Physical Science · Atomic Structure and Matter
Virginia SOL PS.2
Virginia SOL PS.2 is part of the Atomic Structure and Matter strand in Physical Science (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand that matter is composed of atoms and how atomic understanding has evolved. Below is what PS.2 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice PS.2 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL PS.2 means
Investigate and understand that matter is composed of atoms and how atomic understanding has evolved.
Practice Physical Science SOL questions
Free Physical Science questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on PS.2 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. Which of these can be separated by using a magnet?
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Answer: J — A mixture of sand and bits of iron
2. The ermine is a small animal that lives along riverbanks and in forests. During the spring and summer, it grows a brown coat. It sheds the brown coat during the autumn and grows a white one. This change of color in the ermine’s coat allows it to —
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Answer: F — hide from predators
3. Solar cells are used to turn sunlight into —
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Answer: D — electricity
4. A food web includes the following organisms: plants, grasshoppers, frogs, praying mantises, owls, shrews, mice, martens, and bears. If the number of grasshoppers decreases, which population is most likely to increase?
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Answer: A — Plants
Skills you’ll practice for PS.2
- Investigate and understand that matter is composed of atoms.
- Recognize that our understanding of atoms has developed over time.
- Use the periodic table to predict the chemical and physical properties of matter.
- Use the kinetic molecular theory to predict and explain matter interactions.
Key concepts covered by PS.2
- matter
- atoms
- atomic theory
- historical development
- periodic table
- chemical properties
- physical properties
- kinetic molecular theory
- matter interactions
How to study and practice SOL PS.2
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether PS.2 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Frequently asked questions about SOL PS.2
What is Virginia SOL PS.2?
SOL PS.2 is a Physical Science Standard of Learning in the Atomic Structure and Matter strand. It expects students to investigate and understand that matter is composed of atoms and how atomic understanding has evolved.
What skills does SOL PS.2 cover?
SOL PS.2 is assessed on 4 skills: investigate and understand that matter is composed of atoms; recognize that our understanding of atoms has developed over time; use the periodic table to predict the chemical and physical properties of matter; use the kinetic molecular theory to predict and explain matter interactions.
What strand of Physical Science is SOL PS.2 in?
SOL PS.2 belongs to the Atomic Structure and Matter reporting strand of the Physical Science Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL PS.2?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether PS.2 is already solid, then work the 4 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.