Deck 3: Science, Systems, Matter, and Energy

Question 1

When are mathematical models most useful?

A)when controlled experiments are impossible
B)when controlled experiments are very easy to perform
C)when responses to causing events show no variability
D)when there are a few interacting variables

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Which source is bestow consult in order to learn more about what scientists generally agree on?

A)Popular Science
B)CNN
C)newspaper headlines
D)Canadian Journal of Zoology publications

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which description represents a system?

A)multiple mathematical equations used to describe the behaviour of multiple observations
B)a set of components that function and interact in some regular and theoreticallyunderstandable manner
C)a physical model that has positive and negative feedback loops that proves a scientific hypothesis
D)a conceptual model that proves a scientific hypothesis

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which statement best characterizes the effect of human events on the environment?

A)Feedback is usually immediate.
B)It is predicted that the environment is diverse.
C)Long delays exist between events and responses.
D)Our generalizations are based upon many experiences.

Question 5

Suppose that a chart of coloured bars are used to show the number of kilocalories used per person per day in different societies through the course of history.What type of model is this?

A)a mental model
B)a graphic model
C)a conceptual model
D)a mathematical model

Question 6

Which behaviour would be most appreciated by the scientific community?

A)observing patterns in an artificial environment
B)overstating a claim
C)understating a claim
D)hypothesizing about evidence

Question 7

What type of models do weather forecasters rely on?

A)complicated theological models
B)complicated conceptual models
C)complicated mathematical models
D)complicated mental models

Question 8

Which discipline informs environmental science?

A)ecology
B)banking
C)travel science
D)literature

Question 9

Which model is mostlikely to be used in the scientific process?

A)a religious model
B)a facility model
C)a theological model
D)a biological model

Question 10

Which statement describes scientific enterprise?

A)Established scientific theories are not challenged and continue to hold true.
B)Advances in science are never based on disagreement, speculation, and controversy.
C)Science is the acceptance of what works and the rejection of what does not work.
D)Scientific laws and theories are based on certainties, not statistical probabilities.

Question 11

Which means do scientists use to reduce errors in their observations and measurements?

A)taking measurement only once and using that value
B)testing measuring devices against known samples
C)testing measuring devices against unknown samples
D)using procedures that are not standardized

Question 12

A small weigh scale was tested with a verified one-pound sample and the scale stated that the sample weighed 1.1 pounds.Which statement best describes the measurements that had been taken with this scale prior to the testing?

A)The measurements were accurate but not precise.
B)The measurements were both accurate and precise.
C)The measurements were neither accurate nor precise.
D)The measurements were precise but not accurate.

Question 13

Which statement is most likely to be said by a scientist?

A)I'd like to offer an alternative hypothesis to explain the data.
B)Perhaps you are right.But I think the data more strongly support a different view.
C)That seems a plausible model of the system we are studying.
D)We should design an experiment to test this hypothesis.

Question 14

Which statement most accurately describes frontier science?

A)Frontier science can lead the public to think that science has all the answers.
B)Frontier science often deals with untested models and hypotheses.
C)Frontier science is used in remote places.
D)Frontier science often deals with well-documented data.

Question 15

Which model is the mostuseful for perceiving and predicting events in the environmental arena?

A)a conceptual model
B)a mathematical model
C)a physical model
D)a mental model

Question 16

Which of the following is the best definition of science?

A)Science is a collection of facts determined by scientific methods.
B)Science studies the past to predict the future.
C)Science attempts to discover order in nature to interpret the past.
D)Science uses data to formulate scientific laws that become the basis for making predictions.

Question 17

Under which circumstances do human mental models tend to be unreliable?

A)When there are few interacting variables.
B)When we attempt to extrapolate from many experiences to a general case.
C)When the consequences occur immediately following causal events.
D)When the consequences of one event lead to other consequences.

Question 18

What is required to discover and formulate a scientific law?

A)fabrication
B)lack of knowledge
C)fairy tales
D)use of scientific methods

Question 19

Which question is a scientist most likely to ask?

