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Quizzes > Science

8th Grade Physical Science: EOC Science Practice Test

Quick, free check for the 8th grade science EOC. Instant results and review links.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Himashu ShahUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 8
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting 8th Grade Science Sprint trivia challenge for middle school students.

This 20-question quiz helps you check your understanding for the 8th grade Physical Science EOC and see what to review next. Work through quick items on motion, forces, energy, waves, atoms, and reactions, then explore more with a basic electricity quiz, a chemistry quiz, or an earth science practice test.

What is the state of matter characterized by a fixed shape and volume?
Liquid
Plasma
Solid
Gas
A solid has a definite shape and volume because its particles are tightly arranged in a fixed pattern. This distinguishes it from liquids and gases, which can change shape.
Which tool is used to measure temperature?
Anemometer
Thermometer
Hygrometer
Barometer
A thermometer measures temperature by detecting heat energy. Other instruments like barometers, hygrometers, and anemometers measure atmospheric pressure, humidity, and wind speed respectively.
Which law of motion states that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a force?
Law of Conservation of Energy
Newton's Third Law
Newton's Second Law
Newton's First Law
Newton's First Law, also known as the law of inertia, explains that objects maintain their state of rest or constant velocity unless a net external force acts on them. This principle is fundamental to classical mechanics.
In an object at rest or in uniform motion, what energy is associated with its position?
Thermal Energy
Potential Energy
Kinetic Energy
Nuclear Energy
Potential energy is stored in an object due to its position, such as being raised in a gravitational field. This contrasts with kinetic energy, which is energy of motion.
What is the term for the repeating motion that creates a sound wave?
Vibration
Resonance
Reflection
Diffraction
Vibration is the rapid back-and-forth movement of an object that produces sound waves. This oscillatory motion is the primary source of sound in many everyday situations.
How does the particle arrangement differ between solids and liquids?
Both solids and liquids have particles in a rigid lattice structure.
Liquids have completely random particle arrangements with no interactions.
Solids have particles in a fixed arrangement; liquids have particles that are close but can move past one another.
Solids have loosely arranged particles while liquids have tightly packed particles.
In solids, particles are closely packed in a fixed and orderly structure, which gives them a definite shape and volume. In liquids, the particles are still in close proximity but have the freedom to move relative to each other, allowing the liquid to flow.
Which equation best represents Newton's Second Law of Motion?
F = a / m
F = m + a
F = m / a
F = ma
Newton's Second Law states that the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. This equation (F = ma) is fundamental in linking how forces affect motion.
What common energy transformation occurs in a swinging pendulum?
Electrical Energy transforms into Potential Energy.
Nuclear Energy transforms into Kinetic Energy.
Kinetic Energy transforms into Thermal Energy.
Potential Energy transforms into Kinetic Energy and vice versa.
A pendulum converts gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy as it swings downward, and then converts kinetic energy back into potential energy as it rises. This continuous exchange is a classic example of energy transformation and conservation.
When two forces act on an object in opposite directions, what determines its motion?
The gravitational force only.
The net force, which is the vector sum of the forces considering their direction.
The largest individual force regardless of direction.
Only the force acting on the object's center.
An object's motion is determined by the net force acting on it, which takes into account both magnitude and direction of all forces involved. This understanding is crucial for analyzing balanced and unbalanced force scenarios.
How does increasing the frequency of a wave affect its properties?
It has no effect on wavelength.
It decreases the wave speed.
It increases the amplitude.
It reduces the wavelength, assuming a constant wave speed.
For a wave traveling at a constant speed, an increase in frequency results in a shorter wavelength, as defined by the relationship v = fλ. This relationship is essential in understanding many wave phenomena.
In the context of light waves, what is refraction?
A change in direction when light passes from one medium to another.
Absorption of light by a surface.
Diffusion of light in all directions.
Bending of light around corners.
Refraction occurs when light passes from one medium into another and changes direction due to a change in its speed. This phenomenon is key to understanding optical devices like lenses.
What aspect of a sound wave primarily determines its volume?
Speed
Frequency
Wavelength
Amplitude
The amplitude of a sound wave represents its energy and directly affects its loudness. Higher amplitudes correspond to louder sounds, while lower amplitudes produce softer sounds.
What is a characteristic of a series circuit?
The voltage is the same across all components.
The same current flows through all components.
Components operate independently with separate currents.
It always requires multiple power sources.
In a series circuit, all components share the same current because they are connected end-to-end. The voltage, however, is divided among the components, which is a key point in circuit analysis.
Which component in a basic electrical circuit stores electrical energy in an electric field?
Battery
Inductor
Capacitor
Resistor
A capacitor stores energy in the form of an electric field between its plates. This stored energy can be discharged when needed, making capacitors critical in many electrical applications.
What information does the periodic table primarily provide about elements?
Atomic number, atomic mass, and chemical properties.
Only the number of protons.
Exclusive magnetic properties.
Physical state at room temperature only.
The periodic table organizes elements based on atomic number and groups them by similar chemical properties. It provides vital information such as atomic mass and electron configuration, which helps predict element behavior.
How is the law of conservation of energy demonstrated in a roller coaster's motion?
Kinetic energy continuously increases throughout the ride.
Potential energy is lost over time due to friction only.
Energy is created at the top of the hill and destroyed at the bottom.
The total energy (potential plus kinetic) remains constant, despite energy transforming between forms.
A roller coaster converts gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa, while the total energy remains approximately constant when ignoring energy losses. This exemplifies the conservation of energy in a closed system.
If a 5 kg object is raised to a height of 10 meters, what form of energy has increased, and what is its approximate value using g ≈ 10 m/s²?
Thermal energy increased by approximately 100 Joules.
Electrical energy increased by 5000 Joules.
Kinetic energy increased by 50 Joules.
Gravitational potential energy increased by approximately 500 Joules.
The gravitational potential energy change can be calculated with the formula mgh. For a 5 kg object at 10 meters with g ≈ 10 m/s², the energy change is 5 x 10 x 10 = 500 Joules, illustrating the basic energy calculation.
What effect does friction have on an object's acceleration when a force is applied?
Friction reverses the direction of acceleration.
Friction has no effect on acceleration.
Friction reduces the net force, thereby decreasing acceleration.
Friction increases acceleration by adding force.
Friction opposes the motion of an object, reducing the net force acting on it. As a result, the object's acceleration is lower than it would be in the absence of friction, in accordance with Newton's Second Law.
How does electromagnetic induction occur in a generator?
Cooling a coil induces a magnetic field.
Heating a magnet produces electricity.
Rotating a coil within a magnetic field induces an electrical current.
Vibrating a coil increases resistance to generate current.
Electromagnetic induction in a generator is achieved by rotating a coil within a magnetic field, which induces an electrical current according to Faraday's law. This process is fundamental in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
What phenomenon explains the formation of interference patterns in light waves?
Wave interference, where overlapping waves add constructively or destructively.
Reflection, where waves bounce off surfaces.
Diffraction, which prevents interference patterns.
Polarization, where waves align in one direction.
Interference patterns are created when light waves overlap and either reinforce or cancel each other out, a process known as wave interference. This concept is fundamental for understanding phenomena in advanced optics.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify core physical science principles, including matter, energy, and force.
  2. Analyze experiment data to determine the relationships between scientific variables.
  3. Apply key concepts to solve timed, real-world problems in physical science.
  4. Evaluate problem-solving strategies to identify areas for further review.
  5. Interpret practice quiz results to adjust study techniques for upcoming tests.

