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CHEMISTRY, M3 EQ-Bank 2 MC

Which of the following equations involving sulfur compounds represents a synthesis reaction?

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Show Worked Solution

→ A synthesis reaction is one where two or more reactants (sulfur dioxide and oxygen) combine to form a more complex product (sulfur trioxide).

BIOLOGY, M3 EQ-Bank 2

  1. Define convergent evolution within the context of Darwin and Wallace's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.   (1 mark)

  2. Describe two key principles of natural selection that lead to convergent evolution.   (2 marks)

  3. Provide two examples of convergent evolution, one involving Australian fauna and one non-Australian, explaining how each demonstrates the process of natural selection.   (2 marks)

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a.   Convergent evolution definition:

→ The process by which unrelated organisms develop similar traits or features as a result of adapting to similar environmental pressures or ecological niches.
 

b.   Key principles that lead to convergent evolution:

→ Natural selection acts on existing variations within populations, favouring traits that enhance survival and reproduction in specific environments.

→ When unrelated organisms face similar environmental challenges, natural selection can lead to the evolution of similar adaptations, even in distantly related species.

→ This process occurs independently in each lineage, resulting in analogous structures or behaviours that serve similar functions but have different evolutionary origins.
 

c.   Australian fauna (example):

→ The similarity between the marsupial Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) and the placental grey wolf is an example of convergent evolution.

→ Despite their distant relationship, both evolved similar body shapes, jaw structures, and striped patterns due to adapting to similar predatory lifestyles. 
 

Non-Australian (example):

→ The similar body shapes of sharks and dolphins is another example of convergent evolution.

→ Though one is a fish and the other a mammal, both have evolved streamlined bodies, dorsal fins, and tail flukes as adaptations for efficient swimming in marine environments.

→ This demonstrates how natural selection can produce similar outcomes in response to comparable environmental pressures.

Show Worked Solution

a.   Convergent evolution definition:

→ The process by which unrelated organisms develop similar traits or features as a result of adapting to similar environmental pressures or ecological niches.
 

b.   Key principles that lead to convergent evolution:

→ Natural selection acts on existing variations within populations, favouring traits that enhance survival and reproduction in specific environments.

→ When unrelated organisms face similar environmental challenges, natural selection can lead to the evolution of similar adaptations, even in distantly related species.

→ This process occurs independently in each lineage, resulting in analogous structures or behaviours that serve similar functions but have different evolutionary origins.
 

c.   Australian fauna (example):

→ The similarity between the marsupial Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) and the placental grey wolf is an example of convergent evolution.

→ Despite their distant relationship, both evolved similar body shapes, jaw structures, and striped patterns due to adapting to similar predatory lifestyles. 
 

Non-Australian (example):

→ The similar body shapes of sharks and dolphins is another example of convergent evolution.

→ Though one is a fish and the other a mammal, both have evolved streamlined bodies, dorsal fins, and tail flukes as adaptations for efficient swimming in marine environments.

→ This demonstrates how natural selection can produce similar outcomes in response to comparable environmental pressures.

BIOLOGY, M3 EQ-Bank 2 MC

Which of the following is an example of a behavioural adaptation in Australian wildlife?

  1. The waxy cuticle on eucalyptus leaves .
  2. The salt glands in marine birds.
  3. The burrowing of the desert frill-neck lizard during extreme heat.
  4. The pouch of a kangaroo.
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Show Worked Solution

→ The burrowing of the desert frill-neck lizard during extreme heat is a behavioural adaptation because it’s a learned action that helps the animal cope with environmental challenges, rather than a physical feature or internal process.

CHEMISTRY, M3 EQ-Bank 5 MC

Which of the following best explains how an increase in temperature affects the rate of a chemical reaction?

  1. It increases the energy of the products, making the reaction proceed faster.
  2. It increases the frequency and energy of collisions between reactant molecules.
  3. It decreases the activation energy needed for the reaction.
  4. It decreases the concentration of the reactants, slowing the reaction.
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Show Worked Solution

→ Increasing the temperature raises the kinetic energy of the reactant molecules, which increases both the frequency of collisions and the energy of these collisions.

→ More frequent and higher-energy collisions result in a higher likelihood of successful collisions that overcome the activation energy, thereby speeding up the reaction.

→ Therefore, the rate of reaction increases with temperature.

BIOLOGY, M3 EQ-Bank 1

Describe the concept of structural adaptation in living organisms. In your answer, one example of a structural adaptation in a plant species and one example in an animal species.   (3 marks)

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→ A structural adaptation refers to a physical feature of an organism that has evolved over time to enhance its survival in a specific environment.

→ Plant example: Many Australian eucalyptus species have a thick, waxy cuticle on their leaves which helps reduce water loss in arid conditions.

→ Animal example: The streamlined body shape of dolphins is a structural adaptation that allows for efficient movement through water, reducing drag and enabling high-speed swimming. 

