Question 1

Scientific hypotheses differ from scientific theories in that they are
A) widely accepted descriptions of what we find happening over and over in nature
B) tentative explanations that need further evaluation
C) not subject to proper investigation and testing
D) arrived at after extensive mathematical modeling
E) tentative explanations that need further evaluation and not subject to proper investigation and testing

Accepted Answer

Scientific hypotheses are tentative explanations that need further evaluation and testing, whereas scientific theories are widely accepted descriptions of what we find happening over and over in nature. Hypotheses are subject to proper investigation and testing, and often lead to the development of theories.

Question 2

All of the following are elements except
A) Water
B) Oxygen
C) Nitrogen
D) Hydrogen
E) Carbon

Accepted Answer

Water is a compound made up of two elements, hydrogen and oxygen. The other options (B-E) are all elements on their own.

Question 3

Which statement best describes the Bormann-Likens controlled experiment in forest valleys in New Hampshire that compared water flowing out of deforested areas to undisturbed areas?
A) The deforested area was greater in volume by 30 to 40%
B) The deforested area was less in volume by 30 to 40%
C) The deforested area had more soil nutrients dissolved in the water
D) The deforested area was less in volume by 30 to 40% and had fewer soil nutrients dissolved in the water
E) The deforested area was greater in volume by 30 to 40% and had more soil nutrients dissolved in the water

Accepted Answer

The Bormann-Likens experiment found that deforested areas had a greater volume of water flow and more soil nutrients dissolved in the water compared to undisturbed areas.

Question 4

Which of the following choices best describes the sequence scientists typically use in the beginning stages of their investigations about how nature works?
A) analyze data -> search literature -> perform experiment -> identify a problem -> ask a question
B) ask a question -> search literature -> perform experiment -> analyze data -> identify a problem
C) search literature -> ask a question -> identify a problem -> analyze data -> perform experiment
D) identify a problem ->search literature -> ask a question -> perform experiment -> analyze data
E) ask a question->search literature -> identify a problem -> perform experiment -> analyze data

Accepted Answer

Scientists typically start by identifying a problem, then search the literature to understand existing knowledge, ask a specific question, perform experiments to gather data, and finally analyze the data to draw conclusions.

Question 5

The scientists, with enough data,
A) would be able to prove that there is a correlation between butterfly populations and hot springs
B) would not be able to prove a correlation between the butterfly populations and hot springs, but could disprove it
C) Would be able to prove or disprove a correlation, depending on the numbers
D) would not be able to prove or disprove a correlation between the butterfly populations and hot springs
E) would be able to prove that there is a correlation between the butterfly populations and hot springs, but would not be able to disprove it

Accepted Answer

The answer of The scientists, with enough data,
A) would be...

Question 6

When scientists are testing ideas to determine facts, they
A) follow a specific set of logical steps
B) report observations to the scientific community without data collection
C) use different steps that are unique to each scientist
D) use only mathematical modeling
E) first ask fellow scientists at annual meetings what steps to take

Accepted Answer

The scientific process involves following a specific set of logical steps, such as forming a hypothesis, collecting data, analyzing the data, and drawing conclusions. These steps are universal and are used by all scientists in their research.

Question 7

The atomic number is the number of
A) atoms in a molecule
B) protons in an atom
C) nuclei in a molecule
D) electrons in an atom
E) protons and neutrons in an atom

Accepted Answer

The atomic number of an atom is equal to the number of protons it has in its nucleus. This is a unique identifier for every element on the periodic table, as no two elements have the same number of protons in their atoms.

Question 8

Matter is best described as
A) anything that has mass and occupies space
B) something that has the capacity to do work
C) something that can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas
D) something that can produce change
E) is anything that has mass and occupies space and can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas

Accepted Answer

Matter is best described as anything that has mass and takes up space (occupies volume). It can exist in different phases - solid, liquid, or gas - depending on the conditions such as temperature and pressure. Therefore option E is the correct and comprehensive statement about matter. Option A is partially correct as it only describes the properties of matter, but not its physical state. Options B and D are incorrect as they describe the properties of energy, not matter. Option C is also incorrect as it does not include the property of having mass, which all matter must have.

