Untitled Deck Flashcards
What defines an inquiry question?
An inquiry question defines what is being investigated and can be reduced to measurable variables
Example: Does fertiliser improve the growth of a plant?
How should a statement of aim or purpose begin?
A statement of aim or purpose should start with the word ‘to’
Example: To examine the effect of fertiliser on improving the growth of a plant.
What is the purpose of a hypothesis?
To propose an answer to the inquiry question and identify the particular outcome of an experiment that supports this.
How is a hypothesis typically written?
A hypothesis is written as an if-then statement.
What is the difference between a prediction and a hypothesis?
A prediction states an expected outcome, while a hypothesis proposes a relationship between variables.
List the components of an effective equipment and materials list.
- All equipment
- Materials
- Chemical substances
- Sizes and quantities where appropriate
What are the key elements to assess in risk management?
- Hazards
- Risks
- Precautions
What does the independent variable represent in an experiment?
The independent variable is the factor that is changed by the experimenter.
What is an experimental control?
An experimental control is a sample or trial where no changes are made to ensure results are caused by the test being performed.
What should a good method for an experiment consist of?
- Logical steps in order
- Command verbs
- Measurement instructions
- Specification of quantities and units
- Diagram of apparatus
How should results be recorded?
Results should be recorded in tables and may include both raw and processed data.
What types of graphs can be used to present experimental data?
- Column graph
- Bar graph
- Pie graph
- Line graph
- Scatter graph with trend line
What should be included in the discussion of experimental results?
- Trends and limitations
- Sources of error
- Reliability of data
- Validity of the experiment
What are the key components of a conclusion in scientific investigation?
- Restatement of the aim
- Summary of findings
- Data to support findings
- Statement on hypothesis support or rejection
Fill in the blank: A hypothesis is written as an _______.
if-then statement.
True or False: The dependent variable is the factor that is changed by the experimenter.
False.
What precautions should be taken when assessing risks?
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Isolation
- Engineering controls
- Reduction of exposure
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
What is the purpose of controlled variables in an experiment?
To ensure they do not interfere in the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
What is the significance of using a scatter graph with a trend line?
It is appropriate where there is an obvious mathematical trend between variables.
What type of data should be included in tables for results?
Both qualitative observations and quantitative data.
What is the main aim of an investigation titled ‘The effect of adding salt on the boiling temperature of water’?
To observe the effect of adding salt to water and its boiling temperature.
List the key equipment needed for the salt and boiling water experiment.
- 250 mL beaker
- Thermometer
- Retort stand
- Boss head
- Clamp
- Gauze mat
- Tripod
- Bunsen burner
- 100 mL measuring cylinder
- Electronic balance
- Salt
- Tap water
What is an example of a risk and precaution in the boiling water experiment?
Risk: Burns to the skin. Precaution: Ensure that equipment is stable before heating.
What is the risk associated with boiling water?
Burns to the skin
Ensure that equipment is stable before heating and keep people 50 cm away from the bench while the experiment is underway.
What is the initial step in the method for heating water?
Set up the equipment as shown in the diagram.
How much tap water should be measured for the experiment?
200 mL of tap water.
What should be recorded after measuring the initial temperature of the water?
Record it in the results table.
What is the boiling temperature of tap water observed in the experiment?
100°C.
What is the boiling temperature of salty water observed in the experiment?
105°C.
What was added to the beaker after the initial heating of water?
10 g of salt.
What is the hypothesis regarding acid concentration and reaction rates?
If higher concentrations of acid increase reaction rates, then reactions with higher acid concentrations will complete in a shorter period.
What is the definition of accuracy in measurements?
The ability to obtain the correct measurement.
What are random errors?
Unpredictable fluctuations that cause measurements to vary in a random fashion.
What are systematic errors?
Measurements displaced by the same amount or proportion for a set of measurements.
What is required to assess reliability in experiments?
Repeating an experiment or measurement.
What is the definition of reliability?
The degree to which repeated observations yield consistent results.
What is validity in the context of experiments?
The extent to which the processes and resultant data measure what was intended.
Which variables must be held constant to ensure validity?
Variables other than the independent and dependent variables.
What is a good line diagram characterized by?
- Drawn in black pencil
- Crisp, sharp lines
- Straight lines drawn with a ruler
- Labelled components with ruled horizontal lines
What is the importance of a good table?
It allows the organization of data in rows and columns.
What should a good line graph include?
- Axes labelled with appropriate headings
- Independent variable on the x-axis
- Dependent variable on the y-axis
What is the reaction time for magnesium in 5M hydrochloric acid?
0:32 minutes.
What is the average resistance calculated from the provided data?
2.2 Ω.
Fill in the blank: Accuracy could be improved by performing many trials under the same conditions and calculating the _______.
average.
True or False: A measurement can be deemed reliable if most of the repeated measurements are near to each other.
True.
What is the purpose of a line graph?
To show the relationship between two variables for which the data is continuous.
What should be used to draw a good line graph?
Black pencil.
How should the axes of a line graph be labeled?
With appropriate headings and units.
Where is the independent variable typically placed in a line graph?
On the x-axis.
Where is the dependent variable typically placed in a line graph?
On the y-axis.
What is the minimum number of points that should be clearly marked on each axis?
At least three or more points.
What does a consistent linear scale in a line graph use?
At least 50% of each axis.
What are major graduations on the axis supposed to allow for?
Convenient values for minor gridlines, allowing for easy interpolation.
What type of title should a line graph have?
Descriptive title mentioning independent variable, dependent variable, and context.
What symbol is used to plot points on a line graph?
A sharp cross (‘×’).
What shape may be used to plot additional data sets on a line graph?
A circle.
When is a legend or key needed in a line graph?
If there is more than one data set.
How should lines be drawn to join data points in a line graph?
With ruled straight lines.
What should a line of best fit not do in a line graph?
Extend beyond the first and last plotted points.
How should extrapolations be shown in a line graph?
As a dashed line not joined to the origin or axes unless specified.
What is used for interpolation in a line graph?
Ruled lines drawn from one axis to the line and from the line to the other axis.
What is drawn on the graph to determine the line’s gradient?
A large rise/run triangle.
Why is it important to acknowledge sources of information?
It supports the work with reliable sources and gives proper credit.
What constitutes academic dishonesty in research?
Not giving credit to those who produced the information.
What is the format for acknowledging a book in a bibliography?
Author(s), Year of publication, Title of book, Publisher, Place of publication.
What is the format for acknowledging a web page in a bibliography?
Organisation or author, Year of publication, Title of web page, viewed date, <web>.</web>
What is the format for acknowledging an image from the internet?
Author, Year of publication, Title/description of image, [Image’s media], Retrieved date from <web>.</web>
