Question 1

A meteorite falls to Earth and generates heat upon impact. Which energy transformation best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

Gravitational potential energy is converted into heat.

Question 2

Which equation correctly represents the gravitational potential energy of an object of mass $$m at $$height $$h$$ above the Earth's surface?

Accepted Answer

$$U = mgh$$

Question 3

Ignoring air resistance, what happens to the velocity of a falling object as it descends from rest?

Accepted Answer

It is constantly increasing.

Question 4

Two objects of different mass are dropped from a 20-m tower in a vacuum. What happens?

Accepted Answer

Both objects hit the ground together.

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct formula for kinetic energy?

Accepted Answer

$$KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$

Question 6

A skydiver jumps from a plane. Which type of energy is primarily expended during the fall before the parachute opens?

Accepted Answer

Potential gravitational energy

Question 7

Which law states that the energy in an isolated system is immutable?

Accepted Answer

The conservation law

Question 8

Lighting a fire with a match involves which types of energy?

Accepted Answer

Kinetic and heat

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

The scientific method is a continuous process by which people learn about the physical universe and share their knowledge with others.

Question 10

According to Newton, which reasoning supports the law of universal gravitation?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a plausible outcome for the Sun at the end of its life?

Accepted Answer

A neutron star

Question 12

Which evidence supports the theory of sea-floor spreading along the Mid-Atlantic ridge?

Accepted Answer

All of these support the sea-floor spreading hypothesis.

Question 13

Which type of plate boundary is associated with sea-floor spreading?

Accepted Answer

Divergent boundary

Question 14

The presence of an oceanic trench, a chain of volcanic mountains along the edge of a continent, and deep-seated earthquakes is characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Ocean-continent plate convergence

Question 15

Which planet has the shortest year?

Accepted Answer

Mercury

Question 16

What is the most common rock type in the Earth's crust?

Accepted Answer

Igneous

Question 17

Which of the following is a terrestrial planet?

Accepted Answer

Venus

Question 18

Which process forms sedimentary rocks?

Accepted Answer

Weathered rock materials are pressed and cemented.

Question 19

Which galaxy type best describes the Milky Way?

Accepted Answer

Spiral

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the surface temperature of Venus is correct?

Accepted Answer

Its atmosphere traps much of the incoming solar energy.

Physics and Astronomy Midterm II Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

Study Guide - Practice Questions