Science
2011 School Certificate Test
General Instructions
Total marks – 100
■
Reading time: 10 minutes
Section 1
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Working time: 2 hours
Pages 2–24
■
Attempt ALL questions
■
Write using black or blue pen
Black pen is preferred
60 marks
Allow about 1 hour and 10 minutes for
this section
■
You may use a pencil to draw
or complete diagrams
■
Calculators may be used
This section has TWO parts
Part A – Questions 1–50
50 marks
Part B – Questions 51– 60
10 marks
■
Write your Centre Number and
Student Number at the top of
pages 25, 29, 33 and 37
Section 2
Pages 25 –38
40 marks
Allow about 50 minutes for this section
This section has SEVEN questions
Question 61
6 marks
Question 62
5 marks
Question 63
6 marks
Question 64
5 marks
Question 65
5 marks
Question 66
6 marks
Question 67
7 marks
5020
Section 1
60 marks
Allow about 1 hour and 10 minutes for this section
Part A
Questions 1–50
50 marks
Use the Section 1 Part A Answer Sheet for Questions 1–50
Instructions for answering multiple-choice questions
■
Complete your answers using black or blue pen. Black pen is preferred.
■
Do NOT write in pencil.
■
Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the
response oval completely.
Sample:
2+4=
(A) 2
A
■
B
(C) 8
C
(D) 9
D
If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect
answer and fill in the new answer.
A
■
(B) 6
B
C
D
If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the
correct answer, then indicate the correct answer by writing the word correct
and drawing an arrow as follows.
correct
A
B
C
–2–
D
1
2
Which is the most appropriate piece of equipment to accurately measure 20 mL
of water?
Beaker
Conical flask
Flat-bottom flask
Measuring cylinder
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
What is the standard unit for measuring mass?
(A) kilogram
3
(B)
kilometre
(C) newton
(D) second
Which of the following should contribute LEAST to a greenhouse effect?
(A) Coal-fired power station
(B)
Nuclear power plant
(C) Natural gas plant
(D) Oil refinery
4
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What is the length of the fossil trilobite shown?
(A) 6 cm
(B)
8 cm
(C) 10 cm
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(D) 16 cm
5
Which diagram best represents the type of plate movement that results in mountain
building?
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6
Why is a graph useful in presenting data collected in an experiment?
(A) A graph must always be part of an experiment.
(B)
A graph shows all the variables of an experiment.
(C) A graph allows trends in results to be more easily observed.
(D) A graph proves that the hypothesis of an experiment is correct.
7
When light hits a black curtain, what happens to most of the light?
(A) It is reflected off the curtain.
(B)
It is refracted by the curtain.
(C) It is absorbed by the curtain.
(D) It is transmitted through the curtain.
8
In an ocean, the growth and survival of seaweed, small fish and sharks depend
on biotic and abiotic features.
Which of the following includes ONLY abiotic features?
(A) pH, type of seaweed
(B)
Sunlight, temperature
(C) Carbon dioxide, types of animals
(D) Distribution of organisms, dissolved salts
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9
The diagram shows a section of the Earth’s interior. The arrows shown in the
mantle represent the slow circulation of the molten material.
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By what process is the molten material circulated?
(A) Conduction
(B)
Convection
(C) Insulation
(D) Radiation
10
What is an ecosystem made up of?
(A) Only living components
(B)
Only nonliving components
(C) Living and nonliving components that do not interact
(D) Living and nonliving components that continually interact
11
Where in a cell are chromosomes found?
(A) The nucleus
(B)
The cell wall
(C) The chloroplast
(D) The cell membrane
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12
In the 17th century people believed that meat would rot and turn into maggots.
Francesco Redi set up the following experiment.
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What did the results of Redi’s experiment show?
(A) Flies cause meat to rot.
(B)
Flies turn into maggots.
(C) Meat will only rot if left in uncovered jars.
(D) Rotting meat does not turn into maggots.
13
What term is used to describe how the Earth’s atmosphere traps energy from
the sun?
(A) Ozone depletion
(B)
Global warming
(C) Greenhouse effect
(D) Biological magnification
14
Which human body system works together with hormones as part of the
coordination system?
(A) Digestive
(B)
Excretory
(C) Nervous
(D) Reproductive
15
How are hormones transported around the body?
(A) Through the skin
(B)
Through the nerve cells
(C) Through the bloodstream
(D) Through the digestive system
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16
Which of these can result from a supernova?
(A) A planet
17
(B)
A nebula
(C) A red giant
(D) A black hole
Fossils were found at points S, R, H, P and K.
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At which point is it most likely that the oldest fossil would be found?
(A) H
18
(B)
K
(C) R
Which diagram represents only one compound composed of elements X and Z?
