Question 1

The groundwork for modern science was laid by the first investigators who used mathematics to describe natural phenomena. These were
A) the Babylonians, about 1800 B.C.
B) the Ionians, about 600 B.C.
C) the Pythagoreans, about 550 B.C.
D) Ptolemy and his associates, about 150 A.D.

Accepted Answer

The Pythagoreans, around 550 B.C., were among the first to use mathematics to describe natural phenomena, laying the groundwork for modern science.

Question 2

Which one of these is NOT part of the scientific method?
A) propose a new experiment
B) take a formal vote at a recognized international scientific conference
C) modify existing theory
D) make predictions

Accepted Answer

B) Taking a formal vote at a recognized international scientific conference is not part of the scientific method. The scientific method involves proposing experiments, modifying theories, and making predictions based on observations and experiments, not voting on outcomes.

Question 3

A major theme of ancient Greek philosophy was that stars and planets in the sky
A) followed patterns that could be described logically.
B) could be controlled by the thoughts and actions of humans.
C) were at the mercy of gods and spirits, and the behavior of these objects depended on their whims.
D) behaved chaotically, and their future behavior was totally unpredictable.

Accepted Answer

Ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the realm of natural philosophy, emphasized the order and rationality of the universe. Philosophers like Aristotle posited that celestial bodies followed natural laws that could be understood and described through logic and observation, laying the groundwork for later astronomical studies.

Question 4

Which one of these is NOT part of the scientific method?
A) make an observation or do an experiment
B) analyze results
C) determine consistence with recognized authorities
D) choose the simplest existing theory

Accepted Answer

The scientific method involves making observations, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and choosing the simplest theory (Occam's Razor). It does not include determining consistency with recognized authorities as a fundamental step, as the focus is on empirical evidence and logical reasoning.

Question 5

As far as is known, the first person who claimed that natural phenomena could be described by mathematics was
A) Copernicus.
B) Pythagoras.
C) Aristotle.
D) Ptolemy.

Accepted Answer

Pythagoras, an ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, is credited with the belief that numbers are the fundamental reality and that natural phenomena can be described mathematically. This concept is foundational to the development of Western scientific thought.

Question 6

According to the scientific method, a hypothesis that is proposed to explain a particular physical phenomenon is considered to be wrong if
A) leading scientists in the world believe that it is wrong.
B) it disagrees with the accepted theory at the time of the proposal.
C) it appears to defy logic and logical reasoning.
D) it is in conflict with the results of just one reliable and repeatable observation.

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is considered wrong if it conflicts with empirical evidence, meaning reliable and repeatable observations or experiments that contradict it. The scientific method emphasizes evidence over authority, tradition, or logic alone.

Question 7

Which of these is a critical component of the scientific method?
A) belief that a theory accepted by leading scientists is correct
B) rejection of new scientific results when they disagree with the presently accepted theory
C) automatic rejection of a theory when new results disagree with its predictions
D) testing of predictions from a scientific theory or theoretical model

Accepted Answer

Testing predictions from a scientific theory or theoretical model is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method. It involves formulating hypotheses based on the theory, conducting experiments or observations to test these hypotheses, and then analyzing the results to confirm, refute, or modify the original theory. This process is essential for the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Question 8

In science, if new and reliable observations disagree with a particular theory, then the
A) observations must be discarded.
B) theory must be modified.
C) the observations and the theory should both be retained.
D) theory must be discarded.

Accepted Answer

Theories in science are modified in light of new and reliable observations that contradict them, to better explain the natural world.

Question 9

What distinguished the Pythagoreans from the natural philosophy of the investigators who came before them?
A) They uncovered the scientific writings of the Babylonians.
B) They invented a crude telescope.
C) They attempted to make mathematical models of physical phenomena.
D) Through trade routes, they had been exposed to the philosophy of the ancient orient.

Accepted Answer

The Pythagoreans distinguished themselves by attempting to make mathematical models of physical phenomena, integrating mathematics into the understanding of the natural world in a way that was innovative at the time.

Question 10

In following the principles of the scientific method, a theory proposed to explain a given phenomenon must
A) agree with and build on previous theories but need not explain all observations because some of the observations may be erroneous.
B) predict new and different experiments that will extend the scope of the theoretical understanding but need not explain all the previous observations because no theory is expected to explain everything completely.
C) explain all previous reliable observations in a consistent manner but need not suggest new tests for the theory because a theory should be complete in itself.
D) explain all known reliable observations and predict new experiments and observations.

Accepted Answer

Option D is correct because a theory, according to the principles of the scientific method, must explain all known reliable observations and also be able to predict new experiments and observations. This ensures that the theory is both comprehensive and capable of guiding future research.

Question 11

The intellectual foundation of science is
A) observation, faith, and acceptance.
B) rejection of all observations that disagree with theory.
C) logical derivation entirely from fundamental principles.
D) observation, logic, and skepticism.

Accepted Answer

The intellectual foundation of science is built on observation, logic, and skepticism. This approach allows scientists to observe phenomena, apply logical reasoning to understand them, and maintain a healthy skepticism to continuously test and refine theories and explanations.

Question 12

In applying the scientific method to the study of natural surroundings, scientists are
A) discovering by observation the absolute truth about limited areas of science and are therefore slowly building up the correct view of the universe.
B) slowly amassing a vast bank of observations of nature that at some time in the future will be assembled into the correct description of the universe.
C) formulating hypotheses or models that describe the present observations of nature and that predict possible further tests for these models.
D) developing a theoretical view of the universe that incorporates all previous ideas and beliefs as part of an overall philosophy.

