SAT Science Mock Questions for 2024

Are you gearing up for the SAT and looking to conquer the science section with confidence in 2024? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we have meticulously crafted a set of SAT-like science questions to help you prepare effectively for the SAT in the year 2024. Whether you’re aiming to improve your scientific knowledge or simply seeking to enhance your test-taking skills, these questions, along with detailed explanations, will be your trusted companions on the journey to SAT success.

The SAT science section evaluates your ability to interpret scientific data, understand experimental design, and apply your knowledge of fundamental scientific concepts. It covers a wide range of topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. With our mock questions, you’ll have the opportunity to practice and refine your skills, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for the real SAT in 2024.

Each question in this collection is followed by a thorough explanation, designed to provide not just the correct answer but also a deeper understanding of the underlying scientific principles. So, whether you’re a science enthusiast or someone who’s looking to strengthen your science proficiency for the SAT, these questions will serve as an invaluable resource on your path to success.

Let’s dive into the world of science and embark on a journey of learning and preparation. Get ready to tackle the SAT science section with confidence as we present “SAT Science Mock Questions for 2024.”

Question 1: Biology

Q: Which part of the cell is responsible for breaking down and digesting things?

1. Ribosomes
2. Mitochondria
3. Lysosomes
4. Endoplasmic Reticulum

Answer: 3. Lysosomes

Explanation: Lysosomes are tiny parts in a cell that act like its stomach. They are small pockets filled with special substances called enzymes. These enzymes are like powerful cleaners that break down large food particles, old or damaged cell parts, and even tiny invaders like bacteria. When a cell eats something, the lysosomes mix with the food and start breaking it down into smaller pieces that the cell can use. This is important because it keeps the cell clean and gets rid of things that aren’t needed anymore. If the lysosomes didn’t do their job, the cell would fill up with waste and not work properly.

Question 2: Chemistry

Q: What is the pH of a neutral solution at 25°C?

1. 0
2. 7
3. 14
4. It varies with the solution

Answer: 2. 7

Explanation: The pH scale is like a ruler that measures how acidic or basic a liquid is. It has numbers from 0 to 14. Water at room temperature (25°C) has a pH of 7, which is right in the middle of the scale. This means it’s neutral – not acidic and not basic. If a liquid has a pH lower than 7, like 3 or 4, it’s acidic. Think of things like lemon juice or vinegar. They taste sour because they are acidic. On the other hand, if a liquid has a pH higher than 7, like 9 or 10, it’s basic (or alkaline). Baking soda dissolved in water is a good example of a basic solution. It feels slippery and is used in cleaning products. The pH scale is a helpful way to know if something is more like vinegar (acidic) or more like soapy water (basic).

Question 3: Physics

Q: An object accelerates when

1. It speeds up
2. It slows down
3. Its direction of motion changes
4. All of the above

Answer: 4. All of the above

Explanation: Acceleration is when something changes how fast it’s moving or the direction it’s going. It’s not just about going faster. When you press the gas pedal in a car and the car speeds up, that’s acceleration. But also, when you press the brake and the car slows down, that’s acceleration too, just in the opposite way. And there’s another kind of acceleration that’s a bit different. Imagine you’re driving in a straight line and then start turning. Even if your speed doesn’t change, the change in direction is also considered acceleration. So, acceleration happens anytime there’s a change in speed (faster or slower) or when the direction changes.

Question 4: Earth Science

Q: The primary cause of tides on Earth is:

1. The Sun’s gravity
2. The Moon’s gravity
3. Earth’s rotation
4. Wind over the oceans

Answer: 2. The Moon’s gravity

Explanation: Tides on Earth are mainly caused by the Moon’s gravity. The Moon’s gravity pulls on the Earth’s water, creating high tides in the areas of the Earth that are closest to the Moon and also on the opposite side of the Earth. This happens because the Moon’s gravitational pull is strongest on the side of Earth nearest to the Moon and causes the water to bulge towards the Moon. The Earth itself is also pulled a little by the Moon’s gravity, but the water on the far side is left behind, creating another bulge. This is why we have two high tides and two low tides each day. The Sun also affects tides, but its influence is less than the Moon’s because, even though the Sun is much bigger, it is also much farther away.

Question 5: Physics

Q: In a vacuum, which of the following will fall to the ground fastest?

1. A feather
2. A metal ball
3. They will fall at the same rate
4. None, objects do not fall in a vacuum

Answer: 3. They will fall at the same rate

Explanation: In a vacuum, where there is no air resistance, all objects fall at the same rate regardless of their weight. This might seem strange because, in everyday life, we see feathers float gently while metal balls drop quickly. But that’s because of air resistance, not because of gravity. In a vacuum, where there is no air, gravity pulls on all objects equally. So, a feather and a metal ball will fall at the same rate and hit the ground at the same time. This happens because the force of gravity acts on all objects equally, and without air slowing down the feather, both the feather and the ball are free to accelerate at the same rate due to gravity.

Question 6: Chemistry

Q: Which of the following is a chemical change?