Question 9

Protons, neutrons, and electrons are all
A) forms of energy
B) equal in mass
C) subatomic particles
D) negative ions
E) charged particles

Accepted Answer

Protons, neutrons, and electrons are all subatomic particles, meaning they are particles that make up atoms. Option A is incorrect because although electrons can be considered a form of energy, protons and neutrons are not. Option B is incorrect because protons and neutrons have almost equal mass, while electrons have much less. Option D is incorrect because protons and neutrons are not negative, and neither are electrons unless they have gained extra electrons to become negative ions. Option E is incorrect because although electrons are charged particles, protons and neutrons are not.

Question 10

Scientific theories are
A) frequently overturned and changed because they are, in fact, just theories.
B) overturned on a regular basis at periodic scheduled meetings of the scientific community to evaluate the validity of all scientific theories.
C) never overturned.
D) rarely overturned unless new evidence discredits them.
E) overturned only as a result of Supreme Court decisions.

Accepted Answer

Scientific theories are rarely overturned unless new evidence discredits them. Scientific theories are based on extensive research, experimentation, and evidence, and they are continuously refined and improved over time. However, if new evidence arises that contradicts a scientific theory, it may need to be revised or replaced. This is a normal part of the scientific process and is necessary for the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Question 11

The Bormann-Likens study in the Hubbard Brooks Experimental Forest in New Hampshire can best be described as
A) a comparison of a control site with an experimental site in nature
B) what can occur in a forest watershed without plants to absorb water
C) an example of how scientists learn about the effects of our actions on natural systems
D) a comparison of a control site with an experimental site in nature and a study of what can occur in a forest watershed without plants to absorb and retain water
E) a comparison of a control and an experimental site, a study of what can occur in a forest watershed without plants to absorb water, and an example of how scientists learn about the effects of our actions on natural systems.

Accepted Answer

The Bormann-Likens study involved comparing a control site with an experimental site, studying the effects of removing vegetation on water and nutrient cycles, and demonstrating how scientific research can inform us about human impacts on natural systems.

Question 12

The atomic mass number is equal to the sum of the
A) neutrons and isotopes
B) neutrons and electrons
C) neutrons and protons
D) protons, neutrons, and electrons
E) protons only

Accepted Answer

The atomic mass number of an atom is equal to the sum of its protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Electrons do not contribute significantly to the mass of an atom, so option D is incorrect. Option A is incorrect because isotopes refer to atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, and they are not added to the atomic mass number. Option B is incorrect because electrons do not contribute to the mass number. Option E is incorrect because it only includes the number of protons, not the number of neutrons in the nucleus.

Question 13

An element
A) is identical to a compound
B) is made up of compounds
C) can combine with one or more other element to make a compound
D) exists only in a pure form as a single element, and never combines with other elements
E) more than one of these answers

Accepted Answer

An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. However, elements can combine with one or more other elements to form compounds. Therefore, option C is the correct choice. Options A and D are incorrect because an element is not identical to a compound and can combine with other elements. Option B is incorrect because compounds are made up of elements, not the other way around.

Question 14

A classmate tells you that a statement heard on the news about an environmental process noted in a local ecosystem cannot be true because it has not been scientifically proven. You realize that
A) this classmate is misinformed because science cannot prove anything, but it can disprove events conclusively.
B) this classmate is misinformed because science can neither prove or disprove anything absolutely.
C) this classmate is misinformed because the process in question actually has been proven scientifically.
D) this classmate is correct.
E) this classmate has confused scientific theories and scientific laws

Accepted Answer

Science is based on evidence and can support or refute hypotheses, but it cannot prove anything with absolute certainty.

Question 15

A tiny, tawny colored butterfly called the Carson Wandering Skipper was always known for its small and very localized populations. Typically, it was found along the western Nevada and eastern California high desert areas. It was always located close to hot springs and other wet areas that supported salt grass, the host plant it depended on.Recently, the populations went into a steep decline, and a last hold-out area was threatened by imminent construction of a freeway bypass. Biologists became alarmed and began an intensive search for populations in locations other than the spot designated for the freeway bypass. They began their search by identifying all known locations of hot springs, in hopes of finding small populations of the Carson Wandering Skipper close by.
-As they searched for previously unknown populations of the Carson Wandering Skipper, biologists wondered if hot springs were absolutely essential to its survival. This phase of the investigation is
A) finding out what is known and asking a question
B) analyzing data and asking a question
C) Asking a question and testing predictions
D) accepting their hypothesis and analyzing data
E) accepting their hypothesis and asking a question

Accepted Answer

Biologists are identifying known locations of hot springs and questioning if these are essential for the butterfly's survival, which aligns with finding out what is known and asking a question.

