I85PREP
⌘ K
DSA Cadet Selection study materials
DSA Cadet Selection study resources

DSA Cadet Selection practice questions

One question at a time. Build your DSA Cadet Selection understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet trainee measures the mass of a metal cube as 54.0 g and its volume as 20.0 cm³. What is the density of the metal in g/cm³, expressed to the correct number of significant figures?

  1. 2.70 Correct answer.
  2. 2.700
  3. 27.0
  4. 2.7

Explanation

Density equals mass divided by volume, so 54.0 ÷ 20.0 = 2.70. Both given values have three significant figures, so the quotient must also be reported to three significant figures.

Question 2Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

In the sentence 'The cadets, who had trained for months, assembled at dawn,' the clause 'who had trained for months' functions as which grammatical element?

  1. An appositive renaming 'cadets'
  2. A non-restrictive relative clause modifying 'cadets' Correct answer.
  3. An adverbial clause modifying 'assembled'
  4. A restrictive relative clause identifying which cadets

Explanation

The commas set the clause off as non-restrictive, meaning it adds extra information about all the cadets rather than identifying a subset. A restrictive clause would appear without commas and would narrow the reference.

Question 3Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

Which of the following is the SI base unit for the amount of a substance, as used when a cadet calculates moles in a chemistry practical?

  1. Ampere
  2. Kelvin
  3. Mole Correct answer.
  4. Candela

Explanation

The mole is the SI base unit for amount of substance and is defined by a fixed number of elementary entities. Kelvin measures thermodynamic temperature, candela luminous intensity, and ampere electric current.

Question 4Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet solves the linear equation 3x − 7 = 2x + 5. What is the value of x?

  1. 4
  2. 12 Correct answer.
  3. −4
  4. −12

Explanation

Subtracting 2x from both sides gives x − 7 = 5, and adding 7 to both sides gives x = 12. Substituting back confirms 29 = 29.

Question 5Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

Which organelle is primarily responsible for generating ATP through oxidative phosphorylation in a cadet's muscle cells during endurance training?

  1. Golgi apparatus
  2. Mitochondrion Correct answer.
  3. Ribosome
  4. Lysosome

Explanation

The inner mitochondrial membrane hosts the electron transport chain and ATP synthase, which together carry out oxidative phosphorylation. Ribosomes synthesise proteins, the Golgi modifies and packages them, and lysosomes degrade waste.

Question 6Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet writes: 'Each of the recruits have completed their fitness test.' Which revision corrects the subject–verb agreement error while keeping the meaning?

  1. Each of the recruits has completed the fitness test. Correct answer.
  2. Each of the recruit has completed their fitness test.
  3. Each of the recruits having completed the fitness test.
  4. Each of the recruits have completed the fitness test.

Explanation

The subject is 'each', which is singular, so the verb must be 'has' rather than 'have'. Removing the plural pronoun 'their' also avoids a number mismatch with the singular subject.

Question 7Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet walks 3 km north, then 4 km east. What is the magnitude of the resultant displacement from the starting point?

  1. 12 km
  2. 7 km
  3. 1 km
  4. 5 km Correct answer.

Explanation

The two legs are perpendicular, so the resultant forms the hypotenuse of a right triangle. By Pythagoras, √(3² + 4²) = √25 = 5 km.

Question 8Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

Which of the following sentences uses the semicolon correctly in a cadet's written report?

  1. The drill ended at noon; and the cadets then returned to the barracks.
  2. The drill ended at noon; returning to the barracks afterwards.
  3. The drill ended at noon; which the cadets appreciated.
  4. The drill ended at noon; the cadets then returned to the barracks. Correct answer.

Explanation

A semicolon may join two independent clauses that are closely related, and both sides here are complete clauses. A coordinating conjunction after a semicolon, or a dependent fragment, breaks that rule.

Question 9Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet measures the boiling point of an unknown liquid three times and obtains 78.1 °C, 78.2 °C, and 78.1 °C, while the accepted value is 82.0 °C. Which statement best describes these results?

  1. They are precise but not accurate. Correct answer.
  2. They are both accurate and precise.
  3. They are neither accurate nor precise.
  4. They are accurate but not precise.

Explanation

Precision refers to how closely repeated measurements agree with each other, while accuracy refers to closeness to the true value. The three readings cluster tightly but all lie about 4 °C below the accepted value.

