CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest 2
Science & Mathematics Practice Exam
The CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest II consists of 52 multiple-choice
questions and 4 constructed-response questions on Science and
Mathematics, with a 3-hour time limit. This practice exam includes
official sample questions and verified answers.
SCIENCE SECTION (Questions 1-26)
Question 1
Which of the following steps in making a cup of coffee involves a
chemical change in matter?
A) Whole-bean coffee is ground in a coffee grinder
B) A burner on a propane stove is lighted to heat water
C) Water in a kettle begins to boil
D) Boiling water is poured through a filter containing ground coffee
Answer: B
Rationale: A chemical change is a process in which a substance is
changed into one or more different substances. Lighting a propane
burner involves combustion—a chemical reaction where propane
reacts with oxygen to form new substances (carbon dioxide and
,water). Grinding, boiling, and filtering are physical changes that do not
alter the chemical composition of the substances.
Question 2
Which of the following is the best example of the refraction of light
waves?
A) Markings on flowers invisible in normal light can be seen in
ultraviolet light
B) Deep lakes appear to be blue or green in color
C) Sunlight striking a black box makes the box warmer than the same
light striking a white box
D) Light passing through raindrops produces a rainbow
Answer: D
Rationale: Refraction is the bending of light waves as they pass from
one medium to another. A rainbow is produced when sunlight is
refracted (and dispersed) by water droplets in the atmosphere. The
bending occurs because light changes speed when passing from air
into water.
Question 3
Which of the following liquids is the most acidic and will have the
lowest pH?
A) Milk
B) Household ammonia
C) Distilled water
D) Vinegar
, Answer: D
Rationale: Vinegar contains acetic acid and has a pH of approximately
2-3. Acids have pH values below 7, with lower values indicating
stronger acidity. Milk is slightly acidic (pH ~6.5), distilled water is
neutral (pH 7), and household ammonia is basic (pH ~11-12).
Question 4
Ultraviolet light and visible light are types of radiation that are part of
the electromagnetic spectrum. Compared to visible light waves,
ultraviolet waves:
A) Exhibit a longer wavelength
B) Have a higher frequency
C) Travel at a slower speed
D) Have a greater amplitude
Answer: B
Rationale: Ultraviolet (UV) light has a shorter wavelength and higher
frequency than visible light. All electromagnetic waves travel at the
same speed in a vacuum (the speed of light), so speed is not the
distinguishing factor. Amplitude is related to intensity/brightness, not
wave type.
Question 5
Newton's third law of motion states that for every action there is an
equal and opposite reaction. Which is the best example of the
application of this law?
Science & Mathematics Practice Exam
The CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest II consists of 52 multiple-choice
questions and 4 constructed-response questions on Science and
Mathematics, with a 3-hour time limit. This practice exam includes
official sample questions and verified answers.
SCIENCE SECTION (Questions 1-26)
Question 1
Which of the following steps in making a cup of coffee involves a
chemical change in matter?
A) Whole-bean coffee is ground in a coffee grinder
B) A burner on a propane stove is lighted to heat water
C) Water in a kettle begins to boil
D) Boiling water is poured through a filter containing ground coffee
Answer: B
Rationale: A chemical change is a process in which a substance is
changed into one or more different substances. Lighting a propane
burner involves combustion—a chemical reaction where propane
reacts with oxygen to form new substances (carbon dioxide and
,water). Grinding, boiling, and filtering are physical changes that do not
alter the chemical composition of the substances.
Question 2
Which of the following is the best example of the refraction of light
waves?
A) Markings on flowers invisible in normal light can be seen in
ultraviolet light
B) Deep lakes appear to be blue or green in color
C) Sunlight striking a black box makes the box warmer than the same
light striking a white box
D) Light passing through raindrops produces a rainbow
Answer: D
Rationale: Refraction is the bending of light waves as they pass from
one medium to another. A rainbow is produced when sunlight is
refracted (and dispersed) by water droplets in the atmosphere. The
bending occurs because light changes speed when passing from air
into water.
Question 3
Which of the following liquids is the most acidic and will have the
lowest pH?
A) Milk
B) Household ammonia
C) Distilled water
D) Vinegar
, Answer: D
Rationale: Vinegar contains acetic acid and has a pH of approximately
2-3. Acids have pH values below 7, with lower values indicating
stronger acidity. Milk is slightly acidic (pH ~6.5), distilled water is
neutral (pH 7), and household ammonia is basic (pH ~11-12).
Question 4
Ultraviolet light and visible light are types of radiation that are part of
the electromagnetic spectrum. Compared to visible light waves,
ultraviolet waves:
A) Exhibit a longer wavelength
B) Have a higher frequency
C) Travel at a slower speed
D) Have a greater amplitude
Answer: B
Rationale: Ultraviolet (UV) light has a shorter wavelength and higher
frequency than visible light. All electromagnetic waves travel at the
same speed in a vacuum (the speed of light), so speed is not the
distinguishing factor. Amplitude is related to intensity/brightness, not
wave type.
Question 5
Newton's third law of motion states that for every action there is an
equal and opposite reaction. Which is the best example of the
application of this law?