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19
(D) S
How are the mass and charge of a proton best described?
Mass
Charge
(A)
similar to a neutron
positive
(B)
similar to an electron
negative
(C)
similar to a neutron
negative
(D)
similar to an electron
positive
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Use this information to answer Questions 20–21.
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20
Current will flow in the circuit as the result of movement of which particles?
(A) Atoms
(B)
Electrons
(C) Neutrons
(D) Protons
21
Electricity moving through the filament in a light bulb causes it to heat up and
glow.
This happens because the filament
(A) ignites the inert gas.
(B)
increases the voltage.
(C) speeds up the current.
(D) resists the flow of electricity.
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22
What is the total number of atoms represented in the formula H2SO4?
(A) 1
(B)
3
(C) 6
(D) 7
23
Why are earth-based telescopes usually built at the top of high mountains?
(A) To reduce atmospheric distortion of the images collected
(B)
To prevent aircraft and birds from obstructing the telescope’s view
(C) To enable astronomers to be closer to the objects they are observing
(D) To prevent urban sound from interrupting electromagnetic detection
24
A truck carrying paint tins turns and one of the tins spills. Paint leaks out of the
back and drips onto the road. A paint trail is produced.
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What does the paint trail indicate about the truck?
(A) It is stationary.
(B)
It is speeding up.
(C) It is slowing down.
(D) It is travelling at constant speed.
25
Kits used to test water quality in swimming pools contain indicators.
What do these indicators detect in pool water?
(A) The acidity
(B)
The amount of salt
(C) The amount of bacteria
(D) The chlorine concentration
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26
The table shows common electric circuit components and their symbols.
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Which circuit shows light globes connected in parallel?
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27
Which of the following does NOT occur in response to an infectious disease?
(A) Coughing
(B)
Fever
(C) Hiccupping
(D) Swelling
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Use this information to answer Questions 28–29.
An experiment was carried out by adding different lengths of magnesium ribbon to
hydrochloric acid at room temperature. The temperature of the hydrochloric acid in
each test tube was then measured.
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28
29
Which piece of equipment was used to measure the temperature?
(A) Ruler
(B)
Stopwatch
(C) Thermometer
(D) Measuring cylinder
What was the independent variable?
(A) The volume of hydrochloric acid
(B)
The length of magnesium ribbon
(C) The temperature of hydrochloric acid
(D) The time taken for magnesium ribbon to dissolve
30
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Which of the following statements about the periodic table is correct?
(A) Elements 2, 10, 18 and 36 have similar chemical properties.
(B)
Elements 3, 4, 5 and 6 are metals.
(C) Elements 3, 11, 12 and 19 are non-metals.
(D) Elements 14, 15, 16 and 17 have similar chemical properties.
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Use this information to answer Questions 31–32.
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31
Which of the following statements is correct about the fossil record shown?
(A) Camptosaurus, Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus evolved at the same time.
(B)
Trachodon and Triceratops evolved from Camptosaurus.
(C) Coelophysis evolved from Tyrannosaurus.
(D) Apatosaurus evolved from Archosaurus.
32
The fossil record shows that crocodiles have remained relatively unchanged over
250 million years.
What is the most likely reason for this?
(A) They had a constant source of food.
(B)
They became well adapted to a stable environment.
(C) They had few predators, allowing them to live longer.
(D) They produced many offspring which became fossilised.
Use this information to answer Questions 33–34.
Identical iron nails are placed into four different test tubes, and the amount of corrosion
is observed.
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33
Which test tube was used as the control?
(A) 1
34
(B)
2
(C) 3
(D) 4
After one week, which test tube is likely to have the most corroded nail?
(A) 1
(B)
2
(C) 3
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(D) 4
Use this information to answer Questions 35–36.
The amount of energy generated by a wind turbine in locations with different wind
speeds is measured and shown in the graph.
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35
What is the best inference from the graph about operating the wind turbine at
locations with average wind speeds ranging from 0 to 8 km/h?
(A) The wind moves too slowly to generate energy.
(B)
The turbine can reduce a household’s electricity bill.
(C) Air pollution can be eliminated by using the turbine.
(D) The air is too dense for the rotor blades of the turbine to turn.
36
The most economical monthly output for wind turbines is a minimum of
100 kWh. They should also be located near highly populated areas to make the
most efficient use of the energy produced.
Which of the following sites would be best suited to establish a wind farm?
Site
Average wind speed (km/h)
(A)
1
32
2 100
(B)
2
28
2 100
(C)
3
32
35 000
4
28
35 000
(D)
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Population
Use this information to answer Questions 37–38.
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37
The ancestors of Galopagos Island finches reached the islands from South
America and evolved into the different types of finch found there today.
An insect eating finch weighing more than 20 grams (g), with a probing beak is
most likely to be a
(A) cactus finch.