Question 10Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

Simplify the expression (2x³y²)(3x²y⁴).

  1. 6x⁵y⁶ Correct answer.
  2. 6x⁵y⁸
  3. 6x⁶y⁸
  4. 5x⁵y⁶

Explanation

Multiply the coefficients to get 6, then add the exponents of like bases: x³·x² = x⁵ and y²·y⁴ = y⁶. The product is therefore 6x⁵y⁶.

Question 11Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet observes that a block of wood floats in water while an identically sized block of steel sinks. Which property best explains this difference?

  1. Surface texture of the block
  2. Volume of the block
  3. Weight of the block alone
  4. Density relative to the fluid Correct answer.

Explanation

Whether an object floats depends on whether its average density is less than the density of the fluid. Wood's density is below that of water, so the buoyant force balances its weight; steel's density is greater, so it sinks.

Question 12Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

Read the sentence: 'Although the cadets were exhausted, they completed the obstacle course before the deadline.' Which word is functioning as a subordinating conjunction?

  1. completed
  2. they
  3. before
  4. Although Correct answer.

Explanation

'Although' introduces the dependent clause 'Although the cadets were exhausted' and marks a concession. 'Before' here is a preposition governing 'the deadline', not a conjunction joining clauses.

Question 13Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's heart rate rises during a run. Which sequence correctly describes the pathway by which the nervous system increases heart rate?

  1. Somatic motor neurons directly stimulate cardiac muscle contraction.
  2. Sympathetic nerves release noradrenaline, which raises sinoatrial firing rate. Correct answer.
  3. The adrenal cortex secretes insulin, which raises sinoatrial firing rate.
  4. Parasympathetic nerves release acetylcholine, which raises sinoatrial firing rate.

Explanation

Sympathetic fibres acting on the sinoatrial node release noradrenaline, which increases the rate of spontaneous depolarisation and so speeds the heart. Parasympathetic activity does the opposite, slowing the heart.

Question 14Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet needs to find the probability of rolling a total of 7 with two fair six-sided dice. What is that probability?

  1. 1/6 Correct answer.
  2. 1/9
  3. 7/36
  4. 1/12

Explanation

There are 36 equally likely outcomes, and six of them total 7: (1,6), (2,5), (3,4), (4,3), (5,2), (6,1). The probability is therefore 6/36 = 1/6.

Question 15Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

In a chemistry practical, a cadet adds dilute hydrochloric acid to sodium carbonate and collects the gas produced. Which gas is evolved, and which test confirms it?

  1. Chlorine, which bleaches damp litmus paper
  2. Carbon dioxide, which turns limewater milky Correct answer.
  3. Oxygen, which relights a glowing splint
  4. Hydrogen, which gives a squeaky pop with a lit splint

Explanation

Acid plus carbonate releases carbon dioxide, which reacts with calcium hydroxide solution to form insoluble calcium carbonate, turning limewater milky. The other gases listed arise from different reactions.

Question 16Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet writes: 'The sergeant gave the new recruits and I a detailed briefing.' Which revision corrects the pronoun case error?

  1. The sergeant gave the new recruits and myself a detailed briefing.
  2. The sergeant gave the new recruits and me a detailed briefing. Correct answer.
  3. The sergeant gave the new recruits and we a detailed briefing.
  4. The sergeant gave the new recruits and us a detailed briefing.

Explanation

The pronoun is part of the indirect object of 'gave', so it must take the objective case 'me'. Testing with the pronoun alone ('gave me a briefing') confirms this.

Question 17Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet pushes a 20 kg crate across a floor with a constant horizontal force of 60 N against a constant friction force of 20 N. What is the acceleration of the crate?

  1. 3 m/s²
  2. 2 m/s² Correct answer.
  3. 1 m/s²
  4. 4 m/s²

Explanation

The net horizontal force is 60 N − 20 N = 40 N. By Newton's second law, a = F/m = 40/20 = 2 m/s².

Question 18Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce an explanation within a cadet's incident report?

  1. The exercise was suspended: and the wind had exceeded the safety limit.
  2. The exercise was suspended: because the wind had exceeded the safety limit.
  3. The exercise was suspended: the wind had exceeded the safety limit. Correct answer.
  4. The exercise was suspended: exceeding the safety limit for wind.

