JATMAN EXAMINATION CONSORTIUM

ASAFO – KUMASI | “C” SPECIAL MOCK 2025/26

BASIC SCIENCE – COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Basic 9 | Prepared for Learners

PAPER 1 – OBJECTIVE TEST (Multiple Choice) Answers & Explanations

Complete Answer Table

Q Ans Explanation
1 D Orchid plants use trees as their habitat (arboreal/epiphytic plants).
2 B The Earth completes one full rotation on its axis in 24 hours, giving us day and night.
3 D Resistance in an electric circuit is measured in Ohms (Ω).
4 B Arboreal habitat means tree-dwelling. Desert, Lake, and Forest are terrestrial habitats.
Arboreal is NOT terrestrial.
5 D The heart is NOT part of the alimentary canal. Stomach, liver, and pancreas all play
roles in digestion.
6 D Mercury is the hottest planet because it is closest to the Sun and has no atmosphere to
regulate temperature.
7 A Carbohydrate digestion begins in the Mouth, where salivary amylase starts breaking
down starch.
8 A Gravitational force keeps heavenly bodies in their orbits around larger bodies.
9 D Saliva does NOT digest all forms of carbohydrates – it only partially digests starch. It
softens, lubricates, and acts on cooked food.
10 B In the solar system, planets move round (orbit) the Sun.
11 A The atom diagram shown has 2 protons (2 particles in the nucleus shown). Answer: A.
2
12 C Capacitors store electrical energy in electric/electronics circuits.
13 A Raised seed beds improve drainage, which is their primary purpose for planting crops.
14 C Outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) are primarily composed of gas –
mostly hydrogen and helium.
15 A Alternating current (AC) is used for long-distance transmission of electricity.
16 B Element with atomic number 12 (Magnesium): shells = 2, 8, 2. It has 3 shells.
17 B Raised seed beds are used in areas prone to waterlogging because they lift crops
above waterlogged soil.
18 B Saturn is known for its prominent and visible ring system.
19 A Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons (electrons
available for bonding).
20 B Electricity substations regulate (step up or step down) voltage levels in the
transmission network.
21 B Lightning arresters protect buildings and equipment against lightning strikes.
22 C Flat seed beds have crops planted in rows or furrows.
23 D Atoms are made up of three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
24 A Raised seed beds are best for root crops like carrots and potatoes because they allow
deep root growth.
25 B The identity (atomic number) of an element is determined by the number of protons in
its nucleus.
26 A Turning off devices reduces standby power consumption, conserving energy.
27 C Power lines minimize losses by minimizing current flow (using high voltage, low
current).
28 C Elements are arranged in the periodic table by number of protons (atomic number).
29 D There are 8 planets in the solar system (Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in
2006).
30 D Neptune has a distinct blue color due to methane gas in its atmosphere.
31 C The digestive system is the body’s food processing system.
32 D All planets move (orbit) around the Sun.
33 D PE = mgh = 0.25 × 10 × 20 = 50 J
34 A All living and non-living things surrounding an organism constitute its environment.
35 C The tongue does NOT digest food – it helps position/move food. Digestive juices,
saliva (amylase), and chewing all aid digestion.
36 C KE = ½mv² = 75 J, v = 50m/s → m = 2×75 ÷ 50² = 150/2500 = 0.06 kg
37 C Earth is the only known planet that supports both plant and animal life.
38 C Tadpoles (frog larvae) live in ponds – a fresh water aquatic habitat.
39 B Vitamins are NOT digested in the human body; they are absorbed directly.
40 C Inductors are used in motors and generators to convert electrical energy to mechanical
energy and vice versa.
PAPER 2 – ESSAY | SECTION A (40 Marks)
Q1. A) Adjoa and the Dentist – Molar Teeth
(i) Parts of the molar tooth labelled I, II, III and IV:
• Label I – Enamel (the hard white outer covering of the tooth crown)
• Label II – Cement (covers the root; helps anchor the tooth in the jawbone)
• Label III – Root (the part of the tooth embedded in the jawbone)
• Label IV – Root canal / Nerve and blood supply (the channel carrying nerves and blood
vessels into the tooth)
Note: Dentine and Pulp are already labelled in the diagram.
(ii) What kind of job do molars do in the mouth?
Answer: Molars are used for grinding and crushing food into smaller pieces to make it easier to
swallow and digest.
(iii) If you bite into an apple, which teeth do you mostly use first?
Answer: Incisors. These are the sharp, flat front teeth used for cutting and biting into food like
an apple.
(iv) What is the hard white layer that keeps the tooth strong and protected?
Answer: Enamel. It is the hardest substance in the human body and protects the inner parts of
the tooth from damage and decay.
(v) Give THREE reasons why brushing your teeth every morning and night is important:
• It removes food particles and plaque that cause tooth decay (cavities).
• It prevents bad breath (halitosis) by removing bacteria from the mouth.
• It keeps gums healthy and prevents gum disease (gingivitis).

