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Science

2009 School Certificate Test

General Instructions

Total marks 100

Reading time: 10 minutes

Section 1

Working time: 2 hours

Pages 224

Write using black or blue pen

You may use a pencil to draw


or complete diagrams

60 marks
Allow about 1 hour and 10 minutes for
this section

Attempt ALL questions

Calculators may be used

Detach the Stimulus Booklet


provided at the end of this paper
and use it where required
throughout the test

Write your Centre Number and


Student Number at the top of
pages 25, 27, 29, and 31

This section has TWO parts


Part A Questions 150
50 marks
Part B Questions 5160
10 marks

Section 2
Pages 2532
40 marks
Allow about 50 minutes for this section
This section has EIGHT questions
Question 61
5 marks
Question 62
6 marks
Question 63
2 marks
Question 64
3 marks
Question 65
5 marks
Question 66
7 marks
Question 67
5 marks
Question 68
7 marks

011

Section 1
60 marks
Allow about 1 hour and 10 minutes for this section
Part A
Questions 150

50 marks

Use the Section 1 Part A Answer Sheet for Questions 150


Instructions for answering multiple-choice questions

Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the
response oval completely.
Sample:

2+4=

(A) 2
A

(C) 8

(D) 9
D

If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect
answer and fill in the new answer.
A

(B) 6

If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the
correct answer, then indicate the correct answer by writing the word correct
and drawing an arrow as follows.

correct
A

What is the most appropriate piece of equipment to accurately measure 85 mL


of water?
(A) 10 mL measuring cylinder
(B) 100 mL measuring cylinder
(C) 100 mL beaker
(D) 250 mL beaker

What is one use for X-rays?


(A) Scanning barcodes
(B) Home alarm systems
(C) Operating remote controls
(D) Making images of skeletons

What is the smallest unit of an element?


(A) An atom
(B) An electron
(C) A neutron
(D) A proton

What does the word combustion refer to?


(A) The burning of a compound in oxygen
(B) A reaction that involves heat and smoke
(C) A reaction that involves hot acids and bases
(D) The flames that result when something burns

The chemical formula for limestone is CaCO3.


What information does the chemical formula give us?
(A) The type of atoms in the compound
(B) The size and mass of the compound
(C) The common name of the compound
(D) The arrangement of the atoms in the compound

Mobile phones use microwaves to send information to a transmitter.


What type of energy is used to carry the information from the mobile phone to a
transmitter?
(A) Electromagnetic
(B) Heat
(C) Light
(D) Sound

Six steps are involved in applying a scientific process to a problem. In the box
below, each step has been given a number, but the steps are not in the correct
sequence.
1

Gather experimental results

Draw a conclusion

Make a hypothesis

Compare experimental results with the hypothesis

Ask a question

Design and carry out an experiment

What is the correct sequence of steps?


(A) 1, 3, 6, 5, 4, 2
(B) 5, 3, 6, 1, 4, 2
(C) 5, 6, 3, 1, 2, 4
(D) 3, 5, 1, 6, 4, 2

Use the diagram to answer Questions 810.

Awaiting copyright

Which process involves plants using carbon dioxide?


(A) Burning
(B)

Decay

(C) Photosynthesis
(D) Respiration
9

Which processes add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere?


(A) Burning, decay and respiration
(B)

Burning, decay and photosynthesis

(C) Respiration, decay and photosynthesis


(D) Burning, photosynthesis and respiration
10

Organisms involved in decay are called decomposers.


What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?
(A) They provide food for animals.
(B)

They allow carbon to be reused.

(C) They limit the number of plants in an ecosystem.


(D) They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
5

Use the graph to answer Questions 1112.

The graph shows the number of sunspots observed over a number of years.

200

150

Number
of
sunspots

100

50

1770 1780 1790 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840


Year

11

In which year were the most sunspots observed?


(A) 1770
(B)

1782

(C) 1789
(D) 1802

12

What is the approximate number of years between the peaks of the graph?
(A) 20
(B)

40

(C) 175
(D) 200

Use this information to answer Questions 1314.