Question 16

Science
A) is a study of the history of the natural world
B) attempts to discover order in nature to interpret the past
C) is best described as a random collection of facts
D) is supported by small amounts of evidence
E) is an endeavor to discover how nature works

Accepted Answer

Science is an endeavor to discover how nature works, as it involves systematic observation, testing, and analysis to develop and refine our understanding of the natural world. Option A is incorrect because science studies the natural world as it exists now, rather than focusing on its history. Option B correctly describes one of the goals of science, but it is not the primary one. Option C is incorrect because science aims to develop a coherent and consistent body of knowledge, rather than being a random collection of facts. Option D is also incorrect because scientific knowledge is based on large amounts of evidence gathered through rigorous testing and experimentation.

Question 17

A tiny, tawny colored butterfly called the Carson Wandering Skipper was always known for its small and very localized populations. Typically, it was found along the western Nevada and eastern California high desert areas. It was always located close to hot springs and other wet areas that supported salt grass, the host plant it depended on.Recently, the populations went into a steep decline, and a last hold-out area was threatened by imminent construction of a freeway bypass. Biologists became alarmed and began an intensive search for populations in locations other than the spot designated for the freeway bypass. They began their search by identifying all known locations of hot springs, in hopes of finding small populations of the Carson Wandering Skipper close by.
-The biologists' observations that the Carson Wandering Skipper populations had declined is an example of
A) data analysis
B) identifying a problem
C) performing an experiment
D) proposing a hypothesis
E) making testable predictions

Accepted Answer

The observation of the decline in the population of the Carson Wandering Skipper is the identification of a problem.

Question 18

The commonest form of the Carbon atom that exists is at times referred to as C¹². An isotope of this atom is called C¹⁴. C¹⁴must have a different number of___________than C¹². A) Ions B) Protons C) Atoms D) Neutrons E) Electrons

Accepted Answer

Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons (atomic number) but a different number of neutrons (mass number), hence the only correct answer is D.

Question 19

Which of the following does not characterize frontier science?
A) It often captures news headlines because it is controversial.
B) It may deal with preliminary data.
C) It may eventually be validated.
D) Scientists always agree on the meaning and accuracy of the data involved.
E) It may eventually be discredited.

Accepted Answer

Scientists may not always agree on the meaning and accuracy of the data involved in frontier science, as it is an emerging and evolving field with preliminary data that may require further testing and validation.

Question 20

What are the important steps involved in critical thinking?
A) Be skeptical about everything you read or hear and be open to many viewpoints
B) Look at the evidence and evaluate it as well as related information and a variety of opinions.
C) Identify and evaluate your personal beliefs and biases.
D) Identify and evaluate your personal beliefs and biases and be skeptical about everything you read or hear.
E) Look at the evidence and evaluate it as well as related information, identify and evaluate your personal beliefs and biases, be skeptical about everything you read or hear and be open to many viewpoints.

Accepted Answer

All the steps mentioned in options A, B, and C are important, but it is also essential to identify and evaluate personal beliefs and biases. Additionally, being open to many viewpoints is important to avoid confirmation bias, and being skeptical about everything can help in critically evaluating the evidence presented. Hence, option E includes all the critical thinking steps necessary for effective decision making.

Quiz 2: Science, Matter, and Energy

Scientific hypotheses differ from scientific theories in that they are

All of the following are elements except

Which statement best describes the Bormann-Likens controlled experiment in forest valleys in New Hampshire that compared water flowing out of deforested areas to undisturbed areas?

Which of the following choices best describes the sequence scientists typically use in the beginning stages of their investigations about how nature works?

The scientists, with enough data,

When scientists are testing ideas to determine facts, they

The atomic number is the number of

Matter is best described as

Protons, neutrons, and electrons are all

Scientific theories are

The Bormann-Likens study in the Hubbard Brooks Experimental Forest in New Hampshire can best be described as

The atomic mass number is equal to the sum of the

An element

A classmate tells you that a statement heard on the news about an environmental process noted in a local ecosystem cannot be true because it has not been scientifically proven. You realize that

Science

The commonest form of the Carbon atom that exists is at times referred to as C12. An isotope of this atom is called C14. C14 must have a different number of___________than C12.

Which of the following does not characterize frontier science?

What are the important steps involved in critical thinking?

The commonest form of the Carbon atom that exists is at times referred to as C¹². An isotope of this atom is called C¹⁴. C¹⁴must have a different number of___________than C¹².