Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A tentative, narrow, and specific explanation for an observed phenomenon that is directly testable and falsifiable.

Question 2

A researcher wants to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. She sets up two groups: one receives the fertilizer, and the other does not. Which group is the control, and what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The group without fertilizer is the control; the independent variable is the presence of fertilizer.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about scientific theories is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Theories are unifying explanations supported by evidence from many fields and are refined over time as new data emerges.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

Mendel’s laws of inheritance

Question 5

A student claims that drinking coffee improves memory. To scientifically test this claim, which of the following must be true of the hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It must be directly testable and make predictions that can be falsified.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why water is a polar molecule?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, pulling electrons closer and creating partial charges.

Question 7

Which of the following is a property of living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They require energy and can metabolize.

Question 8

A scientist is using a computer simulation to predict the spread of a disease in a population. Which scientific method is she using?

Accepted Answer

Modeling

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains why phenomena occur, while a law describes how phenomena relate mathematically.

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a neutral oxygen atom ($$Z=8$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$1s^2$$\ $$2s^2$$\ $$2p^4$$

Question 11

Which of the following is a real-world example of the importance of experimental controls?

Accepted Answer

Testing a new drug by giving it to one group and a placebo to another group, then comparing outcomes.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the process of peer review in science?

Accepted Answer

A process where experiments and data are evaluated by other scientists to ensure validity and lack of bias.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the atomic number and mass number of an atom?

Accepted Answer

Atomic number is the number of protons; mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) form an ionic bond?

Accepted Answer

Sodium donates an electron to chlorine, resulting in oppositely charged ions that attract each other.

Question 15

Which of the following is a property of water that is essential for life and is a direct result of hydrogen bonding?

Accepted Answer

Water has a high specific heat, allowing it to moderate temperature.

Question 16

A scientist observes that a certain plant species grows taller in sunlight than in shade. She proposes that sunlight increases the rate of photosynthesis, leading to more growth. Which step of the scientific method is she performing?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a hypothesis

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between precision and accuracy in scientific measurements?

Accepted Answer

Precision refers to how close measurements are to each other; accuracy refers to how close measurements are to the true value.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about electronegativity and its effect on covalent bonds?

Accepted Answer

If two atoms have different electronegativity, the bond will be polar, with electrons pulled toward the more electronegative atom.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of all living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They always reproduce sexually.

BIO 101: Introduction to Biology and Chemical Biology – Syllabus and Foundations

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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