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Earth and Space Science — Free MYP2 Sciences Practice Questions
1QuestionDefinition and Types of WeatheringConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion C
The graph below shows mass lost from a rock sample over time under two conditions: physical weathering (breaking rocks into smaller pieces without changing their minerals) and chemical weathering (dissolving minerals through chemical reactions).
a
Identify which type of weathering causes the greater mass loss over time. [1]
b
Explain why chemical weathering causes mass to be lost more quickly. [1]
c
Compare the pattern of mass loss shown by physical weathering with that shown by chemical weathering. [1]
Solutions
2QuestionDefinition and Types of WeatheringConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows a rock with cracks into which a tree root is growing.
a
Identify the type of weathering shown in the diagram. [1]
b
Describe what the growing root is doing to the rock. [1]
Solutions
3QuestionAsteroids Comets and MeteoroidsConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows three objects in space.
Word bank: asteroid, comet, meteoroid
Identify each object by writing the correct term next to its label. [1]
Explain one feature visible in the diagram that tells you Object B is a comet. [1]
Object A (large rocky body): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Object B (icy body with a bright tail): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Object C (small rocky body): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Explanation: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Word bank: asteroid, comet, meteoroid
Identify each object by writing the correct term next to its label. [1]
Explain one feature visible in the diagram that tells you Object B is a comet. [1]
Object A (large rocky body): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Object B (icy body with a bright tail): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Object C (small rocky body): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Explanation: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Solutions
4QuestionMovements of Planets Around the SunConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
The bar chart shows the average orbital speed of the first four planets from the Sun.
| Planet | Mercury | Venus | Earth | Mars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbital speed (km/s) | 47.9 | 35.0 | 29.8 | 24.1 |
a
Identify the relationship between a planet's distance from the Sun and its orbital speed. [1]
b
Explain why the Sun's gravitational pull (the force of attraction between the Sun and a planet) changes with distance. [1]
c
Using your answer to (b), explain why planets closer to the Sun must travel faster to maintain a stable orbit. [1]
Solutions
5QuestionLunar Phases and Their CycleConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows four positions of the Moon in its orbit around Earth.
Position 1: New Moon
Position 2: First Quarter
Position 3: Full Moon
Position 4: Last Quarter
Position 1: New Moon
Position 2: First Quarter
Position 3: Full Moon
Position 4: Last Quarter
a
Identify the position where the Moon lies between Earth and the Sun. [1]
b
Explain why the Moon is not visible from Earth at this position. [1]
Solutions
6QuestionClimatic Differences Due to Earth MovementConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion A
The graph shows average monthly temperatures for City X (latitude 0°) and City Y (latitude 45°N). City X has a temperature range of about 2°C; City Y has a range of about 25°C.
a
Identify the angle of Earth's axial tilt. [1]
b
Explain why City X has a small temperature range throughout the year. [1]
c
Compare how Earth's axial tilt affects the temperature range in City X and City Y differently. [1]
Solutions
7QuestionProperties and Composition of Each LayerConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion B
A student drops the same steel ball from the same height into three materials: solid crust rock, liquid outer core simulant, and solid inner core simulant. The time for the ball to reach the bottom of each sample is recorded.
a
Identify the independent variable and the dependent variable in this investigation. [1]
b
Identify one controlled variable and explain why it must be kept the same. [1]
Solutions
8QuestionHow Earth Structure Affects LandformsConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram below shows a cross-section of Earth with three layers labeled A, B, and C, from the outside inward.
a
Identify the name of layer A. [1]
b
State one reason why layer A is important for supporting life on Earth's surface. [1]
Solutions
9QuestionHow Each Type of Rock FormsConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
The table below shows data for three metamorphic rocks.
| Rock | Slate | Schist | Gneiss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metamorphic grade | Low | Medium | High |
| Temperature (°C) | 200–320 | 320–450 | 450–700 |
| Grain size | Very fine | Medium | Coarse |
| Foliation type | Slaty cleavage | Schistosity | Gneissic banding |
a
Identify the trend in grain size as metamorphic grade increases from low to high. [1]
b
Explain why higher temperature and pressure cause grains to grow larger. [1]
c
Compare how foliation changes between slate and gneiss, and suggest why the change occurs. [1]
Solutions
10QuestionHow Each Type of Rock FormsConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion A
The diagram shows three rock layers: Layer A (igneous), Layer B (sedimentary), and Layer C (metamorphic).