Q1. B) The Moon Phase Diagram

(i) What is the diagram about?
Answer: The diagram shows the phases of the Moon (how the Moon appears to change shape
when viewed from Earth as it orbits the Sun).
(ii) What does X symbolize?
Answer: X symbolizes sunlight / the rays of the Sun that illuminate the Moon.
(iii) Why is the position of X in figures (a), (b), (c), and (d) different?
Answer: The position of X (sunlight) appears different because as the Moon orbits the Earth,
different parts of its surface are lit up by the Sun. This changes the angle at which we see
sunlight hitting the Moon, creating different phases.
(iv) Name the FOUR (4) seasons:
• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn (Fall)
• Winter

Q1. C) Crop Storage Organs Diagram

(i) Identify the type of crops illustrated in A, B, C and D:
• A – Onion (bulb crop)
• B – Cassava (root/stem crop)
• C – Carrot (tap root crop)
• D – Ginger (rhizome crop)
(ii) Type of storage organ for each:
 • A (Onion) – Bulb
• B (Cassava) – Tuberous root / stem
• C (Carrot) – Tap root
• D (Ginger) – Rhizome
(iii) Parts labelled I, II, III, IV, V and VI:
• I – Leaves / shoots
• II – Outer scales (dry leaves)
• III – Fleshy scale leaves (food storage)
• IV – Basal plate (stem)
• V – Roots
• VI – Stem/shoot apex
(iv) THREE structural differences between crops in A (Onion) and C (Carrot):
A – Onion (Bulb) C – Carrot (Tap Root)
Storage organ is a bulb (modified leaves) Storage organ is a tap root (swollen root)
Grows underground with layers of fleshy scales Grows underground as a single elongated
structure
Has a short flat stem (basal plate) at the base Has a tapering pointed tip (no basal plate)

(v) Method of propagation for crops B (Cassava) and C (Carrot):

• B – Cassava: Vegetative propagation by stem cuttings
• C – Carrot: Sexual propagation (by seeds)

Q1. D) River Water Filtration Set-Up

(a) Name the parts labelled I, II, III, IV:
• I – Retort stand (support stand)
• II – Filter paper / funnel with filter paper
• III – Funnel
• IV – Beaker (collecting vessel)
(b) What is the aim of the demonstration?
Answer: The aim is to show that river water contains solid impurities (suspended particles) that
can be removed by filtration, producing a cleaner liquid called filtrate.
(c) THREE properties of the filtrate:
• It is clear / transparent (free from visible suspended particles).
• It passes through the filter paper and is collected in the beaker below.
• It may still contain dissolved impurities (it is not completely pure – further purification like
boiling or distillation may be needed).
PAPER 2 – ESSAY | SECTION B (60 Marks)
Answer THREE (3) questions only from this section.

Question 2
2A(i) What is energy conservation?
Answer: Energy conservation is the practice of reducing the amount of energy used by avoiding
wasteful use, so that natural resources are preserved for the future.
2A(ii) THREE ways to conserve energy at home:
• Switch off lights, fans, and electrical appliances when not in use.
• Use energy-saving bulbs (LED bulbs) instead of regular filament bulbs.
• Use solar panels or renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on electricity from the
national grid.
2B(i) Classify the following compounds as covalent or ionic:
• i. NaCl (Sodium Chloride) – IONIC compound (formed between a metal Na and a non-metal
Cl by transfer of electrons).
• ii. Na₂O (Sodium Oxide) – IONIC compound (metal + non-metal = ionic).
• iii. NH₃ (Ammonia) – COVALENT compound (formed between non-metals N and H by
sharing of electrons).
• iv. HCl(g) (Hydrogen Chloride gas) – COVALENT compound (non-metal + non-metal =
covalent).
2B(ii) Why do ionic compounds have higher melting and boiling points than covalent compounds?
Answer: Ionic compounds have higher melting and boiling points because they consist of
oppositely charged ions held together by very strong electrostatic forces of attraction. A lot of
energy is needed to overcome these strong forces. Covalent compounds have weaker
intermolecular forces between their molecules, so less energy is needed to separate them,
giving them lower melting and boiling points.
2C(i) Define the term sexual propagation:
Answer: Sexual propagation is the process of reproducing new plants using seeds that are
formed from the fertilization of the male gamete (pollen) with the female gamete (ovule) in the
flower.
2C(ii) THREE vegetatively propagated plants:
• Cassava (stem cuttings)
• Onion (bulbs)
• Ginger (rhizomes) / Yam (tubers) / Plantain (suckers)
2D Explain briefly why there are no landforms on Saturn:
Answer: Saturn is a gas giant – it is made almost entirely of gases (mainly hydrogen and
helium) and has no solid surface. Because there is no solid ground or crust, landforms such as
mountains, valleys, and plains cannot form on Saturn.