A)How many times should we run this experiment?
B)What is the meaning of life for humans?
C)What new hypothesis can be drawn to test this experiment?
D)How can these scientific laws be formulated to use the data?

Question 20

Which of the following is characteristic of a system?

A)A system functions in a regular and predictable manner.
B)A system consists solely of inputs and outputs.
C)A system cannot be accurately modeled.
D)A system is highly random in its function.

Question 21

Which situation involves a long time delay that results in environmental degradation?

A)depletion of the ozone layer
B)clear-cutting a forest
C)marine oil spills
D)building new four-lane highways

Question 22

Which statement is the bestdefinition of matter?

A)Matter has the capacity to change in form.
B)Matter has the ability toproduce change.
C)Matter has mass and occupies space.
D)Matter has the capacity to do work.

Question 23

What is the nature of liquids, solids, and gases?

A)they are chemical forms of matter
B)they are compounds
C)they are physical forms of matter
D)they are mixtures

Question 24

What does the volume of an atom mostly consistof?

A)protons
B)free space
C)neutrons
D)electrons

Question 25

Which of the following bestdescribes N₂ and O₂?

A)molecules consisting of two elements of the same compound
B)molecules consisting of two atoms of the same element
C)compounds consisting of two different elements
D)elements consisting of a compound and an ion

Question 26

Which statement best describes a synergistic effect?

A)It induces a positive feedback loop and results in continued interaction.
B)It occurs when two or more factors interact to produce a greater effect than each would have produced separately.
C)It results in a time delay.
D)It occurs when two or more factors interact to produce a lesser effect than each would have produced separately.

Question 27

What is oneexample of a positive feedback loop?

A)a temperature-regulating system
B)compound interest in a savings account
C)recycling aluminum cans
D)a thermostat

Question 28

What is one example of a negative feedback loop?

A)a thermostat that maintains a certain temperature in your house
B)sweating to heat your body up during and after vigorous exercise
C)exponential population growth
D)the accelerating gain of heat as a pan of hot water is removed from the stove

Question 29

Which term best defines a situation where two or more processes interact such that the combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects?

A)a chaotic interaction
B)a homeostatic interaction
C)a negative feedback interaction
D)a synergistic interaction

Question 30

Which statement is the bestexample of synergism?

A)The combined effects of alcohol and a depressant produce a greater effect than would be expected from adding their individual effects.
B)When the exponential growth of the human population exceeds the carrying capacity, a massive dieback will occur.
C)The use of alcohol reduces the effectiveness of a blood thinner.
D)Secondary smoke may increase chances of lung cancer in a nonsmoker.

Question 31

Which of the following is an example of a time delay?

A)A fox eats a rabbit.
B)A smoker develops lung cancer.
C)A largemouth bass eats a salmon fry.
D)Higher altitude causes oxygen deficiency.

Question 32

What is atomic mass equal to?

A)the sum of the neutrons and protons
B)the sum of the neutrons and isotopes
C)the sum of the neutrons and electrons
D)the sum of the protons, neutrons, and electrons

Question 33

The community knew the effects of Chemical X and Chemical Y when used independently of one another.Safe limits were set for the use of each chemical.When both chemicals were released into the environment at their safe levels, but at the same time and location, massive quantities of fish died.What is the mostprobable explanation for this occurrence?

A)negative feedback
B)synergistic interaction
C)positive feedback
D)homeostasis

Question 34

What does the term atomic number refer to?

A)the number of atoms in a molecule
B)the number of protons in an atom
C)the number of electrons in an atom
D)the number of neutrons in a molecule

Question 35

What is one example of a negative feedback loop?

A)chaos
B)leverage
C)secretion of certain enzymes increase the rate of certain chemical reactions
D)homeostasis

Question 36

What does a positive feedback loop do?

A)A positive feedback loop accelerates change and goes on infinitely.
B)A positive feedback loop slows down change and goes on infinitely.
C)A positive feedback loop slows down change and is finite.
D)A positive feedback loop accelerates change and is finite.