Explanation

A colon can introduce an independent clause that explains or elaborates the preceding statement. The clause after the colon must be able to stand alone, which it does here.

Question 19Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet heats a hydrate and finds that 25.0 g of the hydrated salt loses 9.0 g of water on heating. What is the percentage by mass of water in the original hydrate?

  1. 36% Correct answer.
  2. 25%
  3. 9.0%
  4. 64%

Explanation

Percentage by mass equals the mass of water divided by the original mass of hydrate, multiplied by 100: (9.0 ÷ 25.0) × 100 = 36%.

Question 20Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

Which statement best explains why the enzyme catalase speeds the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide without being consumed?

  1. It raises the temperature of the reaction mixture substantially.
  2. It increases the activation energy so that fewer collisions succeed.
  3. It lowers the activation energy by stabilising the transition state at its active site. Correct answer.
  4. It changes the equilibrium constant to favour the products.

Explanation

Enzymes provide an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, binding and stabilising the transition state. They are regenerated after each catalytic cycle and do not alter the equilibrium position.

Question 21Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

Simplify (x² − 9) ÷ (x − 3) for x ≠ 3.

  1. 1
  2. x + 3 Correct answer.
  3. x² − 3
  4. x − 3

Explanation

The numerator is a difference of squares: x² − 9 = (x + 3)(x − 3). Cancelling the common factor (x − 3) leaves x + 3, valid wherever x ≠ 3.

Question 22Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet writes: 'Neither the instructor nor the cadets was aware of the schedule change.' Which revision fixes the agreement error while preserving meaning?

  1. Neither the instructor nor the cadets is aware of the schedule change.
  2. Neither the instructor or the cadets was aware of the schedule change.
  3. Neither the instructor nor the cadets being aware of the schedule change.
  4. Neither the instructor nor the cadets were aware of the schedule change. Correct answer.

Explanation

With 'neither…nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject, which here is the plural 'cadets', so 'were' is required. Replacing 'nor' with 'or' or removing the finite verb would introduce new errors.

Question 23Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A projectile is launched at 20 m/s at 30° above the horizontal on level ground, with air resistance neglected. Taking g = 10 m/s², what is the horizontal range?

  1. 10√3 m
  2. 40√3 m
  3. 20 m
  4. 20√3 m Correct answer.

Explanation

The range formula is R = v² sin(2θ)/g. Here v² = 400, sin 60° = √3/2, and g = 10, giving R = 400 × (√3/2) ÷ 10 = 20√3 m.

Question 24Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet is given the recursive sequence a₁ = 2, aₙ₊₁ = 3aₙ − 4. What is the value of a₄?

  1. 10
  2. 38
  3. 2
  4. 14 Correct answer.

Explanation

Applying the rule in turn: a₂ = 3(2) − 4 = 2, a₃ = 3(2) − 4 = 2, and a₄ = 3(2) − 4 = 2. The sequence is constant at 2 because 2 is a fixed point of the rule.

Question 25Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

Two identical resistors are connected first in series and then in parallel across the same battery. What is the ratio of the total power dissipated in the series arrangement to that in the parallel arrangement?

  1. 1:2
  2. 1:4 Correct answer.
  3. 4:1
  4. 2:1

Explanation

In series the resistance is 2R, so power is V²/(2R). In parallel the resistance is R/2, so power is 2V²/R. The ratio of series power to parallel power is therefore (1/2):(2) = 1:4.

Question 26Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's science log states: 'The sample was heated gently, the residue was then weighed.' Which revision best corrects the sentence structure while preserving the meaning?

  1. The sample was heated gently; the residue then weighed.
  2. The sample was heated gently, the residue was then weighed.
  3. The sample was heated gently, and the residue was then weighed. Correct answer.
  4. Heating the sample gently, the residue was then weighed.

Explanation

The original joins two independent clauses with only a comma, which is a comma splice. Adding the coordinating conjunction 'and' creates a compound sentence in which both clauses stand as complete thoughts. The other revisions either repeat the splice, create a dangling modifier, or leave the second clause without a complete verb.

Question 27Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

In a cadet's report, the sentence 'The officer who reviewed the files was satisfied' contains which type of clause?

