2011 SC Science

Science
2011 School Certificate Test
General Instructions
Total marks 100
Reading time: 10 minutes
Section 1
Working time: 2 hours
Pages 224
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 150
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 150
50 marks
Use the Section 1 Part A Answer Sheet for Questions 150

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
(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
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
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
(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
Awaiting copyright
What is the length of the fossil trilobite shown?

(A) 6 cm
(B)
8 cm
(C) 10 cm
(D) 16 cm
Which diagram best represents the type of plate movement that results in mountain
building?
Awaiting copyright
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
4
The diagram shows a section of the Earths 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
12
In the 17th century people believed that meat would rot and turn into maggots.
Francesco Redi set up the following experiment.
Awaiting copyright
What did the results of Redis 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 Earths 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

6
16
Which of these can result from a supernova?

(A) A planet
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(B)
A nebula
(C) A red giant
(D) A black hole
Fossils were found at points S, R, H, P and K.
Awaiting copyright
At which point is it most likely that the oldest fossil would be found?
(A) H
18
(B)
(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
7
Use this information to answer Questions 2021.
Awaiting copyright
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.
22
What is the total number of atoms represented in the formula H2SO4?

(A) 1
(B)
(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 telescopes 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.
Awaiting copyright
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
26
The table shows common electric circuit components and their symbols.
Awaiting copyright
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
10

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.
Awaiting copyright
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
Awaiting copyright
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.
11
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12
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.
Identical iron nails are placed into four different test tubes, and the amount of corrosion
is observed.
Awaiting copyright
33
Which test tube was used as the control?

(A) 1
34
(B)
(C) 3
(D) 4
After one week, which test tube is likely to have the most corroded nail?
(A) 1
(B)
(C) 3
13
(D) 4

The amount of energy generated by a wind turbine in locations with different wind
speeds is measured and shown in the graph.
Awaiting copyright
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 households 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)
32
2 100
(B)
28
2 100
(C)
32
35 000
28
35 000
(D)
14
Population
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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.
15

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.
Awaiting copyright
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
16
(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
17

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?
Awaiting copyright
18
46
A student carried out an experiment to measure the rate of photosynthesis at

different light intensities in an aquatic plant.
Awaiting copyright
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.
Awaiting copyright
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.
19
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

Adding a green powder to a colourless solution causes a chemical reaction.
Awaiting copyright
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 5160
10 marks
Use the Section 1 Part B Answer Sheet for Questions 5160

Instructions for answering Questions 5160
Write firmly and clearly.
Use BLOCK LETTERS for words.

Like this:
NOT like this:
A L P H A B E T
a
p h a b e
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 =
How many days are in a week?
What is the fifth month?
M A Y
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 5152.

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.
Awaiting copyright
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?
Awaiting copyright
23
54
The scale drawings show two fish.
Awaiting copyright
What is the difference in the actual body lengths of these fish?

55
What word is used to describe the water on the Earths 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.
Awaiting copyright
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
Science
Centre Number
Section 2
40 marks
Allow about 50 minutes for this section
Questions 6167
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 Earths crust consists of several tectonic plates. Part of the Australian
Plate and Pacific Plate are shown.
Awaiting copyright
(i)
At which of the locations X, Y or Z is an earthquake most likely to

occur?
...................................................................................................................
(ii)
Give reasons for your answer to part (i) above.

...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
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...................................................................................................................
Question 61 continues on page 26
25
Question 61 (continued)
(b)
The table shows data from some of the major earthquakes of 2010.
Awaiting copyright
Use this information to evaluate the effectiveness of an early warning

system.
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End of Question 61
26
8287310054
(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.
Awaiting copyright
(i)
What do the dots on the balloon represent?
...................................................................................................................
(ii)
What is the theory that is being demonstrated?
...................................................................................................................
(b)
Describe some difficulties scientists have in obtaining information about

the universe.
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27
BLANK PAGE
28
5022
5020
8543310116
Science
Centre Number
Student Number
Please turn over
29
(a) A group of students conducted an experiment using the following
apparatus.
Awaiting copyright
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.
Awaiting copyright
(i)
State an aim for the experiment.

...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
30
5123310117
The results for Treatment 1 have been graphed.
Awaiting copyright
(ii)
Plot the results for Treatment 2 on the same graph. Complete

the key.
(iii)
Predict what the temperature for Treatment 1 will be at

30 minutes.
...................................................................................................................
(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
31
Describe the benefits and problems of using nuclear energy in medicine and
industry.
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32
5023
5020
1158310201
Science
Centre Number
Student Number
Please turn over
33
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.
34
3548310206
(a)
Put the data in a table.
(b)
Write a conclusion for this experiment.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(c)
How could the experimental procedure be changed to produce more

reliable results?
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End of Question 65
35
(a)
Name the scientist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural

selection.
...............................................................................................................................
(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.
Awaiting copyright
(i)
The Monarch butterfly produces a bitter-tasting chemical.
How is this an adaptation for survival?

...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
(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
36
5024
5020
8329310040
Science
Centre Number
Section 2
Student Number
Please turn over
37
3146310042
What social and ethical issues are associated with scientific advances in the
area of biotechnology?
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End of test
38

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Science

2011 School Certificate Test

Total marks 100

Reading time: 10 minutes

Working time: 2 hours

Attempt ALL questions

Write using black or blue pen

You may use a pencil to draw

Calculators may be used

This section has TWO parts

Write your Centre Number and

Use the Section 1 Part A Answer Sheet for Questions 150

Do NOT write in pencil.

Which is the most appropriate piece of equipment to accurately measure 20 mL

What is the standard unit for measuring mass?

Which of the following should contribute LEAST to a greenhouse effect?

Nuclear power plant

(C) Natural gas plant

What is the length of the fossil trilobite shown?

Why is a graph useful in presenting data collected in an experiment?

A graph shows all the variables of an experiment.

(C) A graph allows trends in results to be more easily observed.

It is refracted by the curtain.

(C) It is absorbed by the curtain.

(C) Carbon dioxide, types of animals

By what process is the molten material circulated?

What is an ecosystem made up of?

Only nonliving components

(C) Living and nonliving components that do not interact

Where in a cell are chromosomes found?

The cell wall

(C) The chloroplast

What did the results of Redis experiment show?

Flies turn into maggots.

(C) Meat will only rot if left in uncovered jars.

(C) Greenhouse effect

(D) Biological magnification

How are hormones transported around the body?

Through the nerve cells

(C) Through the bloodstream

(D) Through the digestive system

Which of these can result from a supernova?

(C) A red giant

(D) A black hole

Fossils were found at points S, R, H, P and K.

Which diagram represents only one compound composed of elements X and Z?

How are the mass and charge of a proton best described?

Use this information to answer Questions 2021.

increases the voltage.

(C) speeds up the current.

What is the total number of atoms represented in the formula H2SO4?

To prevent aircraft and birds from obstructing the telescopes view

(C) To enable astronomers to be closer to the objects they are observing

(C) It is slowing down.

Kits used to test water quality in swimming pools contain indicators.

The amount of salt

(C) The amount of bacteria

Which circuit shows light globes connected in parallel?

Which of the following does NOT occur in response to an infectious disease?