BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
POLYTECHNIC OF NAMIBIA
SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES
NQF LEVEL:
LEVEL 4
COURSE NAME:
COURSE CODE:
BASIC SCIENCE
BSC410S
DATE:
JANUARY 2016
DURATION: 3 HOURS
MARKS:
100
2ND OPPORTUNITY EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER
EXAMINER(S):
MODERATOR:
Dr. Martha Uumati, Dr. Marius Mutorwa and Mr. Vaino Indongo
Dr.Habauka Kwaambwa
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Answer all the questions in the booklet provided
2. Show clearly all the steps used in the calculations
3. All written work MUST be done in blue or black ink and sketches must be
done in pencils.
4. No books, notes and other additional aids are allowed.
5. Answers must be in SI units unless otherwise stated.
PERMISSIBLE MATERIALS
1. Non-Programmable Calculator
This paper consists of 13 pages including this cover and the Periodic Table
Page 1 of 13
BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
SECTION A: BIOLOGY
QUESTION 1
[10]
Question Type: Multiple Choices. Each answer equals 1 mark.
1.1 Who of the following scientists developed the 7 level classification scheme?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Aristotle
Linnaeus
Whittaker
Darwin
1.2 Which of the following is a correct sequence of levels of classification?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
Hierarchal Naming System
Classification
Taxonomy
Dewey Decimal
1.4 A garden pea plant forms flowers that undergo self or cross pollination to
produce seeds. These seeds mature in two to three weeks. Which
characteristics of living things are being described here?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
Genus → species → family → order → class → phylum → kingdom
Species → genus → family → order → class → phylum → kingdom
Genus → species → order → phylum → family → class → kingdom
Genus → species → order → family →class → phylum → kingdom
1.3 The science of describing, naming and classifying organisms is __________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
(1)
Growth and reproduction
Cellular organization and use of energy
Reproduction and response to environment
Use of energy and development
1.5 Pyramids of biomass show ____________.
(1)
A. the relative amount of living organic matter at each trophic level
B. the relative amount of energy available at each trophic level
C. the relative number of individual organism at each trophic level in an
ecosystem
D. None of the above
1.6 Which of the following statements best describes the gymnosperms?
(1)
A. They are lower plants with seeds that are totally exposed and borne on
the scales of cones.
B. They are higher plants with seeds that are totally exposed and their seeds are
enclosed in the ovary.
C. They are basically vascular plants
D. They can produce fruits from their flowers.
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BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
1.7 The three macronutrients are _____________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
monosaccharide, polysaccharide, disaccharide
fibre, vitamins, proteins
lipids, carbohydrates, proteins
carbohydrates, lipids, glycerol
1.8 What elements make up a lipid?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
hydrogen, calcium, oxygen
glycerol, fatty acids
hydrogen, oxygen, carbon
calcium, potassium, oxygen
1.9 Where is keratin proteins found in your body?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
Glucose & glucose
Glucose & fructose
Glucose & galactose
All of the above
1.11 What gives yoghurt a sour taste?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
Insulin
In blood plasma
In connective tissue
Hair
1.10 When sucrose is hydrolysed, it yields ___________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
(1)
Sour milk
Lactic acid
Fermented fruits
Complete fermentation
1.12 Viruses are exceptions to the cell theory, but they have some characteristics
of living things. What is one of these characteristics?
(1)
A.
B.
C.
D.
They are made up of many specialized cells.
They contain genetic material.
They reproduce by mitosis.
They contain chlorophyll.
1.13 Which of the following is the critical function of proteins?
A.
B.
C.
D.
repair of damaged cells
manufacture of antibodies
growth of new cells
production of energy
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BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
1.14 Which of these food types is the main dietary cause of high cholesterol in the
blood?
(1)
A.
B.
C.
D.
Protein
Saturated fat
Monounsaturated fat
All of the above
1.15 A closely related family may be grouped together in a single _____.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Domain
Phylum
Species
family
1.16 The proper term for "cold-blooded" animals is _____________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
(1)
Mesotherms
Exotherms
Ectotherms
Endotherms
1.17 All of the following statements about ecology are correct EXCEPT:
(1)
A. Ecology is the study of the interactions between biotic and abiotic aspects of
the environment.
B. Ecologists may study populations and communities of organisms.
C. Ecology is a discipline that is independent from natural selection and
evolutionary history.
D. Ecology spans increasingly comprehensive levels of organization, from
individuals to ecosystems.
