4th Grade Science : Physical Science

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 4th Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Predict And Observe Changes In Energy When Objects Collide

In the image below, the arrows depict energy being applied to a triangle. This energy would cause the triangle to change positions. What is another name for a change in position?

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Possible Answers:

Location

Ovation

Motion

Deflation

Correct answer:

Motion

Explanation:

Another name for a change in position is "motion." Motion is the process or action of being moved or moving. The arrows are pushing against the triangle, and it will move in the direction of the energy being transferred.

Example Question #1 : Predict And Observe Changes In Energy When Objects Collide

Two students are rolling a ball back and forth across the playground grass. Suddenly, the ball changes direction. When the students explore why this happened, they see that the ball hit a rock.

Which of these caused the ball to change direction?

Possible Answers:

A change in volume

A change in mass

A change in force

A change in gravity

Correct answer:

A change in force

Explanation:

In this situation, the ball changed direction because it collided with the rock, and there was a change in force. If two objects collide, energy will be transferred between both, and there will be a change in motion. Objects can change speed, direction, or come to a complete stop because of a transfer of energy during a collision.

Example Question #1 : Colliding Objects

Marquise is at baseball practice. What force will most likely cause the baseball to change direction?

Possible Answers:

The catcher's force on the ball with his mitt

The pitcher's force on the ball as he throws

The batter's force on the ball as he misses

The batter's force on the ball with the bat

Correct answer:

The batter's force on the ball with the bat

Explanation:

The force of the ball hitting the bat will most likely cause the baseball to change direction. When the batter hits the ball, there is a force applied, and energy is transferred. The ball will move in the direction the force is pushing it. If two objects collide, energy will be transferred between both, and there will be a change in motion. Objects can change speed, direction, or come to a complete stop because of a transfer of energy during a collision.

Example Question #10 : Predict And Observe Changes In Energy When Objects Collide

True or False: The bowling ball in the picture will change directions because of the force applied by the pins.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

The statement in the question is false. The ball is transferring energy to the pins when they make contact, not vice versa. The force is being applied to the pins and will cause them to move and change direction while the ball continues on its path.

Example Question #21 : Physical Science

True or False: The bowling ball in the picture will change directions because of the force applied by the pins.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

The statement in the question is false. The ball is transferring energy to the pins when they make contact, not vice versa. The force is being applied to the pins and will cause them to move and change direction while the ball continues on its path.

Example Question #1 : Observe How Energy Is Transferred By Electric Currents

Which object is an example of a device that converts electrical currents into heat energy?

Possible Answers:

A toaster

A candle

The Sun

A freezer

Correct answer:

A toaster

Explanation:

A toaster is an example of how a device can convert electrical currents into heat energy. The toaster is plugged into the electrical outlet and electricity flows through the cord and into the heating elements of the toaster. The toaster than warms and crisps the food item placed inside. The heating coils warm the bread as a result of electrical currents being transferred.

Example Question #1 : Observe How Energy Is Transferred By Electric Currents

Which answer choice is an example of how electrical currents in nature transfer energy?

Possible Answers:

Lightbulbs

Television sets

Power plants

Lightning

Correct answer:

Lightning

Explanation:

Lightning is a powerful example of electricity in nature. During a thunderstorm, many small bits of ice bump into each other as they move around in the air in the clouds. These collisions create an electric charge. The cloud fills up with electrical charges. The positive charges or protons form at the top of the cloud, and the negative charges or electrons form at the bottom of the cloud. The ground beneath the cloud creates a positive charge. The charge coming up from points on the ground (like treetops or buildings) eventually connects with a charge reaching down from the clouds and lightning strikes.

Example Question #3 : Observe How Energy Is Transferred By Electric Currents

Juan is trying to build a device to transfer energy through electrical currents and needs to use a conductor to allow the electrons to flow easily. Which material should he choose to use in his design?

Possible Answers:

Wood

Plastic

Copper

Rubber

Correct answer:

Copper

Explanation:

Juan should use copper if he is looking for something that is a good conductor. A conductor is a material that transmits energy. Electrons can flow easily through a conductor. If he chooses the rubber, wood, or plastic, those items are insulators and would prevent the flow of energy because electrons cannot flow easily through an insulator. Electricity is the flow of electrons – tiny negatively charged particles in atoms, so their flow mustn't be hindered.

Example Question #4 : Observe How Energy Is Transferred By Electric Currents

Energy cannot be transferred from place to place by electric currents.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

Energy can be moved from place to place by moving objects or through sound, light, or electric currents. Energy can also be transferred from site to site by electric currents; the currents may have been produced, to begin with by transforming the energy of motion into electrical energy. The statement presented is false because electrical currents can transfer energy.

Example Question #5 : Observe How Energy Is Transferred By Electric Currents

Jamarious wants to transfer energy by electrical current for a class project. He begins observing simple household examples of electrical currents moving energy. Which answer choice is NOT an example of energy transferring through electricity?

Possible Answers:

Using an air conditioner to cool the house down in the summer

Lighting a candle when the power goes out to provide light

The doorbell ringing through the house from the front porch

Pre-heating the oven to bake fresh cookies

Correct answer:

Lighting a candle when the power goes out to provide light

Explanation:

All of thee examples except for one demonstrate electricity or electrical currents transferring energy in a simple household scenario. Lighting a candle when the power goes out to provide light does not use electricity or an electrical current, so it is the non-example. A candle does produce light and heat energy, but it is through a chemical reaction with the match lighting the wick. All of the other examples are creating a change using electricity.

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