Some students carried out an experiment to determine what causes iron to rust. The
students placed iron into test tubes with different conditions and then sealed them.
The amount of rust formed was measured.
1

Rubber
stopper
Test
tube
Water
Strip
of iron

No oxygen
No water

13

Oxygen
No water

No oxygen
Water

Oxygen
Water

Which test tubes will show if water by itself will cause rusting?
(A) 1 and 3
(B)

2 and 3

(C) 3 and 4
(D) 1, 3 and 4

14

Oxygen
Water
Salt

What type of chemical reaction is rusting?


(A) Corrosion
(B)

Decomposition

(C) Neutralisation
(D) Precipitation

Refer to the diagram to answer Questions 1517.


The diagram shows the distribution of plant communities in an ecosystem.
Plant Communities

Height above sea level (m)

40
35

Woodland

Bare
rock

Closed heath

Woodland

Area
V

Area
W

Area
X

Area
Y

Closed forest

30
25
20
15
10
5
0

Area
Z

50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850
Distance (m)
Woodland
eucalypt

Key

Forest
eucalypt

Ferns

Shrubs

Grass

Reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press Australia, www.oup.com.au The Spectrum of Life, 2nd Ed

15

What is the best way to record the numbers and types of plants found in each
area?
(A)

(B)

Type of plant
community
Area

Area

Type of plant community

(C)

(D)
Area
W

Area
V

Area
V

W
Area
Y

Area
Z

Area
X

Y
Z

Number of plants

16

What is the height of the tallest eucalypt?


(A) 18 m
(B)

26 m

(C) 34 m
(D) 840 m

17

Which area of the ecosystem shows ONLY abiotic features?


(A) W
(B)

(C) Y
(D) Z

18

The diagrams show two equal forces acting on a 10 kg mass in different ways.
Which arrangement of forces will lead to the greatest acceleration of the 10 kg
mass?
(A)

(B)
Mass

Mass

Key
Direction of force

(C)

(D)

Mass

19

Mass

What is the chemical formula for carbon dioxide?


(A) CO2
(B)

CO

(C) C2O
(D) CO2

Use this information to answer Questions 2021.


Students set up an experiment to see how temperature affects a chemical reaction.
Four 2 cm strips of magnesium were placed into four test tubes of acid at different
temperatures as shown.
1

Acid
Magnesium
strip
10C

20C

30C

40C

The students timed in seconds how long it took for the magnesium to dissolve. The
results are shown in the table.

20

Test tube

Temperature (C)

10

20

30

40

Time (s)

40

30

20

10

Which alternative correctly identifies the independent and dependent variables


in the experiment?
Independent variable

Dependent variable

(A)

Time

Temperature

(B)

Amount of magnesium

Time

(C)

Temperature

Time

(D)

Temperature

Amount of magnesium

10

Which graph best represents the results of the experiment?


50

Temperature (C)

(A)

50

(B)

40

Temperature (C)

21

30

20

0
2
3
Test tube

50

Temperature (C)

30

20

10

2
3
Test tube

10

20
30
Time (s)

40
30

20

10

0
10
20
30
40
Temperature (C)

The diagram shows a DNA molecule.

P
What is the name of the section labelled P on the DNA molecule?
(A) Base
(B)

50

(D)

40
Time (s)

20

0
1

22

30

10

10

(C)

40

Chromosome

(C) Gene
(D) Nucleus

11

40

Use the flowchart to answer Questions 2325.

The process of making wine is outlined in the flowchart.

Awaiting copyright

23

Which wines are fermented completely before bottling?


(A) Red wine and dry white wine
(B)

Red wine and sweet white wine

(C) Dry white wine and sweet white wine


(D) Dry white wine and sparkling white wine
24

What is an advantage of presenting information in a flowchart?


(A) It shows trends in data.
(B)

It shows how much of each product is made.

(C) It shows the sequence of steps in the process.


(D) It shows the length of time involved in each step.
25

Why is fermentation an example of biotechnology?


(A) The products can be consumed.
(B)

Grape vines are a renewable resource.

(C) Living things are used in this process.


