Scientific Investigation 2

Question 1

Which of the sets of variables could be used in an experiment to test the hypothesis that different metals absorb different amounts of energy from sunlight?
A independent: type of lighting; dependent: temperature of metal
B independent: type of lighting; dependent: type of metal
C independent: type of metal; dependent: temperature of metal
D independent: temperature of metal; dependent: type of metal

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. If you want to determine the effect on different types of metals, your independent variable (the one you change) is the type of metal. The effect on the dependent variable tests your hypothesis. The temperature of the metal is related to energy absorption. Other variables, such as type and amount of lighting, and the size of the metal pieces, must be controlled.

Question 2

How does the scientific method work?
A Hypotheses are proven through elegant experiments that clearly show that the hypotheses cannot be refuted. These become Laws of Nature.
B Hypotheses are tested and refuted. New hypotheses are then generated to complete the cycle. Hypotheses are always falsified.
C Falsifiable hypotheses are based on observations; they are tested and sometimes refuted; if they are unable to be refuted, they are taken as laws. Hypotheses are eventually proven.
D Falsifiable hypotheses based on observations are tested; sometimes they are refuted and new hypotheses are generated; sometimes they are unable to be refuted and are tested in different ways. Hypotheses are never proven.

Answer 2

The correct answer is D. The scientific method is based on the testing of falsifiable hypotheses that are based on observations. If these hypotheses are shown to be untrue, new hypotheses are developed and tested. When hypotheses are unable to be refuted, they are tested in new experiments. Although we commonly assume some very well-known hypotheses, they can never strictly be proven.

Question 3

Which of the following is an established scientific theory?
A 	Plate tectonics
B 	Intelligent design
C 	Conservation of mass
D 	Internal combustion engine

Answer 3

The correct answer is A—plate tectonics is a theory built on a number of tested hypotheses. Intelligent design is not a scientific theory because it is not falsifiable and therefore cannot be tested. Conservation of mass is a scientific law and the internal combustion engine is an example of technology.

Question 4

zetta

Answer 4

10 (21)

Question 5

exa

Answer 5

10 (18)

Question 6

peta

Answer 6

10 (15)

Question 7

tera

Answer 7

10 (12)

Question 8

giga

Answer 8

10 (9)

Question 9

mega

Answer 9

10 (6)

Question 10

kilo

Answer 10

10 (3)

Question 11

hecto

Answer 11

10 (2)

Question 12

deka

Answer 12

10 (1)

Question 13

-na-

Answer 13

10 (0)

Question 14

deci

Answer 14

10 (-1)

Question 15

centi

Answer 15

10 (-2)

Question 16

milli

Answer 16

10 (-3)

Question 17

micro

Answer 17

10 (-6)

Question 18

nano

Answer 18

10 (-9)

Question 19

pico

Answer 19

10 (-12)

Question 20

femto

Answer 20

10 (-15)

Question 21

atto

Answer 21

10 (-18)

Question 22

zepto

Answer 22

10 (-21)

Question 23

Which of the following is equivalent to 60 miles per hour?
A 	0.268 m/s
B 	26.8 m/s
C 	268 m/s
D 	26,800 m/s

Answer 23

The correct answer is B: (60 mi/hr) (1.61 km/mi) (1000 m/km) (1 hr/3600 s) = 26.8 m/s

Question 24

F to C

Answer 24

C = (F-32) / 1.8

Question 25

F to K

Answer 25

K = (F + 459.67) / 1.8

Question 26

C to F

Answer 26

F = C x 1.8 + 32

Question 27

C to K

Answer 27

K = C + 273.15

Question 28

K to F

Answer 28

F = K x 1.8 - 459.67

Question 29

K to C

Answer 29

C = K - 273.15

Question 30

Boiling Point Water
C
F
K

Answer 30

100 C
212 F
373.15 K

Question 31

Freezing Point Water
C
F
K

Answer 31

0 C
32 F
273.15 K

Question 32

Absolute Zero
C
F
K

Answer 32

-273.15 C
-459.67 F
0 K

Question 33

Significant Digits Rules
Nonzero digits are always significant—6.89 has
Zeros between nonzero numbers are always significant—903 has
Final zeros after a decimal point are always significant—2.00 has
Zeros that serve only to locate the decimal point are not significant—0.0038 has

Answer 33

6.89 has three significant digits
903 has three significant digits
2.00 has three significant digits
0.0038 has two significant digits; 18,300 has three significant digits

Question 34

Linear equation
y=
x=
m=
b=

Answer 34

y = mx + b
y= dependent variable
x= independent variable
m= the slope of the line
b= y intercept

Question 35

Slope

Answer 35

change in y / change in x
y1-y2 / x1-x2

eg. (4,9), (2,1)

9-1 / 4-2 = 8/2 =4

Question 36

Exponential growth

Answer 36

curve that rises increasingly faster
equation
N(t) = N0ekt

Question 37

Exponential decay

Answer 37

the number of objects decreases exponentially over time
equation
N(t) = N0e-kt