1.18 About 50-60% of the human body weight consists of water. One of the
following is NOT among the functions of water in the human body:
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
Acts as a solvent for nutrients
Clots the blood
Helps regulate the body temperature
Participates in chemical reactions
1.19 Fibre cannot actually be digested. However, it is an important part of our diet
for various reasons. One of the following reasons is false, identify which.
(1)
A. It causes constipation.
B. As it remains undigested it passes through the entire gut from mouth to anus
and thus keeps food moving smoothly through our system.
C. High fibre diets are believed to reduce the risk of heart disease, bowel cancer
and cholesterol in the body.
D. The fibre absorbs poisonous waste from the digested food.
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BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
1.20 A starter culture in the food industry is___________.
(1)
A. fungi that are used to make food rot so that we can eat the food
B. a microorganism that is used to control the growth of other organisms
C. a microorganism that can withstand high temperatures and can be used in
fermentation industries
D. bacteria that are used in the fermentation of food products
QUESTION 2
[20]
Question Type: Brief statement responses
2.1 List the six kingdoms of organisms.
(3)
2.2 What are biotic and abiotic factors? Give at least two examples of each.
(3)
2.3 What are the processes that autotrophs use to produce organic material
from inorganic substances?
(2)
2.4 Distinguish between detritivores and saprotrophs, and provide a suitable
example of each.
(2)
2.5 Define the term competition and use examples to illustrate the two types
of competition.
(3)
2.6 Carbohydrates are classified into simple and complex carbohydrates.
what are the three types of carbohydrates? Give an example of each.
(3)
2.7 How is sweet wine produced?
(2)
2.8 Give two reasons why as a parent you would encourage the school
canteens to sell unsweetened cereals rather than sweets.
(2)
SECTION B: CHEMISTRY
QUESTION 3
[20]
Question Type: Multiple Choices. Each answer equals 1 mark.
3.1 Carbon dioxide is an example of a sample of matter classified as a/n;
(1)
A. compound
B. homogeneous mixture
C. heterogeneous mixture
D. element
3.2 A process which involves the input of energy or absorption of heat is called;
A. exothermic
B. dissolving
Page 5 of 13
(1)
BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
C. endothermic
D. thermodynamic
3.3 Sublimation is the transformation of a;
(1)
A. gas into a solid
B. solid into gas
C. gas into liquid
D. liquid into gas
3.4 An appropriate physical method that can be used to separate an insoluble solid
from a liquid is;
(1)
A. Chromatography
B. separating funnel
C. fractional distillation
D. filtration
3.5 Which of the following is a characteristic of a mixture;
(1)
A. no define composition
B. consists of two or more substances
C. retains original properties
D. All of the above
3.6 How does the presence of an impurity affect the freezing point and boiling
point of water?
(1)
A. raises the freezing point and lowers the boiling point
B. lowers the freezing point and lowers the boiling point
C. lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point
D. raises the freezing point and raises the boiling point
3.7 Which of the following samples of matter is NOT classified as a compound?
(1)
A. blood
B. water
C. salt
D. glucose
3.8 The amount of space an object occupies is known as its_______.
(1)
A. density
B. volume
C. mass
D. time
3.9 The ability of a measurement to be consistently reproduced is referred to
as_____.
Page 6 of 13
(1)
BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
A. accuracy
B. qualitative
C. quantitative
D. precision
3.10 The amount of gravitational force on an object is known as its ______.
(1)
A. mass
B. mole
C. weight
D. area
3.11 What is the density of a 61.8 g cube that is 2.3 cm wide, 4.0 cm tall, and
3.2 cm long?
(1)
A. 6.5 g/cm3
B. 2.1 g/cm3
C. 0.48 g/cm3
D. None of the above
3.12 Which of the following measurements has the greatest number of significant
figures?
(1)
A. 0.2400 mL
B. 0.00240 mL
C. 24000 mL
D. 2.40 x 109 mL
3.13 If the temperature of a freezer is equal to -55.22 oF, what would the temperature
of a freezer be in oC?
(1)
A. 12.90 oC
B. -48.46 oC
C. – 4.84 oC
D. None of the above
3.14 a cyclist travels a distance of 0.5 Km in a time of 0.5 hours. The speed of the
cyclist in SI units is equal to______.
(1)
A. 0.28 m/s
B. 0.3 m/s2
C. 1 Km/h
D. None of the above
3.15 The identity of an element on the Periodic Table is determined by the;
A.
B.
C.
D.
Number of electrons in the shell
Number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
Number of protons in the nucleus only
Number of protons, neutrons and electrons
Page 7 of 13
(1)
BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
3.16 In terms of the periodic trend, the size of an atom _________ as you go down
a particular group or column on the Periodic Table.
