Physical Science
Define inertia and provide an example.
Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in motion. Example: A still soccer ball stays still until kicked.
What is a food web, and how does it represent the transfer of energy in an ecosystem?
A food web shows feeding relationships and energy flow between organisms.
Why do we experience different seasons on Earth? Explain how the tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun contribute to this phenomenon.
Earth's tilt and orbit cause different sunlight angles, creating seasons.
Describe the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy using a playground swing as an example.
Potential energy is stored energy, like a swing at its highest point. Kinetic energy is energy in motion, like a swinging swing.
Explain how energy flows through a food web, starting with producers and ending with top predators.
Energy flows from producers (plants) to primary consumers (herbivores) to secondary consumers (carnivores)
Why can you only see certain stars at specific times of the year?
Earth's orbit and tilt change our view of the stars throughout the year.
Explain how friction affects motion and provide an example.
Friction opposes motion between two surfaces. Example: Rubbing hands creates heat.
What happens if one organism in a food web doesn't thrive or is removed? How does it affect other organisms in the ecosystem?
Removing one organism can disrupt the balance, affecting others in the food web.
Why is the water cycle important, and what are its main components?
The water cycle distributes water and sustains life. Components: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff.
What are physical properties, and provide three examples.
Physical properties can be observed without changing the substance. Examples: color, texture, density.
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
Decomposers break down dead material, returning nutrients to the soil.
What causes the phases of the Moon?
The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.
Explain the differences between physical changes and chemical changes, and provide an example of each.
Physical changes don't change composition, like melting ice. Chemical changes create new substances, like burning wood.
Explain the process of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is when plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food (glucose) and oxygen.
How do volcanoes and earthquakes form, and what impact do they have on Earth's surface?
Volcanoes form from magma rising through Earth's crust, while earthquakes occur due to tectonic plate movements. Both can reshape the landscape and affect ecosystems.