California CSET Science exam
sexual reproduction -correct answer-A reproductive process that involves two parents that
combine their genetic material to produce a new organism, which differs from both parents
Hypothesis -correct answer-A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Scientific Method -correct answer-A series of steps followed to solve problems including
collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions.
Atoms -correct answer-Smallest component of an element. Consists of protons, neutrons
and electrons.
Neutrons -correct answer-the particles of the nucleus that have no charge located in the
nucleus of the atom.
sporophyte generation (diploid) -correct answer-asexual stage of a plant's life cycle, produce
spores by meiosis.
Protons -correct answer-positively charged subatomic particles located in the nucleus. The
number of protons determines the identity of an element.
Electrons -correct answer-negatively charged subatomic particles which orbit the nucleus.
determine how an element reacts with other elements.
Elements -correct answer-A molecule composed of one kind of atom; cannot be broken into
simpler units by chemical reactions. Defined by how many protons it contains. Each element
contains a different number of protons, neutrons and electrons.
Ions -correct answer-an atom with a positive or negative electric charge due to the loss or
gain of one or more electrons.
Molecule -correct answer-two or more atoms held together by covalent bonds
Compound -correct answer-a molecule that contains at least two different elements
organic compounds -correct answer-compounds that contain the element carbon
Inorganic Compound -correct answer-compounds that do not contain the element carbon
Catenation -correct answer-the covalent bonding of an element to itself to form chains or
rings
Carbon -correct answer-Basis of Life, can form single, double and triple bonds.
ionic bond -correct answer-Molecules transfer electrons, creating ions.Do not share
electrons. Donate or accept electrons
covalent bond -correct answer-Cozy Covalent - Molecules share electrons
,Nucleus -correct answer-center of an atom, formed by the protons and neutrons. Contains
the genetic information (DNA) and directs most of the cell's activities. both plant and
animals. large and oval
Isotope -correct answer-Occur when two or more forms of the same element contains equal
number of protons but different number of neutrons in the nuclei.
radioactive isotope -correct answer-An isotope whose nucleus decays over time, giving off
particles and energy.
atomic number -correct answer-the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
Periodic Table of Elements -correct answer-A table that classifies elements by their physical
and chemical properties; rows are called periods; columns are called groups. Elements are
ordered by number of protons. Elements broken into 3 primary types: Metals, semi-metals
(mettalloids), and nonmetals. Elements Atomic Number increases as we move left to right on
the rows (increased protons).
Metals -correct answer-Elements that are good conductors of electric current and heat.
Shiny metallic appearance, solids at room temp (except mercury)
semi-metals/metalloids -correct answer-Elements that have characteristics of both metals
and non-metals. makes good semiconductors
Non-metals -correct answer-Elements that have low conductivity, not ductile, not malleable,
brittle, dull, gas at room temp
inert/noble gases -correct answer-Do not bond. (Elements on the right side of the Periodic
Table because their outer shells are full.) Very stable.
atomic weight/mass -correct answer-the number of protons plus the number of neutrons
valence electrons -correct answer-Electrons on the outermost energy level of an atom.
Determines how an element will react chemically. Same for each element in a vertical
column. In a typical reaction the valence numbers of all atoms involved equals zero (-1 with
1 = 0).
chemical reaction -correct answer-occurs when two or more atoms react to form an entirely
new substance. Equations for chemical reactions must be balanced. The same number of
atoms of each type must appear on each side of the reaction. The reactant is on the left and
the product is on the right.
Radioactivity -correct answer-the emission of ionizing radiation or particles caused by the
spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei. Decomposition of a nucleus to form a different
nucleus
Transmutation -correct answer-A change in the identity of a nucleus as a result of a change
in the number of its protons
,ionizing radiation -correct answer-Th release of energy that allows an unstable nucleus to
attain a more stable form.
alpha decay -correct answer-A nuclear reaction in which an atom emits an alpha particle
consisting of two protons and two neutrons. This increases the atomic number by 2 and the
mass number by 4.
beta decay -correct answer-radioactive decay in which an electron is emitted.
gamma decay -correct answer-radioactive decay by emission of a gamma ray
excited state -correct answer-A state in which an atom has a higher potential energy than it
has in its ground state. Energy level of an electron that is higher and less stable than other
levels.
ground state -correct answer-Lowest, most stable energy level of an electron
gamma rays -correct answer-penetrating electromagnetic radiation of a kind arising from the
radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. can penetrate your skin, your cell membrane and the
organelles within your cells. Cause skin burns, nausea, radiation poisoning. Can alter your
DNA causing mutations and cancer.
spontaneous fission -correct answer-Occurs when an atom simply breaks in to 2 smaller
atoms without any outside help. Slow rate.
Fission -correct answer-One heavy nucleus splitting into two lighter ones.
