MACC/SWAC Science Questions
Please Read Aloud: All of the questions in this match are 5-second questions, unless otherwise
noted.
This is the first directed question for team A.
1A.
What kind of root grows out from a stem above ground level? Begin (aerial)
This is the first directed question for team B.
1B.
What chemist discovered the neutron? Begin (James Chadwick)
This is the second directed question for team A. You have 20 seconds to answer this question.
2A.
How many protons, neutrons and electrons does a chlorine ion have? Begin (17 protons, 18
neutrons and 18 electrons)
This is the second directed question for team B.
2B.
A capybara is the largest member of what order of mammal? Begin (rodent or rodentia)
This is the third directed question for team A.
3A.
What element is the fuel used by stars? Begin (hydrogen)
This is the third directed question for team B.
3B.
What are the structures beneath the cap of a mushroom called that radiate around the
stem and are covered by hyphae? Begin (gills)
This is the fourth directed question for team A. You have 20 seconds to answer this problem.
4A.
What is the Molarity of a solution, in moles per liter, made with 6 moles of calcium
carbonate dissolved in 500 milliters of solution? Begin (12)
This is the fourth directed question for team B.
4B.
The scientific name for the breastbone is what? Begin (sternum)
This is the fifth directed question for team A.
5A.
What is the wild dog found in Australia and of what order of mammals is it a member?
Begin (dingo and canine)
This is the fifth directed question for team B.
5B.
What is the soil conditioner high in organic content but low in nitrogen that consists of
decomposed biodegradable materials? Begin (compost or humus)
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This is the sixth directed question for team A.
6A.
What phenomenon is measured by an ammeter? Begin (electric current)
This is the sixth directed question for team B.
6B.
What type of mammalian gland produces oil in the skin? Begin (sebaceous)
This is the seventh directed question for team A.
7A.
What are the immovable joints in the human cranium called? Begin (sutures)
This is the seventh directed question for team B.
7B.
Electromagnetic waves are transverse while sound waves are of what type? Begin
(longitudinal)
This is the eighth directed question for team A.
8A.
What is the structure in angiosperms that bears the organs for sexual reproduction? Begin
(Flower)
This is the eighth directed question for team B. You have 20 seconds to answer this question.
8B.
How many protons, neutrons, and electrons does a calcium ion have? Begin (20 protons, 20
neutrons and 18 electrons)
This is the ninth directed question for team A.
9A.
What organ in the human body synthesizes substances involved in the clotting of the blood,
synthesizes vitamin A, detoxifies poisonous substances and breaks down worn-out
erythrocytes? Begin (liver)
This is the ninth directed question for team B.
9B.
What structure in the eye becomes opaque when a person has cataracts? Begin (lens)
This is the tenth and final directed question for team A.
10A.
Whose principle stated that “as the velocity of a fluid increases, the pressure exerted by
that fluid decreases.”? Begin (Bernoulli or Daniel Bernoulli)
This is the tenth and final directed question for team B.
10B.
What is the pH of a solution with hydronium ion concentration of one times ten to the
negative six? Begin (6)
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That ends the portion of the match with directed questions. Coaches, if you have any team
member substitutions, please send those team members to the stage at this time. (Note:
Allow time for substitutes to be seated, introduce substitute team members.)
No form of conferring is allowed during the tossup portion of the match. Conferring includes
sharing of written or verbal information or signals. Please remove all written material
from you team tables. Writing is not permitted during tossup rounds, except in the math
round.
We will now have ten tossup questions. Remember, the person who buzzes in must give the
answer immediately. Please wait until I recognize the team before you give an answer. The
penalty for buzzing in early and giving a wrong answer is minus 2 points, and the question
will then be reread in its entirety to the other team.
This is the first tossup question.
1.
What fertilizer compound was used in the Oklahoma Murrah Federal building bombing?
Begin (ammonium nitrate)
This is the second tossup question.
2.
What is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere? Begin (Winter Solstice or
Dec. 21 or 22)
This is the third tossup question.
3.
What type of taste sensations are caused by sugars, glycols, and aldehydes? Begin (sweet)
This is the fourth tossup question.
4.
What type of compounds are proton donors? Begin (acids)
This is the fifth tossup question.
5.
What is the astronomical term for a stellar nursery? Begin (nebula)
This is the sixth tossup question.
6.
What is the only living structure on Earth visible from the moon with the naked eye? Begin
(Great Barrier Reef)
This is the seventh tossup question.
7.
What is the tough, white outer covering of the human eyeball? Begin (sclera)
This is the eighth tossup question.
8.
What class of organic compounds have a hydroxyl or –OH group attached? Begin
(alcohols)
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This is the ninth tossup question.
9.
The abnormal buildup of this substance causes jaundice. What substance, a part of the
bile, is formed when red blood cells are broken down? Begin (bilirubin)
This is the tenth and final tossup question.
(Emcee note – if match is tied after this question go to the three tie breakers at the end of these
questions – use all three, even if tie is broken on first or second question!)
10.
What is the degree of tilt from the vertical in the Earth’s axis? Begin (23 ½ degrees)
(SWAC Emcees only – Ask if there are any appeals)
EMERGENCY QUESTIONS (To be used in an emergency only –DO NOT USE AS EXTRA TIE
BREAKERS – but they can be used in place of tie breakers as they would be used if a
question has a mistake, if the emcee “flubs” a question, etc.):
You have 5 seconds to answer this question.
1.
What class of organisms can grow in the absence of free oxygen? Begin (anaerobe or
anaerobic)
You have 5 seconds to answer this question.
2.
What is the most electronegative element on the periodic table? Begin (fluorine)
TIE BREAKERS(To be used in cases of tie games – use all three questions, even if the tie is
broken with the first or second question; in case teams are still tied at the end of these
three questions – the game remains a tie.):
This is the first tiebreaker question.
1.
What class of compounds causes a sour taste? Begin (acids)
This is the second tiebreaker question.
2.
In mollusks and brachiopod, what is the fold of tissue that secretes the substance that
forms the shell called? Begin (mantle)
This is the third tiebreaker question.
3.
What type of star in the later stages of its evolution has a diameter of up to 100 times that
of our sun? Begin (red giant)