(B)
large tree finch.
(C) woodpecker finch.
(D) medium ground finch.
38
How did different types of finch evolve on the Galapagos Islands?
(A) The early finches ate different foods and their beaks changed over time.
(B)
Adaptations that were an advantage were passed on to offspring.
(C) Larger finches were better suited to eat fruits or seeds.
(D) The early finches adapted to the different habitats.
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Use this information to answer Questions 39–40.
An emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) is used by people in distress.
This helps search and rescue units find them. The EPIRB sends out a 406 MHz signal
when it is turned on.
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39
Once the EPIRB has been activated by the person in distress, along what path
does the signal travel to bring about a rescue?
(A) Satellite
(B)
40
Rescue
Search and
→ coordination →
rescue unit
centre
Rescue
Receiving
coordination →
dish
centre
→ Satellite
→
Receiving
dish
→
Search and
rescue unit
Rescue
Search and
→ coordination →
rescue unit
centre
(C) Satellite
Receiving
→
dish
Search and
(D)
rescue unit
Rescue
→ coordination → Satellite
centre
→
Receiving
dish
Which feature of the signal does 406 MHz describe?
(A) Amplitude
(B)
Frequency
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(C)
Speed
(D)
Wavelength
41
What type of reaction occurs when fuel burns in the presence of oxygen?
(A) Combustion
(B)
Corrosion
(C) Decomposition
(D) Neutralisation
42
Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is observed as different colours?
(A) Microwaves
(B)
Visible light
(C) Infrared radiation
(D) Ultraviolet waves
43
Exploding fireworks produce burning fragments.
Awaiting copyright
The paths travelled by the falling fragments are mainly due to the action of
which force?
(A) Air resistance
(B)
Buoyancy
(C) Friction
(D) Gravity
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Use this information to answer Questions 44–45.
The diagram represents what happens inside a smoke detector when smoke particles
are present.
Awaiting copyright
The smoke particles direct some of the emitted light towards the photosensor. When
the photosensor detects enough light an alarm sounds.
44
What is the purpose of the lens in front of the light source?
(A) To reflect the light emitted
(B)
To refract the light emitted
(C) To scatter the light emitted
(D) To intensify the light emitted
45
Which graph shows the most likely relationship between the amount of smoke
and the amount of light detected by the photosensor?
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46
A student carried out an experiment to measure the rate of photosynthesis at
different light intensities in an aquatic plant.
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The plant was exposed to different light intensities by using light globes of
different sizes. The student measured the rate of photosynthesis by counting the
number of oxygen bubbles produced in one minute at each light intensity.
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Which of the following modifications to the experiment would improve the
results the most?
(A) Repeat it three times using only a 21 W globe only.
(B)
Repeat it with a different species of plant.
(C) Repeat it with the lamp closer to the plant.
(D) Repeat it, counting the bubbles formed in 2 minutes.
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47
The diagram shows the Watson-Crick model of DNA.
Awaiting copyright
The bases which would be found in Side B from top to bottom are
(A) A G G C T
(B)
TCCGA
(C) C T T A G
(D) G A A T C
– 20 –
Use this information to answer Questions 48–50.
Adding a green powder to a colourless solution causes a chemical reaction.
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48
What is the solution most likely to be?
(A) A salt
(B)
A base
(C) An acid
(D) A carbonate
49
What gas is produced by the reaction between the powder and the solution?
(A) CO2
(B)
H2
(C) H2O
(D) O2
50
Which word equation summarises the reaction between the powder and the
solution?
(A) base + acid → salt + hydrogen
(B)
metal + acid → salt + hydrogen
(C) carbonate + base → oxide + carbon dioxide
(D) carbonate + acid → salt + water + carbon dioxide
– 21 –
Section 1 (continued)
Part B
Questions 51–60
10 marks
Use the Section 1 Part B Answer Sheet for Questions 51–60
Instructions for answering Questions 51–60
■
Write firmly and clearly.
■
Use BLOCK LETTERS for words.
Like this:
NOT like this:
A L P H A B E T
a
l
p h a b e
t
✔
✘
■
Numbers must be used for numerical answers.
■
Decimal points and negative signs must be clearly shown in separate boxes.
■
Do NOT let any part of the letter or number touch the sides of the answer
boxes.
■
Examples:
■
–7 ÷ 2 =
– 3
How many days are in a week?
7
What is the fifth month?
M A Y
.
5
If you make a mistake, cross out the incorrect answer and write the correct
answer above the boxes.
M A Y
Like this:
J U N E
– 22 –
Use the information in the graph to answer Questions 51–52.
Students went for a bushwalk. They left home at 7 am, stopped for lunch and returned
home at 5 pm. The graph represents distance from home and time taken for the
journey.
