Sunday, August 16, 2026

These are the 10 questions BrainRank served to the whole world on Sunday, August 16, 2026 — now over, with every answer revealed and explained. Reading time only; the score no longer counts.

1. geography

   The Rocky Mountains are located on which continent?

   • North America
   • South America
   • Europe
   • Asia

   Answer: North America

   The Rocky Mountains run through western North America.

2. nature

   What is the main energy source that powers photosynthesis in plants?

   • Soil
   • Wind
   • Moonlight
   • Sunlight

   Answer: Sunlight

   Photosynthesis is powered by energy from sunlight.

3. everyday-science

   Why does ice float on top of liquid water?

   • It is warmer than the water
   • It traps air pockets on purpose
   • Water pushes all solids up
   • It is less dense than liquid water

   Answer: It is less dense than liquid water

   Water expands when it freezes, making ice less dense than liquid water so it floats.

4. geography

   Which mountain is the highest peak above sea level on Earth?

   • K2
   • Kangchenjunga
   • Mount Everest
   • Lhotse

   Answer: Mount Everest

   Mount Everest is the highest peak above sea level at about 8,849 m.

5. math

   What number comes next: 5, 10, 20, 40, ...?

   • 50
   • 60
   • 80
   • 100

   Answer: 80

   Each term doubles: 40 × 2 = 80.

6. history

   The printing press with movable type was introduced to Europe during which century?

   • 10th century
   • 13th century
   • 15th century
   • 18th century

   Answer: 15th century

   The movable-type printing press was introduced to Europe in the 15th century.

7. arts

   In music, how many beats does a whole note receive in common (4/4) time?

   • 1
   • 2
   • 4
   • 8

   Answer: 4

   In 4/4 time a whole note is held for four beats.

8. everyday-science

   Mixing baking soda with vinegar produces bubbles of which gas?

   • Oxygen
   • Carbon dioxide
   • Hydrogen
   • Nitrogen

   Answer: Carbon dioxide

   The reaction of baking soda and vinegar releases carbon dioxide gas.

9. math

   What do the interior angles of a triangle add up to?

   • 90 degrees
   • 180 degrees
   • 270 degrees
   • 360 degrees

   Answer: 180 degrees

   A triangle's interior angles sum to 180 degrees.

10. math

    What is 144 ÷ 12?

    • 11
    • 14
    • 24
    • 12

    Answer: 12

    144 ÷ 12 = 12.