Show Worked Solution

→ A structural adaptation refers to a physical feature of an organism that has evolved over time to enhance its survival in a specific environment.

→ Plant example: Many Australian eucalyptus species have a thick, waxy cuticle on their leaves which helps reduce water loss in arid conditions.

→ Animal example: The streamlined body shape of dolphins is a structural adaptation that allows for efficient movement through water, reducing drag and enabling high-speed swimming. 

CHEMISTRY, M3 EQ-Bank 11

Brian measured the reaction rate of 0.5 g of sodium metal in 2.0 mol/L nitric acid. The volume of hydrogen gas produced per minute was recorded both without a catalyst and with copper as a catalyst.

  1. On the grid below, plot a line graph for the data in the table.   (3 marks)
     
  2. Write a conclusion for the experiment.   (2 marks)

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a.    
       

b.   Experiment conclusion:

→ The rate of reaction was significantly faster when copper was used as a catalyst compared to when no catalyst was present.

→ This is because the copper catalyst provided an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, allowing the reactant particles to collide more frequently and effectively.

Show Worked Solution

a.   
     

b.   Experiment conclusion:

→ The rate of reaction was significantly faster when copper was used as a catalyst compared to when no catalyst was present.

→ This is because the copper catalyst provided an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, allowing the reactant particles to collide more frequently and effectively.

BIOLOGY, M3 EQ-Bank 2

Describe, providing an example, an abiotic factor that could act as a selection pressure in

  1. a desert ecosystem.   (2 marks)
  2. an aquatic ecosystem.   (2 marks)
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a.   Desert ecosystem:

→ An abiotic factor acting as a selection pressure is extremely low rainfall/moisture.

→ For example, the thorny devil lizard has evolved a unique skin structure that allows it to collect and channel water to its mouth from any part of its body, enabling it to survive in extremely arid conditions.
 

b.   Aquatic ecosystem:

→ In an aquatic ecosystem, water temperature can act as a significant abiotic selection pressure.

→ The Great Barrier Reef, for example, experiences coral bleaching events when water temperatures rise. These events stress the coral and if prolonged, can potentially kill the coral. 

Show Worked Solution

a.   Desert ecosystem:

→ An abiotic factor acting as a selection pressure is extremely low rainfall/moisture.

→ For example, the thorny devil lizard has evolved a unique skin structure that allows it to collect and channel water to its mouth from any part of its body, enabling it to survive in extremely arid conditions.
 

b.   Aquatic ecosystem:

→ In an aquatic ecosystem, water temperature can act as a significant abiotic selection pressure.

→ The Great Barrier Reef, for example, experiences coral bleaching events when water temperatures rise. These events stress the coral and if prolonged, can potentially kill the coral. 

BIOLOGY, M3 EQ-Bank 3 MC

In a coral reef ecosystem, which of the following scenarios represents a biotic selection pressure rather than an abiotic one?

  1. An increase in water temperature due to climate change.
  2. An outbreak of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish.
  3. A rise in sea level causing deeper water over the reef.
  4. An increase in water acidity due to higher atmospheric .
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Show Worked Solution

→ An outbreak of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish is a biotic selection pressure because it involves the direct interaction between living organisms (the starfish and the coral).

→ The other options are abiotic factors related to physical or chemical changes in the environment.

CHEMISTRY, M3 EQ-Bank 2 MC

Select the correct characteristic of a catalyst from the options below:

  1. A catalyst slows down the rate of reaction
  2. A catalyst doubles during a chemical reaction
  3. A catalyst is used up in a chemical reaction
  4. A catalyst speeds up the rate of reaction
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Show Worked Solution

→ A catalyst speeds up the rate of a reaction by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy.

→ It remains chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction and is not consumed during the process.

CHEMISTRY, M3 EQ-Bank 10

A student conducted a series of  investigations where 8.50 g of sodium carbonate was reacted with excess nitric acid at a temperature of 25°C and 100 kPa. The volume of carbon dioxide gas produced was measured at regular intervals during each investigation. In experiment A, sodium carbonate was provided as large crystals, and in experiment B, it was supplied in powdered form.

Both reactions produced 1.988 L of however experiment B finished reacting before experiment A finished reacting.

  1. Explain why experiment B had a faster rate of reaction than experiment A.   (1 mark)
  1. Using the volume of produced, calculate the maximum mass of carbon dioxide produced in the reaction.   (3 marks)
  1. Explain why both experiments produced in the same volume of carbon dioxide.   (1 mark)
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a.   Experiment B faster than experiment A:

→ In experiment B, the surface area of the sodium carbonate was greater than in experiment A due to it being in a powdered form.

→ Thus, there are a greater number of collisions able to occur in experiment B, leading to a greater number of successful collisions.

→ Overall this allows the rate of reaction of experiment B to be greater than that of experiment A.

b.    

c.   Reasons why same volume produced:

→ Both experiments used the same amount of sodium carbonate reacting with excess hydrochloric acid.

