Physical Science · Periodic Table as a Model
Virginia SOL PS.4
Virginia SOL PS.4 is part of the Periodic Table as a Model strand in Physical Science (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand the periodic table as a model for organizing elements based on atomic structure. Below is what PS.4 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice PS.4 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL PS.4 means
Investigate and understand the periodic table as a model for organizing elements based on atomic structure.
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.4 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. A box has a mass of 12 grams and a volume of 24 cubic centimeters. What is the density of this box?
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Answer: A — 0.5 g/cm³
2. Which of the following organisms break down dead material and return the substances to the environment?
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Answer: H — Bacteria and fungi
3. Which property is required of a liquid in order for it to be a good fuel?
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Answer: B — Its combustibility
4. The periodic table lists boron (atomic mass 10.811), carbon (12.011), nitrogen (14.007), and aluminum (26.982). Which of these elements has the greatest average atomic mass?
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Answer: J — Aluminum
Skills you’ll practice for PS.4
- Identify symbols, atomic numbers, atomic mass, chemical groups (families), and periods on the periodic table.
- Classify elements as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals.
Key concepts covered by PS.4
- periodic table
- symbols
- atomic numbers
- atomic mass
- chemical groups
- periods
- element classification
- metals
- metalloids
- nonmetals
How to study and practice SOL PS.4
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether PS.4 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.4
What is Virginia SOL PS.4?
SOL PS.4 is a Physical Science Standard of Learning in the Periodic Table as a Model strand. It expects students to investigate and understand the periodic table as a model for organizing elements based on atomic structure.
What skills does SOL PS.4 cover?
SOL PS.4 is assessed on 2 skills: identify symbols, atomic numbers, atomic mass, chemical groups (families), and periods on the periodic table; classify elements as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals.
What strand of Physical Science is SOL PS.4 in?
SOL PS.4 belongs to the Periodic Table as a Model reporting strand of the Physical Science Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL PS.4?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether PS.4 is already solid, then work the 2 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.