Question 37

What are protons, neutrons, and electrons examples of?

A)negative ions
B)forms of energy
C)subatomic particles
D)charged particles

Question 38

Which of the following is an element?

A)compound
B)soil
C)water
D)nitrogen

Question 39

A driver and passenger were stopped by a fallen tree across the road.Although neither could move the tree alone, together theymoved it off the road.Which concept bestdescribes their solution?

A)homeostatic interaction
B)positive feedback interaction
C)synergistic interaction
D)chaotic interaction

Question 40

What is one distinctive building block of matter?

A)compound
B)mixture
C)element
D)isotope

Question 41

How do isotopes differ from each other?

A)by their number of protons
B)by their number of neutrons
C)by their number of ions
D)by their number of atoms

Question 42

How do scientists classify energy?

A)as either potential or mechanical
B)as either potential or kinetic
C)as either chemical or physical
D)as either kinetic or mechanical

Question 43

Which complex compound is matched with its correct building block?

A)proteins-fatty acids
B)nucleic acids-monosaccharides
C)chromosomes-proteins
D)complex carbohydrates-simple sugars such as glucose

Question 44

Which of the following is an example of ionizing radiation?

A)microwaves
B)gamma rays
C)infrared waves
D)visible waves

Question 45

Which of the following is an example of kinetic energy?

A)a chunk of coal
B)a stick of dynamite
C)a falling rock
D)a pellet of uranium oxide

Question 46

What is the electronic charge of an ion?

A)a net negative charge
B)no charge
C)a net positive charge
D)a net positive or a net negative charge

Question 47

A parent and a five-year-old child spent 30 minutes picking up all the toys from the floor and putting them away.The next evening, most of the toys were back on the floor.Which term best describes this observation?

A)conservation of energy
B)entropy
C)kinetic energy
D)conservation of matter

Question 48

How many H⁺ ions are there in a solution with a ph of 6 compared to a solution with a ph of 8?

A)2000 less
B)2000 more
C)100 less
D)100 more

Question 49

The manufacture of one plastic soda pop bottle requires the consumption of approximately 100 litres of crude oil, 100 kilograms of steel, 100 litres of water, and various amounts of other materials.Which statement best describes this situation?

A)Plastic bottles have a low material efficiency.
B)Plastic bottles have a high resource productivity.
C)Most of the matter used to manufacture plastic bottles ends up in the bottle.
D)Plastic bottles represent an efficient use of resources.

Question 50

Which source of iron would be of the highest quality?

A)deposits on the ocean floor
B)a large, scrap metal junkyard
C)a field of spinach
D)a 0.5-mile deep deposit

Question 51

What is the relative energy quality of electricity?

A)very high
B)high
C)low
D)moderate

Question 52

Which term best describes what H₂O and NaCl are?

A)organic compounds
B)inorganic compounds
C)mixtures
D)elements

Question 53

What is present in all organic compounds?

A)hydrogen
B)carbon
C)oxygen
D)nitrogen

Question 54

What is the best example of low-quality energy?

A)electricity
B)nuclei of uranium-235
C)coal
D)heat in the ocean

Question 55

What is the best definition of energy?

A)Energy is the movement of molecules.
B)Energy is the random motion of molecules.
C)Energy is the ability to do work and transfer heat.
D)Energy is a force that is exerted over some distance.

Question 56

Which molecule might experience a mutation that could be passed from one generation to the next?

A)protein
B)hydrocarbon
C)DNA
D)carbohydrate

Question 57

What uses low-quality energy?

A)electric motors
B)furnaces for space heating
C)gas combustion engines
D)stoves for cooking

Question 58

What is included in all organic compounds?

A)cadmium
B)hydrocarbons
C)hydro-oxygens
D)carbon dioxide

Question 59

What is the name of the forces of attraction between water molecules?

A)compound bonds
B)covalent bonds
C)hydrogen bonds
D)ionic bonds

Question 60

Which of the following is an example of potential energy?

