CSLB General Building (B) — All Questions
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Which part of the plant cell carries out photosynthesis?
- a.Nucleus
- b.Mitochondrion
- c.Chloroplast✓
- d.Ribosome
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy to make sugar during photosynthesis. The nucleus stores genetic material, while mitochondria release energy from food.
What is the chemical symbol for water?
- a.CO2
- b.O2
- c.NaCl
- d.H2O✓
Water is made of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, giving the formula H2O. CO2 is carbon dioxide and NaCl is table salt.
Which gas do humans need to breathe in to survive?
- a.Oxygen✓
- b.Carbon dioxide
- c.Nitrogen
- d.Helium
The human respiratory system takes in oxygen, which cells use to release energy from food. Carbon dioxide is the waste gas that people breathe out.
The force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth is called:
- a.Friction
- b.Gravity✓
- c.Magnetism
- d.Inertia
Gravity is the attractive force that pulls objects toward the Earth's center, giving them weight. Friction opposes motion between surfaces, and magnetism acts between magnetic materials.
Which planet is closest to the Sun?
- a.Venus
- b.Earth
- c.Mercury✓
- d.Mars
Mercury is the innermost planet, orbiting nearest to the Sun. Venus is second, Earth third, and Mars fourth.
What is the basic unit of heredity that carries traits from parents to offspring?
- a.Cell
- b.Tissue
- c.Organ
- d.Gene✓
A gene is a segment of DNA that carries the instructions for inherited traits. Cells, tissues, and organs are structural levels of the body, not units of heredity.
At what temperature does pure water freeze at sea level, in degrees Celsius?
- a.0 degrees✓
- b.32 degrees
- c.100 degrees
- d.-10 degrees
Pure water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius at standard sea-level pressure. That same point is 32 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale, while water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Which blood cells help fight infection in the body?
- a.Red blood cells
- b.White blood cells✓
- c.Platelets
- d.Plasma proteins
White blood cells are part of the immune system and defend the body against germs and infection. Red blood cells carry oxygen, and platelets help blood clot.
The process by which liquid water turns into water vapor is called:
- a.Condensation
- b.Precipitation
- c.Evaporation✓
- d.Freezing
Evaporation is the change of a liquid into a gas as molecules gain enough energy to escape the surface. Condensation is the reverse, when vapor turns back into liquid.
Which of these is an example of a chemical change?
- a.Ice melting
- b.Water boiling
- c.Tearing paper
- d.Iron rusting✓
Rusting forms a new substance, iron oxide, so it is a chemical change. Melting, boiling, and tearing are physical changes that do not create new substances.
The Richter scale is used to measure the strength of:
- a.Earthquakes✓
- b.Hurricanes
- c.Tornadoes
- d.Floods
The Richter scale measures the magnitude, or energy released, of earthquakes. Hurricanes and tornadoes are rated on different scales based on wind speed.
Which organ system is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body?
- a.Digestive system
- b.Circulatory system✓
- c.Nervous system
- d.Respiratory system
The circulatory system, centered on the heart and blood vessels, pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients. The respiratory system handles breathing, and the digestive system processes food.
What type of energy is stored in a stretched rubber band?
- a.Kinetic energy
- b.Thermal energy
- c.Potential energy✓
- d.Sound energy
A stretched rubber band stores potential energy because of its position or state. When released, that stored energy converts into kinetic energy, the energy of motion.
Which part of the atom carries a negative electric charge?
- a.Proton
- b.Neutron
- c.Nucleus
- d.Electron✓
Electrons carry a negative charge and orbit the atom's nucleus. Protons carry a positive charge and neutrons have no charge, both residing in the nucleus.
Photosynthesis produces oxygen and which sugar?
- a.Glucose✓
- b.Sucrose
- c.Lactose
- d.Fructose
During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide and water to make glucose and release oxygen. Glucose is the simple sugar plants use for energy and growth.
The layer of gases surrounding the Earth is called the:
- a.Lithosphere
- b.Atmosphere✓
- c.Hydrosphere
- d.Biosphere
The atmosphere is the envelope of gases held around Earth by gravity. The lithosphere is the solid crust, and the hydrosphere includes the planet's water.