→ The maximum amount of carbon dioxide produced is dependent on how much sodium carbonate reacted.

→ As the initial mass of sodium carbonate is the same in both reaction and both reactions went until completion, the volume of carbon dioxide will be the same despite the different rates of reaction between experiment A and B.

Show Worked Solution

a.   Experiment B faster than experiment A:

→ In experiment B, the surface area of the sodium carbonate was greater than in experiment A due to it being in a powdered form.

→ Thus, there are a greater number of collisions able to occur in experiment B, leading to a greater number of successful collisions.

→ Overall this allows the rate of reaction of experiment B to be greater than that of experiment A.
 

b.   The maximum volume of carbon dioxide produced is 1.988 L.

→ At SLC (standard laboratory conditions), the 1 mole of gas takes up 24.79 L.

→

→
 

c.   Reasons why same volume produced:

→ Both experiments used the same amount of sodium carbonate reacting with excess hydrochloric acid.

→ The maximum amount of carbon dioxide produced is dependent on how much sodium carbonate reacted.

→ As the initial mass of sodium carbonate is the same in both reaction and both reactions went until completion, the volume of carbon dioxide will be the same despite the different rates of reaction between experiment A and B.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 3 MC

Which of the following plant tissues is responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves?

  1. Phloem
  2. Xylem
  3. Epidermis
  4. Palisade mesophyll
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Show Worked Solution

→ Xylem is the vascular tissue responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves in plants.

CHEMISTRY, M2 EQ-Bank 8v3

  1. Consider the compounds ethanol (), formaldehyde (), and acetic acid ().
    Identify which TWO of these compounds have the same empirical formula and justify your choice.    (2 marks)

  2. The empirical formula of a compound is and its molar mass is determined to be 243.3 g mol.
    Calculate the molecular formula of this compound.    (3 marks)
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a.    Formaldehyde () and acetic acid () have the same empirical formula of .

b.    The molecular formula of the compound is .

Show Worked Solution

a.    Determine the empirical formula of each compound:

Ethanol ():

Formaldehyde ():

Acetic acid ():

Formaldehyde and acetic acid have the same empirical formula of .

b.     Calculate the molar mass of the empirical formula :

Determine the ratio of the molar mass of the compound to the molar mass of the empirical formula:

Multiply the subscripts in the empirical formula by 3 to get the molecular formula:

Thus, the molecular formula of the compound is .

CHEMISTRY, M2 EQ-Bank 8v2

  1. Consider the compounds glyceraldehyde (), glycolic acid (), and ribose ().
    Identify which TWO of these compounds have the same empirical formula and justify your choice.    (2 marks)

  2. The empirical formula of a compound is and its molar mass is determined to be 114.14 g mol.
    Calculate the molecular formula of this compound.    (3 marks)
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a.    glyceraldehyde () and ribose () have the same empirical formula of .

b.    The molecular formula of the compound is .

Show Worked Solution

a.    Determine the empirical formula of each compound:

Glyceraldehyde ():

Glycolic acid ():

Ribose ():

Acetone and ribose have the same empirical formula of .

b.    Calculate the molar mass of the empirical formula :

Determine the ratio of the molar mass of the compound to the molar mass of the empirical formula:

Multiply the subscripts in the empirical formula by 2 to get the molecular formula:

Thus, the molecular formula of the compound is .

CHEMISTRY, M4 EQ-Bank 7

Bond energies can be used to estimate the enthalpy change of a reaction. The equation for the combustion of methane is shown below:

Given the following bond energies:

  • bond: 412 kJ mol
  • bond: 498 kJ mol
  • bond: 805 kJ mol
  • bond: 463 kJ mol

Calculate the total bond energy of the products.   (2 marks)

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Show Worked Solution

→ Total bond energy of 1 mole of

→ Total bond energy of 2 mole of

→ Thus the total bond energy of the products is

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 10

Explain how physical and chemical digestion work together in mammals to improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption.   (3 marks)

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→ Physical and chemical digestion work together synergistically to improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption in mammals.

→ For example, in the stomach, muscular contractions churn food, breaking it into smaller pieces and increasing its surface area.

→ This increased surface area allows the chemical digestive processes to work more effectively on the food particles.

→ The combined action continues in the small intestine, where physical segmentation movements mix the chyme with digestive enzymes, further breaking down nutrients chemically.

→ This teamwork between physical and chemical processes ensures that nutrients are broken down into their simplest forms, maximising their absorption through the intestinal wall.

Show Worked Solution

→ Physical and chemical digestion work together synergistically to improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption in mammals.

→ For example, in the stomach, muscular contractions churn food, breaking it into smaller pieces and increasing its surface area.

→ This increased surface area allows the chemical digestive processes to work more effectively on the food particles.