Question 3
3A(i) What are enzymes?
Answer: Enzymes are biological catalysts (proteins) produced by living cells that speed up
chemical reactions in the body without being used up in the process.
3A(ii) TWO characteristics of enzymes:
• Enzymes are specific – each enzyme acts on only one type of substrate (e.g., amylase only
acts on starch).
• Enzymes are sensitive to temperature and pH – they work best at an optimum temperature
and can be destroyed (denatured) by excessive heat.
3B(i) TWO major roles played by stars in the solar system:
 • Stars (like the Sun) provide light and heat energy that sustain life on planets.
• Stars provide the gravitational force that holds planets and other bodies in their orbits.
3B(ii) Explain briefly why stars twinkle when seen in the sky:
Answer: Stars twinkle because their light has to pass through many layers of the Earth’s
atmosphere. The different layers of air have different temperatures and densities, which cause
the light to bend (refract) in different directions rapidly. This bending of light makes the star
appear to flicker or twinkle.
3C(i) Why is land rotation also called bush fallowing?
Answer: Land rotation is called bush fallowing because the practice involves leaving farmland
to rest (lie fallow) and allowing bush/natural vegetation to grow back on it. This naturally restores
the soil’s fertility before it is farmed again.
3C(ii) TWO main disadvantages of land rotation:
• It requires a large area of land, which may not be available to small-scale farmers.
• The land is left unproductive during the fallow period, leading to low food production.
3D An athlete of mass 70.0 kg runs at 10 m/s⁻¹. Calculate the kinetic energy:
Formula: KE = ½mv²
KE = ½ × 70.0 kg × (10 m/s)²
KE = ½ × 70.0 × 100
KE = 3,500 J (3,500 Joules or 3.5 kJ)

Question 4
4A TWO differences between energy conservation and energy efficiency:
Energy Conservation Energy Efficiency
Reducing the amount of energy used (e.g., Using less energy to perform the same task
turning off lights) (e.g., LED vs bulb)
Involves changing behaviour/habits Involves using better technology/equipment

4B(i) FOUR reasons why aluminium is used for overhead electric cables:
• Aluminium is lightweight – it does not add too much weight to the poles and cables.
• It is a good conductor of electricity.
• It is resistant to corrosion (does not rust easily, important for outdoor use).
• It is cheaper and more abundant than copper, making it cost-effective.
4B(ii) TWO other metals used to make wires:
• Copper
• Silver (though very expensive)
4C(i) What is the ozone layer?
Answer: The ozone layer is a region in the Earth’s stratosphere (about 15–35 km above Earth)
that contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) gas. It absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting life on Earth.
4C(ii) THREE ways chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contribute to global warming:
• CFCs destroy ozone molecules in the ozone layer, creating holes that allow more UV
radiation to reach the Earth, increasing surface temperatures.
• CFCs are greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing directly to global
warming.
• The thinning of the ozone layer caused by CFCs leads to increased solar radiation
absorption by the Earth’s surface.
4D Why do farmers usually plant groundnut on raised beds or mounds?
Answer: Farmers plant groundnut on raised beds or mounds because groundnut pods develop
underground. Raised beds and mounds loosen the soil and improve drainage, making it easier
 for the pods to develop and spread in the soil. They also make harvesting easier and prevent
waterlogging, which can cause the pods to rot.

Question 5
5A(i) State ONE function each of: (a) diode, (b) transistor, (c) resistor
• α Diode: Allows electric current to flow in only one direction (used to convert AC to DC –
rectification).
• β Transistor: Amplifies (strengthens) weak electrical signals or acts as a switch in circuits.
• γ Resistor: Limits/controls the flow of electric current in a circuit to protect components.
5B(i) THREE examples of farming systems commonly practiced in Ghana:
• Mixed farming (crop farming combined with animal rearing)
• Shifting cultivation (moving from one piece of land to another)
• Subsistence farming (farming to feed one’s own family)
5B(ii) TWO factors farmers consider in choosing a farming system:
• The size and availability of land – large land may allow shifting cultivation; small land may
suit intensive farming.
• The type of crops to be grown and market demand – commercial crops need a commercial
farming system.
5C THREE differences between aerial animals and arboreal animals:
Aerial Animals Arboreal Animals
Live and move primarily in the air / sky Live primarily in trees
Have wings for flying (e.g., eagle, bat) Have strong limbs/claws for gripping branches
(e.g., monkey, squirrel)
Their habitat is the open air/sky Their habitat is trees/forest canopy

5D(i) What is a heavenly body?

Answer: A heavenly body (also called a celestial body) is any natural object found in outer
space, such as stars, planets, moons, comets, and asteroids.
5D(ii) THREE major types of heavenly bodies in the solar system:
• Planets (e.g., Earth, Jupiter, Saturn) – large bodies that orbit the Sun.
• Moons/Natural Satellites (e.g., the Moon) – bodies that orbit planets.
• Stars (e.g., the Sun) – large bodies that produce their own light and heat through nuclear
fusion.

End of Solutions | Prepared for Basic 9 Science Learners | JATMAN “C” Special Mock 2025/26