  1. An independent clause only
  2. A noun clause acting as the subject
  3. An adverbial clause of condition
  4. A dependent relative clause modifying 'officer' Correct answer.

Explanation

The clause 'who reviewed the files' begins with the relative pronoun 'who' and describes the noun 'officer', so it functions as a relative (adjective) clause. It cannot stand alone, which makes it dependent. Noun clauses act as subjects or objects, and adverbial clauses modify verbs rather than nouns.

Question 28Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's field notes read: 'The recruits' equipment was inspected, and each recruit's boots were polished.' What does the placement of the apostrophes indicate?

  1. Both apostrophes show singular possession.
  2. The first shows singular possession and the second shows plural possession.
  3. The first shows plural possession and the second shows singular possession. Correct answer.
  4. Both apostrophes mark contractions of 'is'.

Explanation

'Recruits'' places the apostrophe after the plural -s, marking possession by multiple recruits, while 'recruit's' places it before the -s, marking possession by one recruit. Apostrophes here signal possession, not contraction. Reversing the two would misstate which noun is plural.

Question 29Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet must compute the mean of the five measurements 12, 15, 15, 18, and 20 recorded during a training exercise. What is the mean?

  1. 16 Correct answer.
  2. 17
  3. 18
  4. 15

Explanation

The mean equals the sum of the values divided by the count: (12 + 15 + 15 + 18 + 20) = 80, and 80 ÷ 5 = 16. The mean need not equal any single data value. The median of this set happens to be 15, which is a different statistic.

Question 30Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's patrol travels 5 km on a bearing of 090° (due east) and then 12 km on a bearing of 000° (due north). What is the straight-line distance from the start to the final position?

  1. 17 km
  2. 60 km
  3. 7 km
  4. 13 km Correct answer.

Explanation

The eastward and northward legs are perpendicular, so they form the legs of a right triangle. By the Pythagorean theorem the displacement is √(5² + 12²) = √(25 + 144) = √169 = 13 km. Adding the legs would give distance travelled, not displacement.

Question 31Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet measures a bar's length as 24.6 cm using a ruler marked in millimetres. Which statement about the recorded value is correct?

  1. It has four significant figures because the decimal point is present.
  2. It has unlimited significant figures because rulers are exact instruments.
  3. It has three significant figures, and the last digit is an estimate. Correct answer.
  4. It has two significant figures because trailing digits are ignored.

Explanation

All non-zero digits in 24.6 are significant, giving three significant figures. The final digit reflects the estimated fraction of the smallest scale division, which is why measurements carry an implied uncertainty. No measuring instrument gives unlimited significant figures.

Question 32Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

During a march, a cadet's body temperature is regulated mainly by which body system interacting with the skin?

  1. The lymphatic system, through lymph circulation
  2. The skeletal system, through bone remodeling
  3. The integumentary system, through sweating and blood-flow changes Correct answer.
  4. The digestive system, through enzyme secretion

Explanation

The skin is the main organ of the integumentary system, and it regulates temperature by producing sweat for evaporative cooling and by dilating or constricting surface blood vessels. These responses adjust heat loss to the environment. The other systems listed do not directly control heat exchange at the body surface.

Question 33Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet reads that a material 'conducts electricity well because its electrons are free to move.' Which class of material does this describe?

  1. A noble gas such as argon
  2. A metallic conductor such as copper Correct answer.
  3. A molecular compound such as sucrose
  4. An ionic solid such as sodium chloride

Explanation

Metals have delocalised valence electrons that can drift under an applied voltage, which is why they conduct. Ionic solids conduct only when molten or dissolved, since their ions are fixed in the lattice. Molecular compounds and noble gases lack free charge carriers.

Question 34Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet writes: 'The squad completed its drills, and the instructors praised them for their precision.' Which word in the sentence is a pronoun referring to 'the squad'?

  1. their
  2. them
  3. praised
  4. its Correct answer.

Explanation

'Its' is a possessive pronoun that refers back to the singular collective noun 'squad'. 'Them' and 'their' refer to the instructors or to squad members generally, and 'praised' is a verb. Pronoun reference depends on which noun the pronoun replaces.

Question 35Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's essay argues: 'Physical training should be mandatory because fitness improves concentration; therefore, mandatory training improves academic results.' Which flaw most weakens this argument?