(D) Living things are not harmed in this process.
12

Refer to the diagram to answer Questions 2627.


The diagram shows a chemical compound.
Key
H
O
S

26

What is the chemical formula of the compound?


(A) S2OH
(B)

H4OS2

(C) H2SO4
(D) OH2S4

27

Which element is represented by the symbol

(A) Halogen
(B)

Helium

(C) Hydrogen
(D) Hydroxide

28

Which two scientists are given credit for describing the structure of DNA?
(A) Darwin and Wallace
(B)

Fleming and Florey

(C) Newton and Mendel


(D) Watson and Crick

13

Use this information to answer Questions 2930.

A student heated some copper carbonate in a test tube as shown.

The student wrote the following notes in their note book.


1 The solid changed colour from green to black.
2 Carbonates release carbon dioxide gas when heated.
3 The gas collected turned limewater a milky colour.
4 The black solid must be carbon.

29

Which statement about the notes is correct?


(A) Note 2 is a hypothesis.
(B)

Note 4 is an observation.

(C) Notes 1 and 4 are conclusions.


(D) Notes 1, 2 and 3 are observations.

30

Why is the reaction called a decomposition reaction?


(A) Heat is required.
(B)

Carbon dioxide is produced.

(C) Two substances combine to form a larger molecule.


(D) One reactant breaks down into two or more products.

14

The circular key is used to identify some ores.

Spha
lerite

na
Gale

Scr
kni atch
fe
bla e
d

Meta
llic
l

Py
rite
Pal
e
Cry gold
co
st
be als m lo
vis
ibl ay
e

ur
olo
c
ed
or
e r , red
g
an nge treak
ra n s
w
ro
by
ed
h
il
tc
ra erna
g
n

Ma
l
a
c
hit
e
B
r
i
gh
tg
r
c
Gre olou een
en
r
s
tre
a

fi

Sc

knife blade
by a

e
ht blu
Brig
r
u
colo
eak
e str
Blu

Orange
brow
n
c
Y
o
e
l
l
o
lou
w
-bro
r
wn
strea
k

rite
Azu

Or

ite
ux
a
B

Magnetite

Black colour
Scratches a
streak plate

Start here

Scratches
knife blade

Scratched by
knife blade

tre
us

nd
llic a
eta r thy
a
ye

Golden colour
Tarnishes to
purple

Chalcopyrite

Scratch
ed b
y
knife b
lade
Sa
as
Par
tly
pa
rtl

d
atche
Scr
oin
by c

ed
tch
cra

ur

te
ati
em
Ha
rey
rg
d o ur
Re colo eak
r
t
ds
s
Re
nes
ard de
e h e bla
if
kn

Black
colo
Brow ur
n
strea
k

colour
ery
v
l
i
S
eak
y str
Gre
avy
y he
Ver

ll ear thy lustre


Du

Limo
nite

31

A particular ore is described as partly metallic and partly earthy. It is easily


scratched by a knife blade and it has a brown streak.
What is the name of the ore?
(A) Haematite
(B)

Limonite

(C) Magnetite
(D) Sphalerite

15

Refer to the chart to answer Questions 3233.

The chart shows the range of frequencies that some musical instruments can produce.

Frequency (Hz)
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Timpani
Tuba
Trumpet
Double bass
French horn

32

Which instrument has the smallest frequency range?


(A) Double bass
(B)

French horn

(C) Timpani
(D) Tuba

33

Which frequency can be produced on four of the five instruments?


(A) 100 Hz
(B)

325 Hz

(C) 400 Hz
(D) 750 Hz

34

What is the frequency of a wave?


(A) The speed of the wave
(B)

The direction of the wave

(C) The distance between wave crests


(D) The number of vibrations each second

16

1000

35

This key can be used to identify particles.


Key:
1 (a) Has 1 nucleus go to 2
(b) Has 2 nucleii Molecule
2 (a) Has equal numbers of protons and electrons Atom
(b) Has different numbers of protons and electrons go to 3
3 (a) Has more electrons than protons Anion
(b) Has more protons than electrons Cation
A diagram shows an unidentified particle.

Using the key, what sort of particle is shown?