1. Melting of ice
2. Dissolving sugar in water
3. Burning wood
4. Boiling water

Answer: 3. Burning wood

Explanation: A chemical change is when substances combine or break apart to form new substances with different properties. Burning wood is a perfect example of a chemical change. When wood burns, it reacts with oxygen in the air and changes into different substances like ash, smoke, and gases like carbon dioxide. This is different from just changing shape or state, like melting ice or dissolving sugar in water. In those cases, the substance itself doesn’t change what it is; it just changes form. But with burning wood, the wood itself changes into entirely new substances, which is why it’s a chemical change.

Question 7: Biology

Q: What is the process by which plants make their own food using sunlight?

1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
3. Fermentation
4. Osmosis

Answer: 1. Photosynthesis

Explanation: Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. In this process, plants capture sunlight using a green substance in their leaves called chlorophyll. This sunlight energy is then used to turn water (absorbed through roots) and carbon dioxide (taken from the air) into glucose, a type of sugar that plants use for energy. Oxygen is also produced as a byproduct and is released into the air. This is why plants are so important – they produce the oxygen we breathe and remove carbon dioxide from the air, helping to keep our atmosphere balanced.

Question 8: Physics

Q: What is the term for the force that opposes the motion of objects through the air?

1. Gravity
2. Friction
3. Air resistance
4. Tension

Answer: 3. Air resistance

Explanation: Air resistance, also known as drag, is the force that opposes the movement of objects through the air. It’s like a form of friction that happens when objects move through the air. The faster the object moves, the more air resistance it encounters. This is why it’s harder to move your hand quickly through water (which is just a thicker form of air resistance) than through air. Air resistance affects how things fall, how fast cars can go, and even how airplanes fly. For example, when a skydiver jumps from a plane, at first they accelerate downwards due to gravity, but as their speed increases, the air resistance builds up until it balances the force of gravity, leading them to fall at a constant speed, known as terminal velocity.

Question 9: Chemistry

Q: What element is the most abundant in the Earth’s crust?

1. Oxygen
2. Silicon
3. Aluminum
4. Iron

Answer: 1. Oxygen

Explanation: Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It makes up a significant portion of the crust, not as a pure element, but combined with other elements. Most of the Earth’s rocks are made up of minerals that contain oxygen atoms bonded to other elements, particularly silicon. For example, the most common mineral in the Earth’s crust is quartz, which is composed of silicon and oxygen. Additionally, oxygen is a part of other common minerals like feldspar and mica. Its abundance is a key factor in the composition of rocks and soil on the Earth’s surface.

Question 10: Physics

Q: Which of the following is a measure of the resistance of an object to changes in its motion?

1. Speed
2. Acceleration
3. Momentum
4. Inertia

Answer: 4. Inertia

Explanation: Inertia is the resistance of an object to changes in its motion. It’s a property of matter that tells us how hard it is to make an object start moving, stop moving, or change its speed or direction. Objects with more mass have more inertia, so it’s harder to change their motion. This is why it’s difficult to push a heavy box compared to a light one. Inertia is why seat belts are important in a car; they help keep us from moving forward when the car suddenly stops.

Question 11: Chemistry

Q: What is the chemical formula for water?

1. CO2
2. H2O
3. O2
4. NaCl

Answer: 2. H2O

Explanation: The chemical formula for water is H2O. This means that each molecule of water is made up of two hydrogen atoms (H) and one oxygen atom (O) bonded together. Water is essential for life and is often called the “universal solvent” because it can dissolve many substances. It’s also crucial for various chemical reactions in living organisms.

Question 12: Biology

Q: What is the function of the mitochondria in a cell?

1. Storage of genetic material
2. Production of energy
3. Synthesis of proteins
4. Detoxification of harmful substances

Answer: 2. Production of energy

Explanation: Mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell because their main job is to produce energy. They do this by converting the nutrients from the food we eat into a form of energy that the cell can use called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is essential for all the activities that cells need to perform to stay alive and function correctly.

Question 13: Earth Science

Q: What is the layer of Earth’s atmosphere closest to the planet’s surface?

1. Exosphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Troposphere
4. Thermosphere

Answer: 3. Troposphere

Explanation: The troposphere is the layer of Earth’s atmosphere that is closest to the planet’s surface. It’s where we live and where weather events occur. In the troposphere, temperatures generally decrease with altitude, and it contains the air we breathe. The other layers of the atmosphere, such as the stratosphere and thermosphere, are higher up and have different characteristics.

So, there you have it! We’ve explored a bunch of science questions that can help you get ready for the SAT. Remember, practicing these questions and understanding the explanations is a great way to boost your confidence for the science section of the test.

Keep in mind that science is all about curiosity and discovery, and the SAT is just one step on your journey. Whether you’re aiming to become a scientist, engineer, doctor, or anything else, a strong foundation in science is valuable. So, stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

With dedication and practice, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the SAT science section in 2024 or whenever you choose to take the test. Best of luck on your SAT journey, and may your scientific knowledge and test-taking skills shine bright!

If you ever need more practice or have questions, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, tutors, or online resources. You’ve got this!

Happy studying, and all the best on your SAT adventure!