1.2 Measuring Scientifically

Question 1

How is the length of a certain object measured using the metric system?

Answer 1

Length is measured in meters (m).

Question 2

What is the difference between mass and volume?

Answer 2

Mass is the amount of matter in an object. On the other hand, volume is the amount of space an object occupies.

Question 3

What is the definition of temperature?

Answer 3

The amount of energy a particle has

Question 4

How are mass and volume measured in the metric system?

Answer 4

Mass is measured using kilograms (kg). Volume is measured using liters (L).

Question 5

What is the fraction form of the metric prefix “milli-“?

Answer 5

1 / 1,000

Question 6

List the most common metric prefixes from largest to smallest.

Answer 6

“kilo-“, the base measurement, “centi-“, “milli-“, “mico-“, “nano-“, “pico-“

Question 7

How does an object’s recorded measurement relate to the ruler’s markings?

Answer 7

The smaller and more precise the increments of measure are, the more digits will be recorded. For example, when using a ruler with 10 cm markings, a scientist would only record a whole number. In comparison, when using a ruler with 0.1 cm markings, a scientist would go to the hundredth place (two digits behind the decimal point).

Question 8

Explain how mode, median, and mean are calculated.

Answer 8

Mode is the most common number in a data set. The median is the middle number of the data set. Lastly, the mean is the average of the data set. The mean is calculated by taking the sum of the terms and dividing that by the total amount of terms.

Question 9

What is standard deviation?

Answer 9

Standard deviation is the measure of variation from the mean in a certain data set.

Question 10

Why is standard deviation important?

Answer 10

The standard deviation shows the scientist and readers how precise the data is. For example, if a data set has a smaller standard deviation, this means that all of the values tend to be closer to the mean. This also shows that the data set is more reliable. The opposite applies to data sets that have larger standard deviations.

Question 11

How do you find standard deviation?

Answer 11

The first step is to find the mean. Next, you should find the variance of each data point. After that, take each difference, square it, then average the result. Finally, take the square root of the variance.

Question 12

Find the mean, median, and mode of the following data set:
6, 15, 45, 15, 19, 20

Answer 12

Mean: 20
Median: 17
Mode: 15

Question 13

Find the standard deviation for the following data set:
6, 15, 45, 15, 19, 20

Answer 13

1. Mean: 20
2. Variance: 174.4
3. Standard Deviaiton: 13.21

Question 14

What is the difference between an independent and a dependent variable?

Answer 14

An independent variable is a variable that the scientist controls. Meanwhile, the dependent variable’s value is based on the results of the scientific experiment. The independent variable is placed on the x-axis, and the dependent variable is placed on the y-axis

Question 15

Write a procedure for how to draw a graph with a data set that is given.

Answer 15

First, identify the variables. Which one is the dependent variable? Which is the independent variable? Using this information, determine the placement of each variable on the axes. Next, determine the graph scales for both axes. Make sure the increments are spread out and consistent. Afterward, plot each data value with a dot and determine your best-fit line by following the data points. Lastly, don’t forget to add a title!

Question 16

True or False? If the statement is false, correct it. Temperature is measured with Fahrenheit when using the metric system.

Answer 16

False. In the metric system, temperature is measured using Celcius, and sometimes Kelvin.

Question 17

True or False? If the statement is false, correct it. When using a ruler with 1 cm markings, you should record to the nearest tenth.

Answer 17

True.

Question 18

Determine the independent and dependent variable based on the situation:
Angela wants to know if the type of detergent affects the cleanliness of her clothes.

Answer 18

Independent Variable: type of detergent used
Dependent Variable: cleanliness of clothes

Question 19

Give an example of a direct relationship.

Answer 19

The relationship between the height from which a ball was dropped to the height that the ball bounces back is an example of a direct relationship.

Question 20

True or False? If the statement is false, correct it.
When finding the standard deviation, you should find the mean, find the variance, take each difference, square it, and then average the result.

Answer 20

False. The average of the squared variances is not the standard deviation. You also have to square root the variance before submitting your answer.

Question 21

How many mm are in 5.2 nm?

Answer 21

0.0000052

Question 22

How many μm are in 2.3 cm?

Answer 22

23,000

Question 23

Find the mean, median, and standard deviation of the set of test scores below:
61, 78, 80, 85, 95

Answer 23

Median: 80
Mean: 79.8
Standard Deviation: 11.09

Question 24

The amount of matter that an object contains is ____ and is measured in _____.
a. volume, liters
b. volume, grams
c. mass, liters
d. mass, grams

Answer 24

d. mass, grams

Question 25

Determine the independent and dependent variable for the following hypothesis:
Plants gain biomass more quickly when they receive more hours of sunlight/day.

Answer 25

Independent: hours of sunlight that the plants are exposed to
Dependent: amount of biomass plants gain