(A) Anion
(B)

Atom

(C) Cation
(D) Molecule
36

What is an advantage of DNA mutating?


(A) DNA is altered.
(B)

Mutations cause deformities.

(C) Mutations give rise to variation.


(D) DNA mutations are essential for transportation of materials.
37

When cells divide to replace dead skin cells the DNA is replicated exactly.
What advantage does this give the new cells?
(A) They will be more resistant to ultraviolet light.
(B)

They will last longer than the ones they replace.

(C) They will be stronger than the ones they replace.


(D) They will perform the same functions as the ones they replace.
17

38
10

15

0.5

1.0

1.5

20

20

What is the reading on the voltmeter?


(A) 0.52 V
(B)

0.6 V

(C) 5.2 V
(D) 6.0 V

Refer to Source A in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 3942.


39

What do we call the bending of light that is occurring at Point A?


(A) Absorption
(B)

Reflection

(C) Refraction
(D) Transpiration

40

What is the most accurate description of SLIVER solar technology?


(A) A new biotechnology
(B)

A new scientific theory

(C) A non-renewable technology


(D) An application of an existing technology

18

41

The individual pieces of silicon in a SLIVER cell are arranged in a series circuit.
Which diagram shows all the SLIVER cells arranged in a series circuit?
SC

(A)

(B)

SC

SC

SC

SC

SC

SC
SC

SC

(C)

(D)

SC

SC

SC

SC

SC

SC

SC

SC
SC

Key

42

SC

SLIVER cell

Wire

Mobile telephone

The diagram shows the waves that make up the electromagnetic spectrum.
1013

1011

109

107

105

103

101

101

103

(metres)
105

Increasing wavelength
Gamma rays

Radio

X-rays
UV rays

Infra-red
Visible
Light

What is the approximate wavelength (in metres) of the waves that can be used to
produce electricity from SLIVER cells?
(A) 1010
(B)

107

(C) 105
(D) 101
19

Refer to Source B in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 4347.


43

Which drink has the highest concentration of calcium salts?


(A) Bottled water
(B)

Pineapple/orange drink

(C) Soft drink


(D) Sports drink
44

Which drink contains equal concentrations of potassium salts and calcium salts?
(A) Bottled water
(B)

Pineapple/orange drink

(C) Soft drink


(D) Sports drink
45

How many milligrams of potassium salts are found in 200 g of sports drink?
(A) 15
(B)

30

(C) 40
(D) 80
46

47

Which option correctly describes what happens to salts in the body?


Salts enter the blood from

Salts are removed from the blood in

(A)

Small intestine

Bladder

(B)

Large intestine

Bladder

(C)

Small intestine

Kidney

(D)

Large intestine

Kidney

How did Student 2s time for the run change from Day 1 to Day 2?
(A) It increased by 5 seconds.
(B)

It decreased by 30 seconds.

(C) It increased by 15 seconds.


(D) It decreased by 20 seconds.

20

Refer to Source C in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 4850.


48

What is the highest setting on the volume control of a MP3 player that is unlikely
to cause hearing loss?
(A) 40%
(B) 65%
(C) 80%
(D) 100%

49

What is the minimum loudness of a 2000 Hz sound that person Y can hear?
(A) 0 dB
(B) 40 dB
(C) 50 dB
(D) 70 dB

50

Person Y played their MP3 player at the loudness of a normal conversation.


Which frequencies can they hear?
(A) All
(B) None
(C) Less than 4000 Hz
(D) Greater than 4000 Hz

21

Section 1 (continued)
Part B
Questions 5160

10 marks

Use the Section 1 Part B Answer Sheet for Questions 5160


Instructions for answering Questions 5160

Write firmly and clearly.

Use BLOCK LETTERS for words.


Like this:
NOT like this:

A L P H A B E T
a

p h a b e

Numbers must be used for numerical answers.

Decimal points and negative signs must be clearly shown in separate boxes.

Do NOT let any part of the letter or number touch the sides of the answer
boxes.

Examples:

7 2 =

How many days are in a week?

What is the fifth month?