→ The combined action continues in the small intestine, where physical segmentation movements mix the chyme with digestive enzymes, further breaking down nutrients chemically.

→ This teamwork between physical and chemical processes ensures that nutrients are broken down into their simplest forms, maximising their absorption through the intestinal wall.

CHEMISTRY, M4 EQ-Bank 3

The combustion of methane is represented by the following equation:

Calculate the energy change when 3 moles of methane are combusted.   (2 marks)

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Show Worked Solution

→ The enthalpy change for 1 mole of methane is given as .

→ For 3 moles of methane, the energy change is:

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 3

  1. Write a word equation that describes the process of photosynthesis.   (1 mark)
  2. Outline the distribution and uses of photosynthetic products in plants.   (3 marks)
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a.   
           

b.   Glucose:

→ The primary product of photosynthesis is glucose, which can be transported via the phloem to other parts of the plant, such as roots, fruits, or growing tissues. 

→ Alternatively, it can be converted to starch for short-term storage in leaves or transported to roots or other storage organs for long-term storage.
 

Oxygen:

→ Oxygen is produced as a byproduct and released into the atmosphere through the stomata, although some is used by the plant for its own cellular respiration processes.

Show Worked Solution

a.   
           

b.   Glucose:

→ The primary product of photosynthesis is glucose, which can be transported via the phloem to other parts of the plant, such as roots, fruits, or growing tissues. 

→ Alternatively, it can be converted to starch for short-term storage in leaves or transported to roots or other storage organs for long-term storage.
 

Oxygen:

→ Oxygen is produced as a byproduct and released into the atmosphere through the stomata, although some is used by the plant for its own cellular respiration processes.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 8

Epidermal tissues in plants can be compared to the epithelium in animals.

  1. Describe one structural similarity between these tissue types.   (1 mark)

  2. Explain one functional similarity they share.   (1 mark)

  3. Discuss how both tissues contribute to their respective organism's interaction with the environment.   (2 marks)

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a.   Structural similarity could include one of the following:

→ Both plant epidermal tissue and animal epithelium form a single layer of tightly packed cells that cover the outer surfaces of the organism.

→ Both types of tissue are typically attached to a basement membrane that separates them from underlying tissues.
 

b.   Functional similarity could include one of the following:

→ Both tissue types serve as a protective barrier, shielding the underlying tissues from physical damage.

→ Both tissue types can provide protection from pathogens and excessive water loss.
 

c.   Interaction with the environment:

→ In plants, the epidermis regulates gas exchange through stomata and may produce structures like trichomes for protection or water conservation.

→ Similarly, in animals, the epithelium can be specialised for absorption, allowing the organism to respond to various environmental stimuli.

Show Worked Solution

a.   Structural similarity could include one of the following:

→ Both plant epidermal tissue and animal epithelium form a single layer of tightly packed cells that cover the outer surfaces of the organism.

→ Both types of tissue are typically attached to a basement membrane that separates them from underlying tissues.
 

b.   Functional similarity could include one of the following:

→ Both tissue types serve as a protective barrier, shielding the underlying tissues from physical damage.

→ Both tissue types can provide protection from pathogens and excessive water loss.
 

c.   Interaction with the environment:

→ In plants, the epidermis regulates gas exchange through stomata and may produce structures like trichomes for protection or water conservation.

→ Similarly, in animals, the epithelium can be specialised for absorption, allowing the organism to respond to various environmental stimuli.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 5

  1. Define cell differentiation.   (1 mark)

  2. Explain one factor that influences cell differentiation.   (1 mark)

  3. Discuss why cell differentiation is crucial for the functioning of complex organisms.   (2 marks)

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a.   Cell differentiation:

→ The process by which a less specialised cell becomes a more specialised cell type with a specific structure and function.
 

b.   Factors that influence cell differentiation (include one of the following):

→ The timing of gene activation during development, which can determine what type of cell a stem cell becomes

→ The presence of specific growth factors or signalling molecules in the cell’s environment, which can activate or repress certain genes.

→ A cell’s position within an embryo or tissue, which exposes it to different chemical signals from neighbouring cells.
 

c.    Reasons cell differentiation is crucial for the functioning of complex organisms:

→ It allows for the development of specialised tissues and organs, each performing specific functions more efficiently than generalised cells could.

→ This specialisation enables the division of labor within the organism, leading to more complex and sophisticated biological processes.

→ Cell differentiation also allows multicellular organisms to develop intricate body plans and respond more effectively to their environment, ultimately enhancing their survival and reproductive success.

Show Worked Solution

a.   Cell differentiation:

→ The process by which a less specialised cell becomes a more specialised cell type with a specific structure and function.
 

b.   Factors that influence cell differentiation (include one of the following):

→ The timing of gene activation during development, which can determine what type of cell a stem cell becomes

→ The presence of specific growth factors or signalling molecules in the cell’s environment, which can activate or repress certain genes.