8th Grade Physical Science EOC Cheat Sheet

  1. Atoms: Building Blocks of Everything - Everything around you is made of atoms, tiny Lego-like pieces that snap together in countless ways. They may be small, but their interactions power the universe, from the air you breathe to the stars above.
  2. Density: The Mass‑to‑Volume Detective - Density tells you how tightly packed a substance is by comparing its mass to its volume (Density = Mass ÷ Volume). It's like figuring out if your backpack feels heavier because it's full of feathers or rocks!
  3. Physical vs. Chemical Changes - A physical change alters appearance (like ice melting) without creating a new substance, while a chemical change forms something brand-new (think rust on your bike). Spotting the difference is key to understanding everyday transformations.
  4. Law of Conservation of Mass - In any chemical reaction, mass is neither created nor destroyed - it just changes form. That means if you start with 10 grams of stuff, you'll end up with 10 grams of products and leftovers, even if you can't see them all!
  5. Elements, Compounds & Mixtures - Elements are pure substances made of one type of atom, compounds are two or more atoms chemically bonded, and mixtures blend substances without bonds. Learning their symbols and formulas helps you decode everything from H₂O to NaCl!
  6. Electricity & Magnetism: A Dynamic Duo - Electric currents can whip up magnetic fields, and moving magnets can spark electricity in wires - basically, they're two sides of the same energetic coin. This partnership powers motors, speakers, and even keeps compasses pointing north!
  7. States of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas & Plasma - Matter comes in four dramatic flavors: solids hold shape, liquids flow, gases expand, and plasmas glow with energy. It's all about how particles arrange and move - turn up the heat and watch solids melt into liquids and beyond!
  8. Periodic Table: Element Supermap - The periodic table organizes elements by atomic number, mass, and electron setup, revealing trends like reactivity and conductivity. It's your cheat sheet for predicting element behavior - like knowing that sodium goes wild in water!
  9. Electromagnets: Turn Coils into Powerhouses - Wrap wire around an iron core and send a current through it to create a magnet you can turn on and off. Tweak the number of coils or the current to see how strength ramps up - perfect for science fair zap demos!
  10. Mass vs. Weight & Gravity - Mass measures how much "stuff" you've got; weight measures how hard gravity pulls on that stuff. Since gravity varies on the Moon versus Earth, your mass stays the same but your weight does a little dance!
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