M A Y

If you make a mistake, cross out the incorrect answer and write the correct
answer above the boxes.

M A Y
Like this:

J U N E

22

Refer to the following graph to answer Questions 5153.


The graph represents a students progress walking from school to home over
20 minutes.
900
800
700
600
Distance
from
school
(metres)

500
400
300
200
100
0

8
10 12 14
Time (minutes)

16

18

20

51

How many metres did the student travel to get home?

52

How many times did the student stop during the journey?

53

What was the students average speed for the first 4 minutes in metres per
minute?
speed =

distance
time

Please turn over

23

54

Name the element that is present in both hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid.

55

What is the name given to the current scientific theory to explain how the
universe began?

56

Within Earth, magma is heated causing it to rise. It then cools and sinks.
What is the name given for this type of movement of magma?

57

What is the name of the group of substances that are used to determine if a
solution is basic or acidic?

58

What name do we give to any type of disease that can be passed from one person
to another person?

Refer to Source A in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Question 59.

59

What term is used to describe the behaviour of light at point B on the diagram?

Refer to Source C in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Question 60.


60

Ear muffs must be used when operating a jack hammer. By how many decibels
must the loudness of sound be decreased to prevent hearing loss?

24

Board of Studies NSW 2009

012

5020

8329310040

2009 School Certificate Test

Science
Centre Number

Section 2
Student Number

40 marks
Allow about 50 minutes for this section
Questions 6168

40 marks

Answer the questions in the spaces provided.


Question 61 (5 marks)

Refer to Source B in the Stimulus Booklet to answer this question.

This divided bar graph shows the percentage composition of dissolved salts

in blood.
Potassium (1.5%)

Calcium (3.5%)

Sodium (54%)

Other (41%)

(a) Construct a divided bar graph to show the percentage composition of


dissolved salts in urine.

(b) There are two systems involved in coordinating the functioning of the
human body.

Describe the role that each of these systems plays in maintaining humans

as functioning organisms.

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25

3146310042

Question 62 (6 marks)
Refer to Source B in the Stimulus Booklet to answer this question.
(a) Name ONE variable that was held constant in the students experiment.

...............................................................................................................................

(b) Outline TWO features of the scientists experiment that show they have
followed correct experimental method.

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

(c)

What conclusion can be drawn from the scientists experiment?

...............................................................................................................................
(d) How can the processes used in science help us make informed judgments
about claims made in the mass media?
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26

Board of Studies NSW 2009

013

5020

8432310089

2009 School Certificate Test

Science

Centre Number

Section 2 (continued)
Student Number
Question 63 (2 marks)

Refer to Source C in the Stimulus Booklet to answer this question.

There is a proposal to limit the loudness of MP3 players to less than 80 dB.

Explain why this proposal would benefit MP3 users or the rest of society.

.........................................................................................................................................

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Question 64 (3 marks)
The diagrams illustrate the effect of gravity on a 70 kg astronaut on the Moon
and on Earth. The size of the arrows is an indication of the difference in
gravity (newtons) at each place.

Awaiting copyright

Referring to the diagram, distinguish between the terms mass and weight.
........................................................................................................................................

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27

5391310080

Question 65 (5 marks)
A teacher used this dessert to model the geological history of sediments at a particular
place.

Red jelly

Chocolate

Orange jelly

Marshmallow

Yellow jelly

Jelly bean

Green jelly

(a) How could this dessert be used as a model to explain how geological
history is interpreted?

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

(b) What geological reason could the teacher use to explain the absence of
lollies in the bottom layer of jelly?

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

(c)

Outline ONE advantage and ONE limitation of using this model to


illustrate geological history.
Advantage ..........................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Limitation ...........................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................

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28

Board of Studies NSW 2009

014

5020

7046310090

2009 School Certificate Test

Science
Centre Number
Section 2 (continued)
Student Number
Question 66 (7 marks)
(a) Complete the flowchart to summarise the process of natural selection
and its effect on a species. Use as many boxes as you require.
More offspring are
produced than needed
to replace the parents

Variation within
the population

Question 66 continues on page 30

29

1445310097

Question 66 (continued)
(b)

Name a scientific theory and explain how a specific piece of evidence


supports this theory.