Fusion -correct answer-Two light nuclei joining to form a heavier one.
binding energy -correct answer-The amount of energy required to remove nucleons from a
nucleus. Binding energy of an atom is calculated with the formula E = mc2
mass-energy equivalence equation -correct answer-Albert Einstein's relationship showing
that mass and energy are equivalent. E = mc2
Nucleons -correct answer-protons and neutrons, the particles that make up the nucleus of
an atom. Protons and neutrons added together.
mass defect -correct answer-The difference between the total mass of the individual
nucleons in a nucleus and the nucleus as a whole. The energy that holds the nucleus
together.
states of matter -correct answer-solid, liquid, gas
liquid -correct answer-A state of matter that has no definite shape but has a definite volume.
Intermediate energy level, molecules are moving, there is space between molecules.
, If it loses energy it becomes a solid (lowest energy level and least space between molecules)
or gains energy it becomes a gas (energy level is increased and a lot of space between
molecules).
Solidifcation -correct answer-liquid to solid
Liquification -correct answer-solid to liquid
Evaporation -correct answer-Liquid to gas
Condensation -correct answer-Gas to liquid
Sublimation -correct answer-solid to gas
Gas -correct answer-A state of matter with no definite shape or volume. Assumes the shape
and volume of its container. Compressible. Flows easily
Solid -correct answer-A form of matter that has a definite shape and volume. Retains a fixed
volume and shape. Not easily compressible. Does not flow easily.
physical properties of matter -correct answer-how matter is described according to physical
characteristics; characteristics that can be observed without changing the substance into
something else; ex. luster
melting point -correct answer-The temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid
Hardness -correct answer-How malleable a substance is
Conductivity -correct answer-The ability of an object to transfer heat or electricity to
another object.
chemical properties -correct answer-Characteristics that change the substance.
Characteristics of a substance that determine how it will react with other substances.
Mass -correct answer-the amount of matter in an object
Volume -correct answer-The amount of space an object takes up
Density -correct answer-Is determined by the weight (mass) of a substance and the amount
of space it occupies (volume) using the equation d=m/v. Determines the ability to float.
buoyancy -correct answer-Ability to float. The upwards force that a fluid exerts on any object
which is immersed in a fluid. If the upwards force of the fluid is greater than the downwards
force of gravity the object will float.
Synthesis -correct answer-Simple substances combine to form a more complex molecule. A +
B -> AB
Decomposition -correct answer-A complex molecule is broken down into a more simple
substance. AB -> A + B
sexual reproduction -correct answer-A reproductive process that involves two parents that
combine their genetic material to produce a new organism, which differs from both parents
Hypothesis -correct answer-A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Scientific Method -correct answer-A series of steps followed to solve problems including
collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions.
Atoms -correct answer-Smallest component of an element. Consists of protons, neutrons
and electrons.
Neutrons -correct answer-the particles of the nucleus that have no charge located in the
nucleus of the atom.
sporophyte generation (diploid) -correct answer-asexual stage of a plant's life cycle, produce
spores by meiosis.
Protons -correct answer-positively charged subatomic particles located in the nucleus. The
number of protons determines the identity of an element.
Electrons -correct answer-negatively charged subatomic particles which orbit the nucleus.
determine how an element reacts with other elements.
Elements -correct answer-A molecule composed of one kind of atom; cannot be broken into
simpler units by chemical reactions. Defined by how many protons it contains. Each element
contains a different number of protons, neutrons and electrons.
Ions -correct answer-an atom with a positive or negative electric charge due to the loss or
gain of one or more electrons.
Molecule -correct answer-two or more atoms held together by covalent bonds
Compound -correct answer-a molecule that contains at least two different elements
organic compounds -correct answer-compounds that contain the element carbon
Inorganic Compound -correct answer-compounds that do not contain the element carbon
Catenation -correct answer-the covalent bonding of an element to itself to form chains or
rings
Carbon -correct answer-Basis of Life, can form single, double and triple bonds.
ionic bond -correct answer-Molecules transfer electrons, creating ions.Do not share
electrons. Donate or accept electrons
covalent bond -correct answer-Cozy Covalent - Molecules share electrons
,Nucleus -correct answer-center of an atom, formed by the protons and neutrons. Contains
the genetic information (DNA) and directs most of the cell's activities. both plant and
animals. large and oval
Isotope -correct answer-Occur when two or more forms of the same element contains equal
number of protons but different number of neutrons in the nuclei.
radioactive isotope -correct answer-An isotope whose nucleus decays over time, giving off
particles and energy.
atomic number -correct answer-the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
Periodic Table of Elements -correct answer-A table that classifies elements by their physical
and chemical properties; rows are called periods; columns are called groups. Elements are
ordered by number of protons. Elements broken into 3 primary types: Metals, semi-metals
(mettalloids), and nonmetals. Elements Atomic Number increases as we move left to right on
the rows (increased protons).