→ A cell’s position within an embryo or tissue, which exposes it to different chemical signals from neighbouring cells.
 

c.    Reasons cell differentiation is crucial for the functioning of complex organisms:

→ It allows for the development of specialised tissues and organs, each performing specific functions more efficiently than generalised cells could.

→ This specialisation enables the division of labor within the organism, leading to more complex and sophisticated biological processes.

→ Cell differentiation also allows multicellular organisms to develop intricate body plans and respond more effectively to their environment, ultimately enhancing their survival and reproductive success.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 7 MC

In the human body, which of the following is an example of tissue?

  1. A single red blood cell
  2. The entire heart
  3. Skeletal muscle
  4. The circulatory system
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Show Worked Solution

→ Skeletal muscle is an example of tissue because it consists of multiple similar cells (muscle fibres) working together to perform a specific function (contraction for movement), which is characteristic of a tissue in multicellular organisms.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 6 MC

Which of the following correctly orders the levels of organisation in a multicellular organism from smallest to largest?

  1. Cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism
  2. Organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system
  3. Tissue, cell, organ, organ system, organism
  4. Cell, organelle, tissue, organ, organism
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Show Worked Solution

→ The correct hierarchical order is: organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 4 MC

Which of the following statements correctly compares unicellular and multicellular organisms?

  1. Unicellular organisms have specialised cells, while multicellular organisms do not.
  2. Multicellular organisms have a nucleus, while unicellular organisms do not.
  3. Unicellular organisms perform all life functions within a single cell, while multicellular organisms have specialised cells for different functions.
  4. Multicellular organisms are always larger than unicellular organisms.
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Show Worked Solution

→ Unicellular organisms perform all life functions within a single cell.

→ Multicellular organisms have specialiSed cells that perform specific functions, allowing for a division of labor within the organism.

Calculus, EXT1 C1 EQ-Bank 2

75 Tasmanian Devils are placed in a Devil's Ark sanctuary that can support a maximum population of 500 devils. The increase in the devil population is proportional to the difference between the devil population and the number of devils that the sanctuary can support.

  1. Show that    is a solution to the differential equation , where is the current devil population, is time in years and is the constant of proportionality.   (1 mark)

  2. After two years, the population has grown to 245. Show that  , correct to three significant figures.   (2 marks)

  3. Hence, determine how many devils will be on the island after 5 years.  (1 mark)

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a.   
 
   
   

 
b.   

 
c.  

Show Worked Solution

a.   
 
   
   

 
b.   

 
c.   

 
   
   

CHEMISTRY, M4 EQ-Bank 15

A wide range of chemical reactions take place in the combustion chamber of car engines. One such reaction occurs when carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide:

The following values were obtained under standard conditions:

  1. Calculate the Gibbs free energy for the above reaction at 298 K.   (2 marks)
  1. Explain the effect of enthalpy and entropy on the spontaneity of this reaction.   (3 marks)
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a.   

b.    Effect of enthalpy and entropy on spontaneity:

→ Since the entropy value for this reaction is positive, the reaction is considered to be entropy-driven as this will drive towards a negative value for the Gibbs free energy and contribute to the reaction being spontaneous.

→ However, the enthalpy value of this reaction is also positive, which does not contribute towards a negative value for the Gibbs free energy and in turn contributes towards making this reaction non-spontaneous.

→ Since the magnitude of the enthalpy value is greater, the entropy drive is unable to overcome this and results in a non-spontaneous reaction overall.

Show Worked Solution

a.    Using the Gibbs free energy equation:

Convert to :

.

Now, substitute the values into the equation:

Since , the reaction is non-spontaneous.

 

b.    Effect of enthalpy and entropy on spontaneity:

→ Since the entropy value for this reaction is positive, the reaction is considered to be entropy-driven as this will drive towards a negative value for the Gibbs free energy and contribute to the reaction being spontaneous.

→ However, the enthalpy value of this reaction is also positive, which does not contribute towards a negative value for the Gibbs free energy and in turn contributes towards making this reaction non-spontaneous.

→ Since the magnitude of the enthalpy value is greater, the entropy drive is unable to overcome this and results in a non-spontaneous reaction overall.

Combinatorics, EXT1 A1 EQ-Bank 3

Four girls and four boys are to be seated around a circular table. In how many ways can the eight children be seated if:

  1. there are no restrictions?   (1 mark)

  2. the two tallest boys must not be seated next to each other?   (1 mark)

  3. the two youngest children sit together?   (1 mark)

Show Answers Only

a.   

b.   

c.   

Show Worked Solution

a.   


 

b.   


 

c.  

Calculus, 2ADV C1 EQ-Bank 8

The displacement metres from the origin at time, seconds, of a particle travelling in a straight line is given by

  1. Find the time(s) when the particle is at the origin.  (2 marks)
  2. On the graph below, sketch the displacement, metres, with respect to time .  (2 marks)

       
     

  3. Find the acceleration of the particle when  .  (2 marks)

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a. 

b.
       