Word bank: cooling of magma / compaction of sediments / heat and pressure
Word bank: cooling of magma / compaction of sediments / heat and pressure
a
Identify the formation process for Layer A (igneous rock). [1]
b
Describe how Layer B (sedimentary rock) forms, using the correct term from the word bank. [1]
c
Compare how Layer C (metamorphic rock) forms with how Layer A (igneous rock) forms. [1]
Solutions
11QuestionPrevention and Control of ErosionAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion B
A student uses a rainfall simulator to test how ground cover affects soil erosion. Water falls at a constant rate for 10 minutes onto trays of the same soil. She measures soil lost (in grams) at three slope angles.
| Slope angle (°) | 5 | 15 | 25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare soil (g) | 12 | 38 | 82 |
| Grass strips (g) | 5 | 14 | 30 |
| Mulch (g) | 2 | 6 | 14 |
a
Identify the pattern in soil loss as slope angle increases for each ground cover type. [2]
b
Estimate the soil loss for mulch at a slope angle of 30°. Show your reasoning using the data. [2]
c
Compare how bare soil and mulch respond differently to increasing slope steepness, and explain why mulch loses less soil. [4]
Solutions
12QuestionDefinition and Types of WeatheringAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion D
Acid rain forms when pollutants from factories and vehicles mix with rainwater, making it slightly acidic. This acid rain reacts chemically with limestone (calcium carbonate, ), slowly breaking it down — a process called chemical weathering. One solution is applying a clear protective coating to limestone surfaces.
a
Identify ONE advantage of using a protective coating on limestone buildings. [1]
b
Explain how a protective coating slows chemical weathering of limestone. [1]
c
Compare the benefits and limitations of using protective coatings as a solution to acid rain damage, considering cost, maintenance, and environmental impact. [2]
Solutions
13QuestionMovements of Planets Around the SunAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion C
The graph below shows the average distance from the Sun (in AU) and the orbital period (in years) for eight planets.
a
Describe the shape of the curve and the trend it shows between distance and orbital period. [2]
b
Estimate the orbital period of a hypothetical planet at 4.0 AU. Describe the two steps you used to read the graph. [2]
c
A hypothetical planet orbits at 0.5 AU. Compare the two options below and explain which is the better estimate for its orbital period: 0.3 years or 0.6 years. [2]
Solutions
14QuestionAsteroids Comets and MeteoroidsAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A space company plans to send a spacecraft to a near-Earth asteroid (a rocky body orbiting close to Earth) to collect water from its ice. This water would be converted into rocket fuel in space, reducing the need to launch fuel from Earth.
a
Identify one advantage of producing rocket fuel from asteroid water rather than launching it from Earth. [1]
b
Explain one challenge the company would face when trying to collect and process water on an asteroid. [2]
c
Compare the advantages and challenges of this plan and state whether you think asteroid water mining is a viable (workable) idea. [3]
Solutions
15QuestionWhy the Moon Changes AppearanceAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion C
The diagram below shows the Moon at four positions (A, B, C, D) in its orbit around Earth. The Sun is far to the right (not shown). Use the diagram to answer the questions below.
Position A — New Moon — completely dark from Earth
Position B — First Quarter — right half lit from Earth
Position C — Full Moon — fully lit from Earth
Position D — Third Quarter — left half lit from Earth
Position A — New Moon — completely dark from Earth
Position B — First Quarter — right half lit from Earth
Position C — Full Moon — fully lit from Earth
Position D — Third Quarter — left half lit from Earth
a
Identify which side of the Moon (facing toward Earth, away from Earth, or partly toward Earth) is lit at each position. [2]
b
Explain how the Moon's changing position in its orbit causes us to see different phases from Earth. [2]
c
A student says: "The Moon's phases are caused by Earth's shadow falling on the Moon." Compare this claim with the correct scientific explanation and identify one error in the student's reasoning. [2]
Solutions
16QuestionWhy the Moon Changes AppearanceAssessment Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion D
Many cultures time activities such as planting crops or holding festivals according to the Moon's phase (the shape of the lit portion we see from Earth).
a
Identify one human activity that is traditionally linked to a specific Moon phase and give a named example. [1]
b
Explain whether the Moon's phase directly causes the effect people believe it has on that activity. [1]
Solutions
17QuestionWhy the Moon Changes AppearanceAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion B
A student measured a stick's shadow at five times on a sunny day.
| Time | 08:00 | 10:00 | 12:00 | 14:00 | 16:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow length (cm) | 150 | 90 | 50 | 90 | 150 |
| Sun direction | East | East-southeast | South | West-southwest | West |
| Sun altitude (degrees above horizon) | 25 | 45 | 70 | 45 | 25 |
a
Identify the relationship between Sun altitude and shadow length. [1]
b
Explain why the shadow at 12:00 is the shortest of the day. [2]
c
At 17:30 the Sun is in the west at an altitude of 15°. Estimate the shadow length and direction, and compare this shadow with the one recorded at 16:00. Justify your answer using the data above. [3]
Solutions
18QuestionEarth Rotation and RevolutionAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion B
A student measures the length of a shadow cast by the same stick at noon each day in a Northern Hemisphere city over four months.
| Month | January | February | March | April |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow length (cm) | 45 | 30 | 20 | 15 |
a
Describe the trend in shadow length from January to April. [1]
b
Explain how Earth's revolution around the Sun causes the Sun to appear higher in the sky from January to April, and how this affects shadow length. [2]
c
The student predicts the shadow length for May will be approximately 15 cm. Compare this prediction with the pattern shown in the data and explain whether you agree. [1]
Solutions
19QuestionWhy We Have SeasonsAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
A student places a 1-metre stick in the ground and measures its noon shadow on the first day of each month.