  1. It uses too many semicolons.
  2. It cites no dictionary definitions.
  3. It relies on a causal chain that is not fully established. Correct answer.
  4. It states the conclusion before the premise.

Explanation

The argument links fitness to concentration and then assumes that mandatory training necessarily produces better academic results. That inferential leap assumes each causal link holds and that no other factors intervene, so the reasoning is not fully supported. Punctuation and definition choices do not determine whether the logic is sound.

Question 36Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet solves for x in the equation 3(x − 4) = 2x + 5. What is the value of x?

  1. 7
  2. −7
  3. 17 Correct answer.
  4. 9

Explanation

Expanding gives 3x − 12 = 2x + 5. Subtracting 2x from both sides yields x − 12 = 5, so x = 17. Substituting 17 back gives 3(13) = 39 and 2(17) + 5 = 39, confirming the solution.

Question 37Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's score improves from 40 to 52 points on a fitness assessment. What is the percentage increase?

  1. 23%
  2. 30% Correct answer.
  3. 12%
  4. 130%

Explanation

Percentage increase equals the change divided by the original value, multiplied by 100: (52 − 40) ÷ 40 × 100 = 12 ÷ 40 × 100 = 30%. Dividing by the new value instead would give a different, incorrect figure. The 12-point gain is the absolute change, not the percentage.

Question 38Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's team of 4 must choose 2 members for a two-person night watch. How many different pairs can be formed?

  1. 6 Correct answer.
  2. 8
  3. 4
  4. 12

Explanation

Because the order of the two chosen members does not matter, this is a combination: C(4,2) = 4!/(2!·2!) = 6. Treating order as significant would double the count to 12, which overcounts each pair.

Question 39Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet heats 50 g of water (specific heat capacity 4.2 J/(g·°C)) from 20 °C to 60 °C. How much energy is absorbed?

  1. 4200 J
  2. 8400 J Correct answer.
  3. 840 J
  4. 2100 J

Explanation

Using q = mcΔT, the temperature change is 60 − 20 = 40 °C. Then q = 50 × 4.2 × 40 = 8400 J. Forgetting to multiply by the mass or by the full temperature change produces the smaller distractors.

Question 40Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet observes that a sealed syringe containing gas is compressed slowly at constant temperature. According to Boyle's law, what happens to the gas pressure?

  1. It increases because volume decreases. Correct answer.
  2. It doubles only if the volume halves and the moles change.
  3. It stays the same because temperature is constant.
  4. It decreases because volume decreases.

Explanation

Boyle's law states that pressure and volume are inversely proportional at constant temperature and fixed amount of gas. Halving the volume therefore doubles the pressure. Constant temperature fixes the product PV, so pressure cannot remain unchanged when volume changes.

Question 41Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet examines a food label listing an ingredient as 'partially hydrogenated oil.' Which structural feature does this term indicate?

  1. Some carbon–carbon double bonds have been converted to single bonds. Correct answer.
  2. The molecule has gained a phosphate group.
  3. The fatty acid chains have been shortened by two carbons.
  4. All carbon–carbon bonds are double bonds.

Explanation

Partial hydrogenation adds hydrogen across some, but not all, double bonds in unsaturated fats, converting a portion of them to single bonds. This process can also create trans fats. It does not remove carbon atoms or add phosphate groups.

Question 42Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet is asked why a metal spoon left in hot tea soon feels hot at the handle. Which explanation is most accurate?

  1. The spoon generates heat through a chemical reaction with the tea.
  2. Convection currents carry hot tea up through the spoon.
  3. The metal emits thermal radiation that warms the handle.
  4. Fast-moving particles in the hot end transfer energy along the metal by conduction. Correct answer.

Explanation

In a solid metal, particles near the hot end vibrate more vigorously and pass energy to neighbouring particles, and free electrons also carry energy quickly. This process is conduction. Radiation and convection contribute far less along a short metal handle, and no reaction generates the heat.

Question 43Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet is told that a certain species of bacteria can survive boiling water. Which structural feature most directly explains this?

  1. Endospores resistant to heat and desiccation Correct answer.
  2. Flagella for rapid swimming
  3. A nucleus enclosing the genetic material
  4. A cell wall made of cellulose

Explanation

Certain bacteria form endospores, dormant structures with thick coats that resist high temperature, drying, and chemicals. This allows survival through boiling and later regrowth. Cellulose walls occur in plants, and bacteria lack a nucleus.