Metals -correct answer-Elements that are good conductors of electric current and heat.
Shiny metallic appearance, solids at room temp (except mercury)
semi-metals/metalloids -correct answer-Elements that have characteristics of both metals
and non-metals. makes good semiconductors
Non-metals -correct answer-Elements that have low conductivity, not ductile, not malleable,
brittle, dull, gas at room temp
inert/noble gases -correct answer-Do not bond. (Elements on the right side of the Periodic
Table because their outer shells are full.) Very stable.
atomic weight/mass -correct answer-the number of protons plus the number of neutrons
valence electrons -correct answer-Electrons on the outermost energy level of an atom.
Determines how an element will react chemically. Same for each element in a vertical
column. In a typical reaction the valence numbers of all atoms involved equals zero (-1 with
1 = 0).
chemical reaction -correct answer-occurs when two or more atoms react to form an entirely
new substance. Equations for chemical reactions must be balanced. The same number of
atoms of each type must appear on each side of the reaction. The reactant is on the left and
the product is on the right.
Radioactivity -correct answer-the emission of ionizing radiation or particles caused by the
spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei. Decomposition of a nucleus to form a different
nucleus
Transmutation -correct answer-A change in the identity of a nucleus as a result of a change
in the number of its protons
,ionizing radiation -correct answer-Th release of energy that allows an unstable nucleus to
attain a more stable form.
alpha decay -correct answer-A nuclear reaction in which an atom emits an alpha particle
consisting of two protons and two neutrons. This increases the atomic number by 2 and the
mass number by 4.
beta decay -correct answer-radioactive decay in which an electron is emitted.
gamma decay -correct answer-radioactive decay by emission of a gamma ray
excited state -correct answer-A state in which an atom has a higher potential energy than it
has in its ground state. Energy level of an electron that is higher and less stable than other
levels.
ground state -correct answer-Lowest, most stable energy level of an electron
gamma rays -correct answer-penetrating electromagnetic radiation of a kind arising from the
radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. can penetrate your skin, your cell membrane and the
organelles within your cells. Cause skin burns, nausea, radiation poisoning. Can alter your
DNA causing mutations and cancer.
spontaneous fission -correct answer-Occurs when an atom simply breaks in to 2 smaller
atoms without any outside help. Slow rate.
Fission -correct answer-One heavy nucleus splitting into two lighter ones.
Fusion -correct answer-Two light nuclei joining to form a heavier one.
binding energy -correct answer-The amount of energy required to remove nucleons from a
nucleus. Binding energy of an atom is calculated with the formula E = mc2
mass-energy equivalence equation -correct answer-Albert Einstein's relationship showing
that mass and energy are equivalent. E = mc2
Nucleons -correct answer-protons and neutrons, the particles that make up the nucleus of
an atom. Protons and neutrons added together.
mass defect -correct answer-The difference between the total mass of the individual
nucleons in a nucleus and the nucleus as a whole. The energy that holds the nucleus
together.
states of matter -correct answer-solid, liquid, gas
liquid -correct answer-A state of matter that has no definite shape but has a definite volume.
Intermediate energy level, molecules are moving, there is space between molecules.
, If it loses energy it becomes a solid (lowest energy level and least space between molecules)
or gains energy it becomes a gas (energy level is increased and a lot of space between
molecules).
Solidifcation -correct answer-liquid to solid
Liquification -correct answer-solid to liquid
Evaporation -correct answer-Liquid to gas
Condensation -correct answer-Gas to liquid
Sublimation -correct answer-solid to gas
Gas -correct answer-A state of matter with no definite shape or volume. Assumes the shape
and volume of its container. Compressible. Flows easily
Solid -correct answer-A form of matter that has a definite shape and volume. Retains a fixed
volume and shape. Not easily compressible. Does not flow easily.
physical properties of matter -correct answer-how matter is described according to physical
characteristics; characteristics that can be observed without changing the substance into
something else; ex. luster
melting point -correct answer-The temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid
Hardness -correct answer-How malleable a substance is
Conductivity -correct answer-The ability of an object to transfer heat or electricity to
another object.
chemical properties -correct answer-Characteristics that change the substance.
Characteristics of a substance that determine how it will react with other substances.
Mass -correct answer-the amount of matter in an object
Volume -correct answer-The amount of space an object takes up
Density -correct answer-Is determined by the weight (mass) of a substance and the amount
of space it occupies (volume) using the equation d=m/v. Determines the ability to float.
buoyancy -correct answer-Ability to float. The upwards force that a fluid exerts on any object
which is immersed in a fluid. If the upwards force of the fluid is greater than the downwards
force of gravity the object will float.
Synthesis -correct answer-Simple substances combine to form a more complex molecule. A +
B -> AB
Decomposition -correct answer-A complex molecule is broken down into a more simple
substance. AB -> A + B
