Regents Prep: Earth Science
Multiple-Choice Questions
Regents Prep Earth Science: Topical Multiple-Choice Question Archive
Use of Topical Archive Multiple-Choice Questions
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Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 1 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

The Earth's shape most closely resembles which of the following object
  1. a basketball
  2. a pear
  3. a ping-pong ball
  4. an apple

Correct Answer Number: 3

Explanation: The answer is a ping-pong ball due to its shape which is round and smooth. Using the space perspective the earth would be viewed as very round and smooth.


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 2 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

An observer watching a sailing ship at sea notes that the ship appears to be "sinking" as it moves away. Which statement best explains this observation?
  1. The surface of the ocean has depressions
  2. The earth has a curved surface
  3. The earth is rotating
  4. The earth is revolving

Correct Answer Number: 2

Explanation: Since the earth's shape is round the ship will appear to be sinking on the horizon. The appearance of the ship "sinking" is due to the way it looks not what really is happening.


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 3 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

According to the Earth Science Reference Tables, the equatorial radius of the Earth is approximately
  1. 637 km
  2. 6370 km
  3. 63700 km
  4. 637000 km

Correct Answer Number: 2

Explanation: According to the Solar System Data chart in the Earth Science Reference Tables on page 15 the correct Earth diameter is 12756 km. To find Earth radius divide 12756 by 2 and the answer is approx. 6370 km.


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 4 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

At which location would an observer find the greatest force due to the Earth's gravity?
  1. North Pole
  2. New York State
  3. Tropic of Cancer (23.5N)
  4. Equator

Correct Answer Number: 1

Explanation: The North Pole is closest to the center of the earth where gravity is the strongest. This is due to the earth's shape being an oblate spheriod which means slightly squashed at the Poles and bulging at the Equator. This is also supported with the Polar diameter measuring less than the Equtorial diameter.


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 5 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

The water sphere of the earth is known as the
  1. atmosphere
  2. troposphere
  3. lithosphere
  4. hydrosphere

Correct Answer Number: 4

Explanation: Water’s chemical symbol is H2O. Meaning that water is composed of 2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen. This answer is also supported on the top of page 11 of the Earth Science Reference Tables under the column named "HYDROSPHERE" (Percent by Volume) in the table labeled "Average Chemical Composition of Earth’s Crust, Hydrosphere, and Troposphere."


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 6 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

Which statement provides the best evidence that the Earth has a nearly spherical shape?
  1. The sun has a spherical shape.
  2. The altitude of Polaris(N. Star) changes with the observer's latitude in the Northern Hemisphere.
  3. Star trails photographed over a period of time show a circular path.
  4. The length of noontime shadows change throughout the year.

Correct Answer Number: 2

Explanation: Since Polaris, which is also known as the North Star, is located over the Earth’s tilt of axis it appears to follow the observer's latitude. If one follows Polaris from the North Pole(0°) to the Equator (90°) it will make a half circle. This will prove that the earth has a spherical shape.


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 7 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

The latitude of a point in the Northern Hemisphere may be determined by measuring the
  1. apparent diameter of Polaris
  2. altitude of Polaris
  3. distance to the Sun
  4. apparent diameter of the Sun

Correct Answer Number: 2

Explanation: Since Polaris is located over the Earth’s tilt of axis it will appear to follow the observer in the Northern Hemisphere only. It is not viewable in the Southern Hemisphere since it is below the horizon. Due to the location of Polaris in the Celestial sphere (Space) it may be used as an latitudinal locator. So if you are at 42°N latitude that's what Polaris' altitude will be.


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 8 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

An observer in NYS measures the altitude of Polaris to be 44o. Where is the location closest to the observer?
  1. Watertown
  2. Elmira
  3. Buffalo
  4. Kingston

Correct Answer Number: 1

Explanation: Since the altitude of Polaris = the observer's latitude you must find the location closest to 44° north latitude. To find this answer you must proceed to page 3 of the Earth Science Reference Tables and locate the city with the latitude of 44°.


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 9 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

If the deepest parts of the ocean are about 10 kilometers and the radius of the Earth is about 6400 kilometers, the depth of the oceans would represent what percent of the the Earth's radius?
  1. less than 1%
  2. about 5%
  3. about 25%
  4. more than 75%

Correct Answer Number: 1

Explanation: If you divide 10km by 6400km then multiply by 100 you will find the answer to be 0.16%; much less than 1%. This also proves how thin the crustal layer of the earth is, similar to the shell of an egg.


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 10 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

The true shape of the Earth is best described as a
  1. perfect sphere
  2. perfect ellipse
  3. slightly oblate sphere
  4. highly eccentric ellipse

Correct Answer Number: 3

Explanation: The Earth’s true shape is slightly oblate which means slightly squashed at the Poles and slightly bulging at the Equator. This, however,is not noticable to the the naked eye. The reason the Earth is not a perfect sphere is due to the measurements taken from the Polar and Equatorial diameters. The Polar diameter is less than the Equatorial diameter thus termed slightly oblate.


Introduction: Size, Shape, and Composition of Earth: Question 11 of 11
This question may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

Compared to Earth’s crust, Earth’s core is believed to be
  1. less dense, cooler, and composed of more iron
  2. less dense, hotter, and composed of less iron
  3. more dense, hotter, and composed of more iron
  4. more dense, cooler, and composed of less iron

Correct Answer Number: 3

Explanation: According to the ESRT p.10 the charts indicate that all variables are increasing the further toward the center of the Earth.

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