science
What invisible gas do plants absorb from the air during photosynthesis to make their food?
Carbon dioxide
Which deadly pandemic wiped out roughly one-third to one-half of Europe's population during the 14th century?
the black death
What is the longest river in South America (and the largest in the world by water volume)?
the amazon river
In Marvel's Avengers, what fictional, indestructible metal is Captain America's shield made out of?
Vibranium.
In soccer (association football), what unique action is a outfield player allowed to perform only when restarting play from the sideline?
A throw-in (using both hands over the head)
What is the term for energy that an object possesses simply because of its position or height (like a roller coaster resting at the top of a hill)?
Gravitational potential energy
What giant, centuries-long trade network connected East Asia to the Mediterranean, trading spices, textiles, and ideas?
the silk road
Which famous geological fault line runs through California and is responsible for many of the state's major earthquakes?
The San Andreas Fault.
What percussion instrument consists of wooden bars struck with mallets and takes its name from Ancient Greek words meaning "sound of wood"?
A xylophone
How many total points is a touchdown worth in American Football before any extra point or two-point conversion is attempted?
6 points
hy do helium balloons deflate much faster than air-filled balloons, even if tied completely tight?
Helium atoms are significantly smaller than nitrogen/oxygen molecules, so they easily leak (diffuse) through the microscopic pores of the rubber.
In 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo triggered the outbreak of which global war?
WW1
What is the term for a narrow strip of land with sea on both sides that connects two larger landmasses (such as Central America connecting North and South America)?
An isthmus.
n the Harry Potter film series, what specific mythical creature's feather powers the core inside Harry's wand?
A Phoenix (specifically Fawkes).
In tennis, what specific score term is used to mean "zero"?
love
Which metallic element is the absolute best conductor of electricity at room temperature—outperforming copper, even though copper is used in most household wiring?
silver
Which Swedish chemist left his vast fortune in his will to establish world-famous annual prizes after feeling guilty for inventing dynamite?
Alfred Nobel.
Which European country sits entirely within the boundary of another country's capital city?
Vatican City (enclaved within Rome, Italy)
In music theory, what word describes a group of three or more notes played at the exact same time to create harmony?
a chord
In track and field, how many individual hurdles must a runner clear during a standard 100m or 110m hurdles race?
10 hurdles
What is the name of the boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing—not even light—can escape its gravitational pull?
The event horizon
Which code of 282 laws, carved into a basalt stone pillar in ancient Mesopotamia, popularized the famous legal principle of "an eye for an eye"?
The Code of Hammurabi.
Why is the Dead Sea called "dead," and why is it virtually impossible for a human swimmer to sink in it?
It has extreme salt concentration (~34% salinity), which prevents marine life from surviving and makes the water dense enough that humans float effortlessly.
What 1939 classic movie was famous for switching abruptly from black-and-white (sepia tone) to vibrant Technicolor the moment the main character steps through a door?
the wizard of oz
What Olympic sport involves competitors performing choreographed routines on ice while combining elements of dance, jumps, and spins?
figure skating