Question 44Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet writes: 'The instructor, along with the senior recruits, were scheduled to inspect the barracks.' Which revision corrects the agreement error?

  1. The instructor, along with the senior recruits, have been scheduled to inspect the barracks.
  2. The instructor, along with the senior recruits, were scheduling to inspect the barracks.
  3. The instructor along with the senior recruits were scheduled to inspect the barracks.
  4. The instructor, along with the senior recruits, was scheduled to inspect the barracks. Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject is 'instructor', a singular noun; the phrase 'along with the senior recruits' is parenthetical and does not change the number of the subject. The verb must therefore be singular, 'was'. Removing the commas does not fix the agreement, and 'have' is also plural.

Question 45Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's report contains the sentence: 'The drill was cancelled because of the storm, however the cadets trained indoors.' Which revision best corrects the punctuation?

  1. The drill was cancelled because of the storm, however the cadets trained indoors.
  2. The drill was cancelled because of the storm however, the cadets trained indoors.
  3. The drill was cancelled because of the storm; however, the cadets trained indoors. Correct answer.
  4. The drill was cancelled, because of the storm however the cadets trained indoors.

Explanation

'However' is a conjunctive adverb, so it cannot join two independent clauses with only a comma. A semicolon before it and a comma after it correctly separate the clauses. The other versions either repeat the splice or misplace the comma.

Question 46Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet needs to prepare 250 cm³ of a 0.20 mol/dm³ sodium hydroxide solution. What mass of NaOH (molar mass 40 g/mol) is required?

  1. 2.0 g Correct answer.
  2. 5.0 g
  3. 20 g
  4. 0.50 g

Explanation

First find the moles: 0.20 mol/dm³ × 0.250 dm³ = 0.050 mol. Multiplying by the molar mass gives 0.050 × 40 = 2.0 g. Forgetting to convert cm³ to dm³ or omitting the molar mass produces the distractors.

Question 47Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's parachute slows a 90 kg trainee from 8 m/s to 2 m/s during a landing. What is the magnitude of the change in kinetic energy?

  1. 270 J
  2. 2700 J Correct answer.
  3. 1440 J
  4. 3240 J

Explanation

Kinetic energy is ½mv². Initially ½ × 90 × 8² = 2880 J, and finally ½ × 90 × 2² = 180 J. The change is 2880 − 180 = 2700 J, which is released as work done by the parachute and air resistance.

Question 48Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet is given the function f(x) = 2x² − 8x + 5. What are the coordinates of the vertex of its graph?

  1. (2, −3) Correct answer.
  2. (−2, 29)
  3. (4, 5)
  4. (2, 5)

Explanation

For a parabola y = ax² + bx + c, the vertex x-coordinate is −b/(2a) = 8/(2×2) = 2. Substituting x = 2 gives f(2) = 8 − 16 + 5 = −3, so the vertex is (2, −3). This is the minimum since a is positive.

Question 49Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet models the number of bacteria in a sample as N(t) = 500 · 2^(t/3), where t is in hours. After how many hours does the population first exceed 4000?

  1. 12 hours Correct answer.
  2. 6 hours
  3. 9 hours
  4. 18 hours

Explanation

Setting 500 · 2^(t/3) > 4000 gives 2^(t/3) > 8, and since 8 = 2³, we need t/3 > 3, so t > 9. The first whole hour at which the count exceeds 4000 is 12 hours, where N = 500 · 2⁴ = 8000. At exactly 9 hours the value equals 4000, not exceeds it.

Question 50Academic Foundation (English, Mathematics, Science)

A cadet's report states: 'The evidence was inconclusive; the committee nonetheless recommended further testing.' Which best describes the relationship between the two clauses?

  1. The second clause states a result that occurs despite the first. Correct answer.
  2. The second clause contradicts the first.
  3. The second clause gives a cause for the first.
  4. The second clause restates the first in different words.

Explanation

'Nonetheless' is a concessive adverb signalling that the recommendation happened in spite of the inconclusive evidence. The two clauses are in contrast, not in a cause–effect or restatement relationship. Recognising the function of the transition word is the key.