 

c.   

Show Worked Solution

a.   
   
   

 

 
b.
       
 

c.   

Calculus, 2ADV C1 EQ-Bank 5

A magpie plague hit Raymond Terrace this year but was eventually brought under control. A bird researcher estimated that the magpie population , in hundreds, months after 1st January, was given by 

  1. Find the magpie population on 1st March.   (1 mark)
  2. At what rate was the population changing at this time?   (1 mark)
  3. In what month does the magpie population start to decrease?   (2 marks)
Show Answers Only

a.   

b.   

c.   

Show Worked Solution

a.   


 

b.   


 

c.    

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 3 MC

How do specialised cells within an organ contribute to the organ's overall function?

  1. Specialised cells each perform a different task unrelated to the organ’s main function.
  2. Specialised cells work independently, without interacting with other cells in the organ.
  3. Specialised cells work together, each contributing to the organ’s overall function by performing specific tasks.
  4. Specialised cells can revert to their original form if the organ malfunctions.
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Show Worked Solution

→ In organs, specialised cells perform different but complementary functions.

→ For example, in the heart, muscle cells contract to pump blood, while pacemaker cells regulate the heartbeat, ensuring that the organ functions as a whole to support the body’s needs.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 2 MC

Which of the following best describes the relationship between cell differentiation and tissue formation in multicellular organisms?

  1. All cells remain identical throughout the organism's life, regardless of function.
  2. Cells differentiate to perform specific functions, forming tissues made of similar cells.
  3. Cells differentiate randomly without regard to the type of tissue they form.
  4. Differentiated cells lose the ability to form tissues or organs.
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Show Worked Solution

→ In multicellular organisms, cell differentiation allows cells to become specialised for specific tasks, such as muscle contraction or nerve signalling.

→ These specialised cells group together to form tissues, which then work collectively to perform particular functions within organs and systems.

BIOLOGY, M1 EQ-Bank 2

  1. Describe the role of two cell organelles found in eukaryotic cells.   (2 marks)

  2. How do specialised organelles contribute to the efficient functioning of eukaryotic cells, compared to prokaryotic cells?   (2 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.    Answers could include any two of the following:

→ Nucleus – the nucleus contains the cell’s genetic material and regulates gene expression.

→ Mitochondria – generates ATP through cellular respiration, providing energy for the cell’s functions.

→ Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) – helps synthesise proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER), contributing to various cell processes.
 

b.    → Specialised organelles allow eukaryotic cells to compartmentalise tasks.

→ This increases metabolic efficiency and enables complex processes to occur within the cell.

→ In contrast, prokaryotic cells, lacking organelles, must perform all functions in the cytoplasm, limiting their ability to handle as many simultaneous or specialised activities as eukaryotic cells.

Show Worked Solution

a.    Answers could include any two of the following:

→ Nucleus – the nucleus contains the cell’s genetic material and regulates gene expression.

→ Mitochondria – generates ATP through cellular respiration, providing energy for the cell’s functions.

→ Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) – helps synthesise proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER), contributing to various cell processes.
 

b.    → Specialised organelles allow eukaryotic cells to compartmentalise tasks.

→ This increases metabolic efficiency and enables complex processes to occur within the cell.

→ In contrast, prokaryotic cells, lacking organelles, must perform all functions in the cytoplasm, limiting their ability to handle as many simultaneous or specialised activities as eukaryotic cells.

BIOLOGY, M1 EQ-Bank 1

  1. Compare the structural and functional differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.   (2 marks)

  2. Discuss how these differences influence the complexity and organisation of organisms that consist of these cell types.   (2 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.    Structural and functional differences:

→ Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus, with their DNA free-floating in the cytoplasm.

→ Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, have a membrane-bound nucleus and various organelles such as mitochondria, which allow compartmentalisation of functions.

→ This structural difference enables eukaryotes to perform more complex processes, while prokaryotes are limited to simpler metabolic activities.
 

b.    → Eukarytic organisms can manage multiple, specialised functions simultaneously.

→ This supports greater complexity in multicellular organisms and leads to highly organised systems with differentiated tissues and organs.

→ Prokaryotic organisms remain unicellular or simple multicellular forms, with all functions occurring in the same space.

Show Worked Solution

a.    Structural and functional differences:

→ Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus, with their DNA free-floating in the cytoplasm.

→ Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, have a membrane-bound nucleus and various organelles such as mitochondria, which allow compartmentalisation of functions.

→ This structural difference enables eukaryotes to perform more complex processes, while prokaryotes are limited to simpler metabolic activities.
 

b.    → Eukarytic organisms can manage multiple, specialised functions simultaneously.

→ This supports greater complexity in multicellular organisms and leads to highly organised systems with differentiated tissues and organs.

→ Prokaryotic organisms remain unicellular or simple multicellular forms, with all functions occurring in the same space.