Accepted Answer

The scientific method involves formulating hypotheses or models based on observations, which can then be tested through further experimentation or observation. This process allows for the refinement and expansion of scientific understanding over time.

Question 13

In science, if new and reliable observations disagree with a well-established theory, then the
A) observations should be classified for future reference and the theory retained as the best explanation of the phenomenon.
B) observations must be discarded.
C) theory must be discarded.
D) theory must be modified to account for the observations, and if this is not possible, then the theory must be discarded.

Accepted Answer

The scientific method relies on observations and evidence. If new, reliable observations cannot be reconciled with an existing theory, the theory must be re-evaluated. This could involve modifying the theory to incorporate the new observations. If modification is not possible, the theory may need to be discarded in favor of a new one that better explains the phenomena.

Question 14

The scientific method is a major force in science, and theories describing physical phenomena have been developed with the aim of ensuring that
A) they agree with what we find in experiments and observations.
B) results from experiments can be adjusted to agree with carefully constructed theoretical ideals.
C) they agree with the wisdom of the ancients.
D) they are so good and our faith in them is so strong that we never need to test them against observations.

Accepted Answer

The scientific method emphasizes the importance of theories aligning with experimental and observational evidence, ensuring that scientific understanding reflects the reality of the natural world.

Question 15

A vital part of a scientific hypothesis is that
A) it is possible, in principle, to disprove it by observation.
B) it is possible, in principle, to disprove it by logical argument.
C) it must be mathematically simple.
D) it must be mathematically complex.

Accepted Answer

A scientific hypothesis must be falsifiable, meaning it can be disproven by observation or experiment. This is a fundamental principle of the scientific method.

Question 16

The ancient Greek thinker Pythagoras held the view that
A) triangles do not exist.
B) natural phenomena are wonderful to watch but cannot be described by mathematics.
C) the Sun is at the center of the planetary system.
D) natural phenomena can be described mathematically.

Accepted Answer

Pythagoras and his followers believed that the universe could be understood through numbers and that mathematical principles could be used to explain natural phenomena.

Question 17

The first person to realize that the force holding us onto Earth is the same force that holds the solar system together was apparently
A) Plato.
B) Aristotle.
C) Newton.
D) Einstein.

Accepted Answer

Isaac Newton was the first to realize and articulate that the force holding us onto Earth (gravity) is the same force that governs the motion of celestial bodies and holds the solar system together.

Question 18

A scientific theory is accepted as the best description of a certain phenomenon if it
A) can be independently and repeatedly checked by observation.
B) has been developed by a scientist with a solid reputation, such as Albert Einstein or Sir Isaac Newton.
C) has obtained the stamp of approval of an internationally renowned scientific body, such as the Royal Society of London or the International Astronomical Union.
D) accounts for a full range of historical observations, even though recent observations cast doubt on it.

Accepted Answer

A scientific theory gains acceptance as the best description of a phenomenon if it can be independently and repeatedly verified through observation, ensuring its reliability and validity across different contexts and over time.

Question 19

In ancient Greece, the philosopher Aristotle put forth the idea that
A) the universe is governed by regular laws.
B) the Sun is the center of the solar system.
C) Earth is only one of hundreds of planets scattered throughout the galaxy.
D) gravitation keeps the planets in their orbits.

Accepted Answer

Aristotle believed in a universe governed by natural laws, where everything has a purpose or end to which it naturally tends. He did not propose heliocentrism (B), the concept of many planets in the galaxy (C), or the law of gravitation (D).

Question 20

A scientist observes a new phenomenon that disagrees with his explanation or hypothesis. Following the scientific method, he should
A) discard the observation as erroneous.
B) modify his hypothesis.
C) wait until someone develops an adequate explanation before announcing his observation.
D) reject those observations that do not agree with the theory.

Accepted Answer

Modifying the hypothesis is a fundamental step in the scientific method when observations do not match predictions. This allows for the refinement of theories to better explain the natural world.

Quiz 2: Gravitation and the Motion of the Planets

The groundwork for modern science was laid by the first investigators who used mathematics to describe natural phenomena. These were

Which one of these is NOT part of the scientific method?

A major theme of ancient Greek philosophy was that stars and planets in the sky

Which one of these is NOT part of the scientific method?

As far as is known, the first person who claimed that natural phenomena could be described by mathematics was

According to the scientific method, a hypothesis that is proposed to explain a particular physical phenomenon is considered to be wrong if

Which of these is a critical component of the scientific method?

In science, if new and reliable observations disagree with a particular theory, then the

What distinguished the Pythagoreans from the natural philosophy of the investigators who came before them?

In following the principles of the scientific method, a theory proposed to explain a given phenomenon must

The intellectual foundation of science is

In applying the scientific method to the study of natural surroundings, scientists are

In science, if new and reliable observations disagree with a well-established theory, then the

The scientific method is a major force in science, and theories describing physical phenomena have been developed with the aim of ensuring that

A vital part of a scientific hypothesis is that

The ancient Greek thinker Pythagoras held the view that

The first person to realize that the force holding us onto Earth is the same force that holds the solar system together was apparently

A scientific theory is accepted as the best description of a certain phenomenon if it

In ancient Greece, the philosopher Aristotle put forth the idea that

A scientist observes a new phenomenon that disagrees with his explanation or hypothesis. Following the scientific method, he should