Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
This section tests your basic scientific understanding and your ability to apply science logically to real-life and operational situations, especially those related to security, environment, health, and decision-making in immigration work.
The focus is understanding concepts, not memorization of complex science.
Physics explains how things move, interact, and use energy. In GIS aptitude tests, physics questions are usually simple and practical.
Motion is the change in position of an object with time.
An object is in motion if it changes position relative to a reference point.
An object is at rest if it does not change position.
Examples
A vehicle crossing a border → in motion
A parked patrol car → at rest
Speed tells us how fast something is moving.
Formula
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Units
Distance → meters (m), kilometers (km)
Time → seconds (s), hours (h)
Speed → m/s or km/h
Example
A patrol vehicle travels 120 km in 3 hours.
Speed = 120 ÷ 3
Speed = 40 km/h
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Constant speed | Speed does not change |
| Variable speed | Speed changes |
| Average speed | Total distance ÷ total time |
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
Occurs when an object speeds up, slows down, or changes direction.
Formula
Acceleration = (Final Velocity − Initial Velocity) ÷ Time
A force is a push or pull that can:
Move an object
Stop an object
Change direction
Change shape
Formula
Force = Mass × Acceleration
Units
Mass → kilograms (kg)
Acceleration → m/s²
Force → Newton (N)
Example
If a vehicle of mass 1,000 kg accelerates at 2 m/s²:
Force = 1000 × 2
Force = 2000 N
Energy is the ability to do work.
| Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Kinetic Energy | Energy of motion |
| Potential Energy | Stored energy |
| Chemical Energy | Energy in fuel/food |
| Electrical Energy | Energy from electricity |
Kinetic Energy Formula
Kinetic Energy = ½ × Mass × Velocity²
Work is done when a force moves an object.
Formula
Work = Force × Distance
Chemistry studies matter, its composition, and how substances change.
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.
States of Matter
| State | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Solid | Fixed shape and volume |
| Liquid | Fixed volume, no fixed shape |
| Gas | No fixed shape or volume |
An element is a substance made of only one type of atom.
Examples
Oxygen (O)
Hydrogen (H)
Iron (Fe)
A compound is formed when two or more elements chemically combine.
Examples
Water (H₂O)
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Salt (NaCl)
A chemical reaction occurs when substances change into new substances.
Signs of Chemical Reaction
Change in color
Heat released or absorbed
Gas produced
Formation of a solid (precipitate)
| Substance | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Acid | Sour taste, turns blue litmus red |
| Base | Bitter taste, turns red litmus blue |
| Salt | Product of acid + base |
Understanding dangerous substances
Handling chemicals at borders
Identifying illegal substances
Biology studies living organisms, including humans.
Breaks food into nutrients
Main organs: mouth, stomach, intestines
Helps in breathing
Supplies oxygen to the body
Organs: lungs, nose, trachea
Transports oxygen, nutrients, and blood
Organs: heart, blood vessels
Controls body activities
Organs: brain, spinal cord, nerves
Communicable diseases: spread from person to person
Examples: COVID-19, cholera, tuberculosis
Non-communicable diseases: not spread
Examples: diabetes, hypertension
Importance for GIS
Border health screening
Disease prevention
Public safety
Plants produce food through photosynthesis
Animals depend on plants directly or indirectly
Photosynthesis Formula
Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
This area focuses on nature, climate, and resource management.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Weather | Daily atmospheric condition |
| Climate | Average weather over many years |
Resources provided by nature.
| Renewable | Non-Renewable |
|---|---|
| Water | Minerals |
| Forests | Oil |
| Solar energy | Gas |
Pollution
Deforestation
Climate change
Desertification
Sustainability means using resources wisely so future generations can also benefit.
Examples
Tree planting
Proper waste disposal
Energy conservation
Analytical thinking is the ability to:
Interpret data
Identify patterns
Draw conclusions
Make decisions based on evidence
| Day | Number of Travelers |
|---|---|
| Monday | 120 |
| Tuesday | 150 |
| Wednesday | 130 |
| Thursday | 160 |
| Friday | 140 |
Average Formula
Average = Total ÷ Number of Days
Average = (120 + 150 + 130 + 160 + 140) ÷ 5
Average = 700 ÷ 5
Average = 140
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Force = Mass × Acceleration
Work = Force × Distance
Kinetic Energy = ½ × Mass × Velocity²
Acceleration = (Final Velocity − Initial Velocity) ÷ Time
Average = Total ÷ Number of Values