BIOLOGY, M1 EQ-Bank 3 MC

Which of the following is a key structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  1. Prokaryotic cells have mitochondria, while eukaryotic cells do not.
  2. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus.
  3. Eukaryotic cells have a cell wall, while prokaryotic cells do not.
  4. Prokaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do not.
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Show Worked Solution

→ Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, whereas eukaryotic cells have a well-defined nucleus that encloses their DNA.

BIOLOGY, M6 2020 VCE 29 MC

A small sample of DNA was obtained from a fossil. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the amount of DNA obtained from the sample.

Which one of the following is a correct statement regarding the PCR process?

  1. DNA polymerase catalyses the pairing of primers with complementary nucleotides.
  2. RNA polymerase catalyses the additions of nucleotides to a DNA strand.
  3. Annealing and extension of the DNA occur at different temperatures.
  4. The number of copies of the DNA is quadrupled in each cycle.
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Show Worked Solution

Features of the PCR process:

→ the annealing step, where the primers bind to the template DNA, occurs at a low temperature

→ the extension step, where DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, occurs at a higher temperature.

BIOLOGY, M6 2020 VCE 27*

Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) were originally broadly distributed across Australia. When sea levels rose 12 000 years ago, an island, now referred to as Tasmania, was formed. The small number of Tasmanian devils on Tasmania was cut off from the Australian mainland populations. The population in Tasmania showed less genetic variation than the mainland populations. Mainland populations became extinct approximately 3000 years ago.

Over the last 20 years, the total Tasmanian devil population on Tasmania has halved. Many of the deaths have been the result of Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). Scientists have taken some Tasmanian devils that do not have DFTD to mainland Australia to set up a conservation program. The scientists have shown that greater genetic diversity among offspring in this program is observed when the Tasmanian devils are kept in isolated male-female pairs rather than in larger groups.

Giving reasons, describe if the conservation program for Tasmanian devils is an example of

  1. allopatric speciation   (1 mark)

  2. selective breeding   (1 mark)

  3. natural selection   (1 mark)

Show Answers Only

i.    Allopatric speciation – No

→  Involves the formation of new species due to geographic isolation whereas the program focuses on preserving the existing Tasmanian devil species.
 

ii.   Selective breeding – Yes

→ Scientists are intentionally choosing which Tasmanian devils to breed together based on their genetic diversity.
 

iii.  Natural selection – No

→ Natural selection is the differential survival and reproduction based on inherited traits.

→ The program involves intentional breeding decisions by scientists.

Show Worked Solution

i.    Allopatric speciation – No

→  Involves the formation of new species due to geographic isolation whereas the program focuses on preserving the existing Tasmanian devil species.
 

ii.   Selective breeding – Yes

→ Scientists are intentionally choosing which Tasmanian devils to breed together based on their genetic diversity.
 

iii.  Natural selection – No

→ Natural selection is the differential survival and reproduction based on inherited traits.

→ The program involves intentional breeding decisions by scientists.

BIOLOGY, M6 2021 VCE 20 MC

The diagram below shows the chromosomes from two different but related plant species.
 

Compare the chromosomes of the two plant species.

The differences seen in the chromosomes of Plant species 2 compared to the chromosomes of Plant species 1 can be described as

  1. aneuploidy.
  2. polyploidy.
  3. triploidy.
  4. trisomy.
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Show Worked Solution

→ Polyploidy – the cells of an organism have more than one pair of (homologous) chromosomes.

CHEMISTRY, M8 EQ-Bank 5

A chemical reaction occurs at a constant temperature.

Describe the effect on the yield if

  1. the value of the equilibrium expression is higher.   (2 marks)
  2. the activation energy of the reaction is decreased.   (2 marks)
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a.   Equilibrium expression is higher:

→ The equilibrium expression shows the ratio of reactants to products in a chemical equation.

→ A higher value for the equilibrium expression suggests a higher proportion of products / increased product concentration compared to reactants, and hence a higher yield.
 

b.   The activation energy is decreased:

→ A decrease in activation energy increases the reaction rate and allows the system to get to equilibrium faster.

→ This has no effect on the equilibrium yield which remains the same.

Show Worked Solution

a.   Equilibrium expression is higher:

→ The equilibrium expression shows the ratio of reactants to products in a chemical equation.

→ A higher value for the equilibrium expression suggests a higher proportion of products / increased product concentration compared to reactants, and hence a higher yield.
 

b.   The activation energy is decreased:

→ A decrease in activation energy increases the reaction rate and allows the system to get to equilibrium faster.

→ This has no effect on the equilibrium yield which remains the same.

v1 Algebra, STD2 A4 2020 HSC 24

There are two tanks at an industrial plant, Tank A and Tank B. Initially, Tank A holds 2520 litres of liquid fertiliser and Tank B is empty.