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51
How many hours did the students walk before they stopped for lunch?
52
What is the total distance travelled by the students?
53
What is the reading on the spring balance illustrated?
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54
The scale drawings show two fish.
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What is the difference in the actual body lengths of these fish?
55
What word is used to describe the water on the Earth’s surface and in the
atmosphere?
56
What name is given to the force which results when gravity acts on the mass of
an object?
57
What name is given to a cloud of gas and dust from which stars are formed?
58
Name the cycle represented by the diagram.
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59
What is the chemical formula for potassium hydroxide?
60
A yellow solid is produced when two clear solutions are mixed.
What type of chemical reaction is this?
– 24 –
© Board of Studies NSW 2011
5021
5020
5499310056
2011 School Certificate Test
Science
Centre Number
Section 2
40 marks
Allow about 50 minutes for this section
Questions 61–67
Student Number
40 marks
Answer the questions in the spaces provided. These spaces provide guidance for the
expected length of response.
Question 61 (6 marks)
(a)
The Earth’s crust consists of several tectonic plates. Part of the Australian
Plate and Pacific Plate are shown.
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(i)
At which of the locations X, Y or Z is an earthquake most likely to
occur?
1
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(ii)
Give reasons for your answer to part (i) above.
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Question 61 continues on page 26
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2
Question 61 (continued)
(b)
The table shows data from some of the major earthquakes of 2010.
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Use this information to evaluate the effectiveness of an early warning
system.
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End of Question 61
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Question 62 (5 marks)
(a)
A teacher demonstrates a theory about the origin of the universe by
using a balloon with dots on it. As the balloon is inflated, all the dots
move further apart.
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(i)
What do the dots on the balloon represent?
1
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(ii)
What is the theory that is being demonstrated?
1
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(b)
Describe some difficulties scientists have in obtaining information about
the universe.
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3
BLANK PAGE
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© Board of Studies NSW 2011
5022
5020
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2011 School Certificate Test
Science
Centre Number
Section 2 (continued)
Student Number
Question 63 (6 marks)
Please turn over
– 29 –
Question 63 (6 marks)
(a) A group of students conducted an experiment using the following
apparatus.
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The two flasks were set up outdoors in the same location and the
temperature inside each flask was recorded every five minutes.
The following measurements were recorded.
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(i)
State an aim for the experiment.
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Question 63 continues on page 31
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5123310117
Question 63 (continued)
The results for Treatment 1 have been graphed.
Awaiting copyright
(ii)
Plot the results for Treatment 2 on the same graph. Complete
the key.
2
(iii)
Predict what the temperature for Treatment 1 will be at
30 minutes.
1
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(b)
The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased over the last century.
What types of human activity are likely to have contributed to this
change?
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End of Question 63
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2
Question 64 (5 marks)
Describe the benefits and problems of using nuclear energy in medicine and
industry.
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© Board of Studies NSW 2011
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2011 School Certificate Test
Science
Centre Number
Section 2 (continued)
Student Number
Question 65 (5 marks)
Please turn over
– 33 –
Question 65 (5 marks)
A student performed an experiment to determine if the size of soil particles affects the
amount of water that flows through the soil. 100 mL of water was poured through four
different types of soil. The equipment is shown.
Awaiting copyright
The student made these notes of the findings:
With grey soil, the average particle size was 2.0 millimetres (mm) and 80 mL of
water flowed through. With red soils, average particle size was 0.5 mm and 40 mL
of water flowed through. With brown soil, 60 mL of water flowed through and it
had an average particle size of 1.5 mm. In the last trial, black soil was used with
an average particle size of 1.0 mm and 50 mL of water flowed through.
Question 65 continues on page 35
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3548310206
Question 65 (continued)
(a)
Put the data in a table.
3
(b)
Write a conclusion for this experiment.
1
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(c)
How could the experimental procedure be changed to produce more
reliable results?
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End of Question 65
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1
Question 66 (6 marks)
(a)
Name the scientist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural
selection.
1
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(b)
In 1862 an English naturalist suggested that some species evolve to look
like poisonous species. The similar appearance of the unrelated Monarch
and Viceroy butterflies is an example of this.
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(i)
The Monarch butterfly produces a bitter-tasting chemical.
2
How is this an adaptation for survival?
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(ii)
Describe how the process of natural selection could account for
the appearance of the Viceroy butterfly.
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End of Question 66
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© Board of Studies NSW 2011
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2011 School Certificate Test
Science
Centre Number
Section 2
Student Number
Question 67 (7 marks)
Please turn over
– 37 –
3146310042
Question 67 (7 marks)
What social and ethical issues are associated with scientific advances in the
area of biotechnology?
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End of test
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© Board of Studies NSW 2011
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