(1)
A.
B.
C.
D.
Decreases
Increases
Remains the same
It depends on which group
3.17 Elements with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons
are referred to as;
A.
B.
C.
D.
Ions
Neutral
Isotopes
All of the above
3.18 In terms of bonding, elements found in group 5 tend to;
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
Transition metals
Alkali earth metals
Lanthanide metals
Alkali metals
Actinide metals
3.20 The mixture of two or more metals is known as;
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
Lose five electrons
Lose three electrons
Gain three electrons
Gain five electrons
3.19 _____________ are the most reactive metals on the Periodic Table.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
(1)
(1)
Ore
Alloy
Metalloid
Mineral
QUESTION 4
[10]
Question Type: Brief statement responses
4.1 Define the following terms.
(4)
a. acid
b. salt
c. indicator
d. base
4.2 List two physical properties of acids.
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(2)
BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
4.3 In agriculture, it is important to monitor the pH of the soil to ensure the growth of
crops. Discuss how you would treat soil that is:
(2)
a. Too acidic
b. Too basic
4.4 Fill in the products formed in the following reactions:
(2)
a. Mg + 2HNO 3
b. H 2 SO 4 + CaCO 3
SECTION C: PHYSICS
QUESTION 5
[6]
Question Type: Multiple Choices. Each answer equals 1 mark.
5.1 A police man sends out radar waves with a 3.4 cm wavelength from his police
car with a speed of 3 x 108 m/s. What is their frequency?
(1)
A.
B.
C.
D.
8.82 x 109 Hz
2.88 x 109 Hz
8.28 x 109 Hz
8.82 x 106 Hz
5.2 An apple of mass 23 g fall from a tree at 5 m height. What is the potential
energy of an apple?
A.
B.
C.
D.
3 Joules
2 joules
1.127 Joules
0.82 Joules
Use the following table and graph to answer questions 5.3 – 5.6
The height (in cm) for 30 students in a Physics class was determined as follows:
Height in cm
139.5 – 149.5
149.5 – 159.5
159.5 – 169.5
169.5 – 179.5
179.5 – 189.5
189.5 – 199.5
Frequency
5
8
7
5
3
2
Page 9 of 13
(1)
BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
5.3 The graph drawn is known as
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
Pie chart
Line graph
Bar graph
Histogram
5.4 How many students have heights between 159.5 – 169.5?
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
5
6
7
5.5 How many students have heights more than 169.5?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
(1)
10
8
5
2
5.6 What percentage of students have heights between 139.5 – 149.5?
(1)
A. 17%
B. 30%
C. 22%12%
5.7 Nuclei having the same mass number but different atomic number are
A.
B.
C.
D.
isotopes
isobars
Isotones
Isomers
Page 10 of 13
(1)
BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
5.8 The following nuclear equation shows a nuclide undergoing beta decay.
What is the new nuclide formed indicated by the letter X:
14
A.
B.
C.
D.
6C
→ 14 7 X +
0
-1 e
Carbon
Nitrogen
helium atom
Sulphur
5.9 Which of the following statements is true?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
the mass of a neutron and an beta particles are the same
an electron is found in the nucleus of the atom
a beta particle originate in the nucleus of the atom
neutrons and x rays are basically the same in origin.
5.10 When a radionuclide undergo alpha decay, its mass number decreases by
and atomic decreases by
.
A.
B.
C.
D.
(1)
(1)
2 and 4
3 and 4
4 and 2
1 and 0
QUESTION 6
[8]
Question Type: Brief statement responses.
6.1 If you were employed by the Directorate of Atomic Energy as a Radiation
Scientist, list two advantages and one disadvantage you would offer with respect
to the use of nuclear energy.
(3)
6.2 Briefly explain how is produced from coal
(4)
6.3 State the Law of Conservation of Energy state.
(1)
QUESTION 7
[4]
Question Type: Brief statement responses
7.1 State Ohm’s Law
(2)
7.2 State the difference between conventional and direct current.
(2)
QUESTION 8
[5]
Question Type: Brief statement responses.
8.1 Define the term inertia.
(2)
Page 11 of 13
BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
8.2 List three effects that a force when applied can have on an object moving at a
constant velocity.
(3)
QUESTION 9
[3]
Question Type: Brief statement responses.
9.1 Define the following characteristics of a wave:
(3)
a. Wavelength
b. Amplitude
c. Trough
THE END
TOTAL: 100 MARKS
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BSC410S – BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER 1 – NOVEMBER 2015
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