  1. Tank A begins to empty liquid fertiliser into a transport vehicle at a constant rate of 40 litres per minute.

     

    The volume of liquid fertiliser in Tank A is modelled by    where is the volume in litres and  is the time in minutes from when the tank begins to drain the fertiliser.

     

    On the grid below, draw the graph of this model and label it as Tank A.   (1 mark)
     

     

  2. Tank B remains empty until    when liquid fertiliser is added to it at a constant rate of 60 litres per minute.
     By drawing a line on the grid (above), or otherwise, find the value of    when the two tanks contain the same volume of liquid fertiliser.  (2 marks)

  3. Using the graphs drawn, or otherwise, find the value of    (where  ) when the total volume of liquid fertiliser in the two tanks is 1400 litres.  (1 mark)

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  1.  
      
Show Worked Solution

a.    
 

 

b.     
 

 

c.  


  

♦♦ Mean mark part (c) 22%.

v1 Algebra, STD2 A4 2019 HSC 36

A small business makes and dog kennels.

Technology was used to draw straight-line graphs to represent the cost of making the dog kennels and the revenue from selling dog kennels . The -axis displays the number of dog kennels and the -axis displays the cost/revenue in dollars.
 


 

  1. How many dog kennels need to sold to break even?  (1 mark)

  2. By first forming equations for cost and revenue , determine how many dog kennels need to be sold to earn a profit of $2500.  (3 marks)

Show Answers Only
Show Worked Solution

a. 

  

b.   


   


 

  


♦♦ Mean mark 28%.

v1 Algebra, STD2 A4 2023 HSC 21

Electricity provider charges 30 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity, plus a fixed monthly charge of $90.

  1. Complete the table showing Provider 's monthly charges for different levels of electricity usage.   (1 mark)


Provider charges 52.5 cents per kWh, with no fixed monthly charge. The graph shows how Provider 's charges vary with the amount of electricity used in a month.
 

 
  1. On the grid above, graph Provider 's charges from the table in part (a).   (1 mark)
  2. Use the two graphs to determine the number of kilowatt hours per month for which Provider and Provider charge the same amount.   (1 mark)

  3. A customer uses an average of 600 kWh per month.
  4. Which provider, or , would be the cheaper option and by how much?   (2 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.   

b.    
         

c.   

d.   

Show Worked Solution

a.   

b. 
          
 

c.   


 

d.    

v1 Algebra, STD2 A4 2018 HSC 27d

The graph displays the cost () charged by two companies for the hire of a jetski for hours.
 


  

Both companies charge $450 for the hire of a jetski for 5 hours.

  1. What is the hourly rate charged by Company A?  (1 mark)

  2. Company B charges an initial booking fee of $80.

     

    Write a formula, in the of  , for the cost of hiring a jetski from Company B for hours.  (2 marks)

  3. A jetski is hired for 7 hours from Company B.

     

    Calculate how much cheaper this is than hiring from Company A.  (2 marks)

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Show Worked Solution
i.   
   

 

ii.   


 

iii.   
 

 

v1 Algebra, STD2 A2 2010 HSC 27c

The graph shows tax payable against taxable income, in thousands of dollars.
  

  1. Use the graph to find the tax payable on a taxable income of .  (1 mark)

  2. Use suitable points from the graph to show that the gradient of the section of the graph marked    is  .    (1 mark)

  3. How much of each dollar earned between    and  is payable in tax? Give your answer correct to the nearest whole number.   (1 mark)

  4. Write an equation that could be used to calculate the tax payable, , in terms of the taxable income, , for taxable incomes between    and  .   (2 marks)

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Show Worked Solution
i.   

  

ii. 

 
 
 

♦♦ Mean mark (ii) 25%.

iii. 

 

♦♦♦ Mean mark (iii) 12%!
MARKER’S COMMENT: Interpreting gradients is an examiner favourite, so make sure you are confident in this area.

iv. 

 
 

♦♦♦ Mean mark (iv) 15%.
STRATEGY: The earlier parts of this question direct students to the most efficient way to solve this question. Make sure earlier parts of a question are front and centre of your mind when devising strategy.

v1 Algebra, STD2 A2 2014 HSC 27b

Clara is comparing the costs of two different ways of travelling to work.

Clara’s motor scooter uses one litre of fuel for every 22 km travelled. The cost of fuel is $2.24/L and the distance from her home to the work car park is 33 km. The cost of travelling by bus and light rail is $35.80 for 10 single trips.

Which way of travelling is cheaper and by how much? Support your answer with calculations.  (2 marks)

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Show Worked Solution


  


 


  

v1 Algebra, STD2 A2 2016 HSC 29e

The graph shows the life expectancy of people born between 1900 and 2010.
 


  1. According to the graph, what is the life expectancy of a person born in 1968?  (1 mark)

  2. With reference to the value of the gradient, explain the meaning of the gradient in this context.  (2 marks)

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Show Worked Solution

i.   

ii.   

 
 

 

♦♦ Mean mark (ii) 33%.