Science Assessment ~ Items ~ PT032001

Each of the diagrams below show a plate boundary where two of the earth’s plates are continuously pulling apart. Which of the following happens over time?

As the plates pull apart, an empty space forms between them that gets wider over time.
As the plates pull apart, water immediately fills the empty space between them.
As the plates pull apart, loose rock material immediately fills the empty space between them.

As the plates pull apart, new plate material immediately forms between them, so there is no empty space.

Details
Performance
NGSS

Topic: Plate Tectonics
Correct Answer: D
Misconceptions

Distribution of Responses

Chart showing distrubtion of responses for Item PT032001

Students Responding Correctly

Group	Correct	Total	Percent
Overall	887	3154	28%
Grades
6–8	554	2030	27%
9–12	329	1111	30%
Gender
Male	436	1502	29%
Female	436	1610	27%
Primary Language
English	816	2871	28%
Other	54	217	25%

View data table

NRC Framework: ESS2.B Most continental and ocean floor features are the result of geological activity and earthquakes along plate boundaries. The exact patterns depend on whether the plates are being pushed together to create mountains or deep ocean trenches, being pulled apart to form new ocean floor at mid-ocean ridges, or sliding past each other along surface faults.

Science Assessment

Item PT032001: As two plates move apart new plate material forms between them.