PSSA PSSA Earth and Space Science 2

Question 1

What causes ocean tides?

Accepted Answer

The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth's oceans

Answer

Wind pushing water toward coastlines

Answer

Earth's rotation creating centrifugal force

Answer

Temperature differences between ocean regions

Question 2

What is erosion?

Accepted Answer

The process by which wind, water, and ice wear away and carry rock and soil

Answer

The build-up of sediment in one location

Answer

The chemical breakdown of minerals in rocks

Answer

The formation of new land through volcanic activity

Question 3

Which planet is known as the 'Red Planet'?

Accepted Answer

Mars

Answer

Venus

Answer

Jupiter

Answer

Saturn

Question 4

What is the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

The trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by greenhouse gases

Answer

The process by which plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere

Answer

The reflection of sunlight off polar ice caps

Answer

The cooling effect of the ocean on coastal regions

Question 5

What is a fault in geology?

Accepted Answer

A fracture in Earth's crust where rocks have moved relative to each other

Answer

A type of sedimentary rock layer

Answer

An underground cave system

Answer

A region of volcanic activity

Question 6

What does the term 'light-year' measure?

Accepted Answer

The distance light travels in one year

Answer

The age of a star

Answer

The brightness of a star

Answer

The time it takes for light to reach Earth from the Sun