heat.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively refutes Lavoisier's notion of heat as a fluid by demonstrating that heat can be generated without the transfer of a fluid. The brass filings, despite retaining their weight, produced sufficient heat to boil water, indicating that heat can arise from mechanical processes rather than fluid movement. Option B, while highlighting Joule's discovery of heat production through motion, does not directly address Lavoisier's fluid concept. Option C focuses on combustion and oxygen's role, which is unrelated to the nature of heat itself. Option D describes an observation of heat generation during a mechanical process but does not emphasize the implications for Lavoisier's fluid theory as clearly as A does.

Other Related Questions

A 60W light bulb used .48 kilowatt hours of electricity. How long was the light bulb on?
Question image
  • A. 0.48 hours
  • B. 28.8 hours
  • C. 0.125 hours
  • D. 8 hours
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine how long the 60W light bulb was on, we first convert the energy used from kilowatt hours to watt hours: 0.48 kWh equals 480 watt hours. Using the formula: time (hours) = energy (watt hours) / power (watts), we calculate: 480 watt hours / 60 watts = 8 hours. Option A (0.48 hours) underestimates the time significantly. Option B (28.8 hours) incorrectly suggests the bulb was on much longer than the energy consumed allows. Option C (0.125 hours) miscalculates by assuming a much higher power consumption. Only option D accurately reflects the time the bulb was on based on the energy used.
The graph shows results from a study that sought to determine average exposure to triclosan in the U.S. population. Which statement is supported by the results in the graph?
Question image
  • A. Triclosan concentration does not vary significantly among different age groups.
  • B. Increased levels of triclosan in urine are related to increased age.
  • C. Triclosan concentration in urine is highest in the 30- to 39-year-old age group.
  • D. People aged 20-29 likely use more products containing triclosan.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The data indicates that the highest triclosan concentration in urine occurs in the 30- to 39-year-old age group, supporting option C. This finding highlights a specific peak in exposure among this demographic. Option A is incorrect as the graph likely shows variation in triclosan levels across age groups. Option B misinterprets the data; the graph does not suggest that triclosan levels increase with age. Option D assumes usage patterns without evidence from the graph, which focuses on urinary concentration rather than product usage.
According to the passage, which statement about hybrid lovebirds is true?
  • A. Nest-building behavior can be used to determine evolutionary relationships between lovebird species.
  • B. Hybrid lovebirds use nest-building material in ways they learn from the parents.
  • C. Nest-building behavior in hybrid lovebirds is a mixture of the parents' behaviors.
  • D. Hybrid lovebirds build complex nests using smaller pieces of nest-building material.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Hybrid lovebirds exhibit nest-building behavior that reflects a combination of their parents' distinct styles, showcasing the influence of both species in their hybrid traits. This blending of behaviors illustrates how hybridization can lead to unique adaptations. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not indicate that nest-building behavior is a reliable indicator of evolutionary relationships. Option B is misleading; while learning from parents is important, the focus is on the integration of behaviors rather than direct imitation. Option D is inaccurate; the passage does not mention the complexity of nests or the size of materials used, making this statement unsupported.
Sommer's research concludes that cheetahs have sufficient genetic diversity to respond to common diseases, but may still be at risk of new diseases. Which statement from the passage supports this conclusion?
  • A. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are used by the body to identify self from non-self...
  • B. The variation in MHC genes in cheetahs is still smaller than that for other big cat species but appears to be sufficient...
  • C. If any of the genetic factors are different, then the immune system of the individual...
  • D. Sommer's research determined how many alleles are present on two different types of MHC genes...
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B directly supports Sommer's conclusion by highlighting that the variation in MHC genes among cheetahs, while less than in other big cats, is adequate for their immune response to common diseases. This indicates sufficient genetic diversity for disease management, aligning with the research's findings. Option A discusses the function of MHC genes but does not address their variation in cheetahs, making it less relevant. Option C mentions genetic factors affecting immune response but lacks specific information about cheetah genetic diversity. Option D focuses on the number of alleles without linking it to the implications for disease response, thus failing to support the conclusion effectively.