A classmate claims seasons are caused by Earth's changing distance from the Sun.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow length (cm) | 85 | 70 | 55 | 40 | 30 | 28 | 32 | 40 | 55 | 70 | 85 | 95 |
A classmate claims seasons are caused by Earth's changing distance from the Sun.
a
Identify the months in which the classmate's claim predicts the longest and shortest shadows. [1]
b
Explain why the data contradicts the distance-based claim. Use two specific values from the table. [2]
c
Compare the shadow lengths in June and December and explain how Earth's axial tilt — the lean of Earth's axis — accounts for the difference. [2]
Solutions
20QuestionEffect of Tilt and Orbit on Day LengthAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion D
A student in Reykjavik, Iceland (64°N) is designing a solar-powered streetlight. She records these times:
| June — sunrise | 03:00 | sunset: 23:00 |
|---|---|---|
| December — sunrise | 11:00 | sunset: 15:30 |
a
Calculate the day length, in hours, for June and for December. [1]
b
Explain how the difference in day length affects the amount of time the solar panel has to charge the battery. [1]
c
Compare the battery storage needed in June with that needed in December, and state one assumption the student must make about weather conditions. [1]
Solutions
21QuestionTectonic Plates and Plate Boundaries IntroductoryAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
The table below shows earthquake depth and distance from a ocean trench at a subduction zone (where one tectonic plate sinks beneath another).
| Distance from trench (km) | 0 | 50 | 100 | 150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earthquake depth (km) | 10 | 30 | 60 | 80 |
a
Identify the pattern shown in the data. [1]
b
Explain why earthquakes occur at greater depths further from the trench. [2]
c
A student claims this data could also fit a divergent boundary (where plates move apart). Compare the earthquake pattern at a divergent boundary with the pattern shown above, and state whether you agree with the student. [2]
Solutions
22QuestionHow Earth Structure Affects LandformsAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
Seaside Village sits on a coast near a subduction zone — a place where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the continental plate. This causes frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Volcanic ash from eruptions makes the surrounding soil very fertile, supporting local farming.
a
Identify one benefit that volcanic activity brings to farmers in Seaside Village. [1]
b
Describe how living near a subduction zone creates two different risks for residents of Seaside Village. [3]
c
Compare the benefits and risks of living in Seaside Village. State whether you think the benefits outweigh the risks, and give reasons to support your view. [2]
Solutions
23QuestionHow Each Type of Rock FormsAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A construction company must choose between granite (an igneous rock) and sandstone (a sedimentary rock) for the exterior walls of a building in a rainy climate.
a
Describe how granite and sandstone each form, and identify one property of each rock that affects its suitability for exterior walls. [2]
b
Explain which rock the company should choose for this climate. [2]
c
Compare two limitations of your choice that could affect the practical outcome. [2]
Solutions
24QuestionUses of Rocks and Minerals in Everyday LifeAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
A student used reference minerals from the Mohs scale (hardness 1–7) to scratch three minerals: calcite, quartz, and unknown mineral X. Scratch depth (mm) was measured; a deeper scratch means the test mineral is softer.
Scratch depths (mm):
Reference mineral (Mohs hardness) — Calcite / Quartz / Mineral X
Gypsum (2): 0.00 / 0.00 / 0.00
Calcite (3): 0.00 / 0.00 / 0.05
Fluorite (4): 0.05 / 0.00 / 0.15
Apatite (5): 0.15 / 0.00 / 0.25
Orthoclase (6): 0.30 / 0.00 / 0.40
Quartz (7): 0.45 / 0.00 / 0.50
Scratch depths (mm):
Reference mineral (Mohs hardness) — Calcite / Quartz / Mineral X
Gypsum (2): 0.00 / 0.00 / 0.00
Calcite (3): 0.00 / 0.00 / 0.05
Fluorite (4): 0.05 / 0.00 / 0.15
Apatite (5): 0.15 / 0.00 / 0.25
Orthoclase (6): 0.30 / 0.00 / 0.40
Quartz (7): 0.45 / 0.00 / 0.50
a
Identify the reference mineral with the lowest Mohs hardness that produced a scratch on mineral X. [1]
b
Calculate the average scratch depth for calcite and for mineral X, using only the four reference minerals that scratched calcite (fluorite, apatite, orthoclase, quartz). Show your working. [2]
c
A student claims mineral X is harder than calcite but softer than quartz. Compare the scratch data for all three minerals and evaluate whether this claim is correct. [2]
Solutions