A)chemical energy in a chocolate bar
B)electricity flowing through a wire
C)a leaf falling from a tree
D)a bullet fired at high velocity

Question 61

What is the relative energy quality of normal sunlight?

A)very high
B)low
C)high
D)moderate

Question 62

What are the two most common types of ionizing particles emitted by radioactive isotopes?

A)electrons and protons
B)alpha and beta particles
C)gamma and beta particles
D)gamma and alpha particles

Question 63

Which option is most effective for dealing with nondegradable pollutants?

A)Reuse them.
B)Remove them from contaminated air.
C)Remove them from contaminated water.
D)Remove them from contaminated soil.

Question 64

What best characterizes Earth's closed system?

A)matter and energy
B)energy
C)matter
D)thermodynamics

Question 65

Which type of radiation is most penetrating?

A)alpha
B)gamma
C)beta
D)ultraviolet

Question 66

What is given off by natural radioactivity?

A)delta rays
B)theta particles
C)epsilon particles
D)gamma rays

Question 67

Which amount indicates the measurement of pollutants in parts per trillion (ppt)?

A)one drop in 1 000 000 litres
B)one drop in 10 000 000 litres
C)one drop in 100 000 000 litres
D)one drop in 1 000 000 000 litres

Question 68

What is the main use of radioisotopes?

A)to determine the age of fossils
B)as garden insecticides
C)to stop pollution
D)as agricultural herbicides

Question 69

What is a likely product of a fusion reaction?

A)alpha particles
B)helium
C)tritium
D)deuterium

Question 70

Which matter is broken down by biological action?

A)uranium
B)plastic toys
C)litter in the environment
D)lead and mercury

Question 71

Which statement about nuclear fusion is correct?

A)High-temperature fusion is much harder to initiate but releases more energy per unit of fuel than fission.
B)During nuclear fusion, more than two nuclei of isotopes of light elements are forced together at high temperatures until they fuse and absorb energy.
C)Controlled nuclear fusion reactors are being tested in California and will probably be ready to come online by the year 2030.
D)Fusion is the source of energy in the soil.

Question 72

What is the most common form of energy released from radioisotopes?

A)cosmic rays
B)ultraviolet rays
C)gamma rays
D)x-rays

Question 73

Which statement is a valid conclusion based on the law of conservation of matter?

A)Everything must go somewhere.
B)We will eventually run out of matter if we keep consuming it at current rates.
C)Pollution can be eliminated completely.
D)We can throw everything away.

Question 74

Which law of physics governs nuclear changes?

A)law of conservation of matter and energy
B)law of entropy
C)law of conservation of energy
D)law of conservation of matter

Question 75

What type of change converts mass into energy?

A)physical change
B)energy change
C)chemical change
D)nuclear change

Question 76

What is characteristic of physical and chemical reactions?

A)They involve changes in energy, but not in matter.
B)They involve changes in matter, but not energy.
C)They always require energy.
D)They sometimes emit energy.

Question 77

Which fuel is used in a nuclear reactor?

A)uranium-500
B)coal
C)petroleum
D)uranium-235

Question 78

Which comparison of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion is correct?

A)Nuclear fusion produces less energy than nuclear fission.
B)Nuclear fusion is harder to initiate than nuclear fission.
C)Nuclear fusion occurs in nuclear power plants, whereas nuclear fission occurs in the sun.
D)Nuclear fusion occurs in atomic bombs, whereas nuclear fission occurs in hydrogen bombs.

Question 79

Which statement is an example of a physical change?

A)A chunk of coal is burned to produce carbon dioxide.
B)In the troposphere, sulphur dioxide and water vapour reacts to produce sulphuric acid.
C)A plant converts carbon dioxide into carbohydrate.
D)Confetti is cut from pieces of paper.

Question 80

Which source of energy will most likely provide high-temperature industrial heat?

A)high velocity water flow
B)hydrogen gas
C)concentrated sunlight
D)concentrated geothermal