GED Science : Earth and Space Science

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Earth And Space Science

What body in space was recently declassified as a planet?

Possible Answers:

Neptune

Pluto

Ganymede

Titan

Correct answer:

Pluto

Explanation:

Until 2006 Pluto was classified as the ninth planet. At that time, it was declassified as a planet and reclassified as a "dwarf planet."

Neptune is the eighth planet in our solar system. Titan and Ganymede are moods of Saturn and Jupiter, respectively.

Example Question #1 : Earth And Space Science

What is the approximate age of the universe?

Possible Answers:

2014 years

72 million years

14 billion years

6000 years

Correct answer:

14 billion years

Explanation:

The universe was thought to begin because of the Big Bang, which occurred around 14 billion years ago.

Example Question #1 : Atmosphere And Air

What is the most prevalent gas in the earth's atmosphere?

Possible Answers:

Hydrogen

Carbon dioxide

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Correct answer:

Nitrogen

Explanation:

The air in the atmosphere is largely composed of nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen represents the largest contributor, composing approximately 79% of the earth's atmosphere. Oxygen represents about 20% of the earth's atmosphere. Other gases, such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, comprise less than 1% of the atmosphere.

Example Question #1 : Earth And Space Science

Which noble gas, commonly used at children's birthday parties, is currently considered to be in limited supply?

Possible Answers:

Helium

Neon

Hydrogen

Argon

Correct answer:

Helium

Explanation:

Helium is frequently used in balloons at parties. It is lighter in mass than the surrounding air, allowing it to "float" upwards. As a noble gas, helium is also largely inert and has numerous practical purposes in chemistry due to this property.

Beginning in 2013, the amount of helium used began to far exceed the supply, resulting in a helium shortage.

Neon and argon are noble gases (like helium). Hydrogen is not a noble gas, and is actually highly reactive.

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