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...............................................................................................................................

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End of Question 66

30

Board of Studies NSW 2009

015

5020

2612310106

2009 School Certificate Test

Science
Centre Number
Section 2 (continued)
Student Number
Question 67 (5 marks)

The diagram shows the human reproductive systems.

Male reproductive system

Female reproductive system

(a)

Complete the table for the organs labelled X and Y.


Name of organ

One function that both organs X and Y perform

(b)

Identify the organ labelled Zand describe its reproductive function.

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

Please turn over

31

7660310104

Question 68 (7 marks)
Some alternative energy sources are nuclear energy, wind energy and solar
energy.
Evaluate the environmental impacts of replacing fossil fuels with alternative

energy sources.

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End of test
32

Board of Studies NSW 2009

2009 School Certificate Test

Science

Stimulus Booklet

Detach this Stimulus Booklet and use it where required during the test.

Source A Solar Cell Technology

Awaiting copyright

016

Source B Sports Drinks


Many people believe that sports drinks can improve their athletic performance. The main
components of these drinks are carbohydrates and salts (sodium, potassium and calcium).
The graph shows the concentration of salts found in some drinks.
Concentration of salts found in some drinks
50

Key

45

Sodium salts
Concentration (mg /100 g)

40

Potassium salts
35

Calcium salts

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Sports drink

Soft drink

Pineapple/orange
drink

Bottled water

Drink type

What happens to sports drinks in the body


Sports drinks are absorbed by the digestive system and excess salts are removed by the
urinary system.
Digestive system

Urinary and nervous systems


Brain
Pituitary gland
Mouth
Spinal cord

Stomach
Adrenal gland
Kidney

Bladder

Carbohydrates enter the


blood from the small intestine.
Some salts enter the blood
from the large intestine.

Dissolved salts in urine


The kidney filters the blood to produce urine.
The dissolved salts in urine are: potassium
(45%), sodium (20%), calcium (8%) and
other substances (27%).

Source B Sports Drinks (continued)


Some students found the following advertisement.

Guarantee your performance


Our research shows that Sports 4 U
improves athletic performance by 10%.

Sports

350 mL

They tested the effectiveness of Sports 4 U at improving athletic performance. They used
this method:
1.

Two students drank 350 mL of water and then ran one km. The run was timed.

2.

The next day, the same two students drank 350 mL of the sports drink instead of
water and then ran one km. The run was timed.

These were the students results.


Time
DAY 1 water

DAY 2 sports drink

Student 1

5 min 45 sec

6 min

Student 2

5 min 50 sec

5 min 30 sec

During their research they discovered that scientists had carried out a similar experiment
using 500 16-year-olds of the same athletic ability.
These were the scientists results:
Time

Average
times

DAY 1 water

DAY 2 sports drink

5 min 29 sec

5 min 30 sec

Source C Sound Intensity and Hearing Loss in Humans


The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Repeated exposure to any
sound with a loudness above 80 dB can lead to hearing loss.
This table describes sounds of different loudness.
Loudness
(dB)

Description

Softest sound that can be heard with normal hearing

30

Quiet country road

60

Normal conversation

100

Jack hammer

130

Sound at this loudness causes pain to the listener

People who use MP3 players at a loudness above 80 dB can experience hearing loss.
Graph 1

shows the loudness of an MP3 player (in dB) for different settings on the volume

control.
Graph 1

Loudness of MP3
players (dB)

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0

20
40
60
80
Volume control setting (%)

100

shows the frequencies that a person with normal hearing and a person with a
hearing loss can hear at different levels of loudness.
Graph 2

Graph 2
Loudness of sound (dB)

Soft

Loud

10
20

Person X with normal hearing


is able to hear frequencies at
levels of loudness indicated
below this line

30
40
50
60

70
80
250

500 1000 2000 4000 8000

Person Y with hearing loss is able


to hear sounds with levels of
loudness and frequencies as
indicated in the shaded area

Frequency (Hz)

4
Board of Studies NSW 2009

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