Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes a scientific theory from a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a broad explanation supported by a large body of evidence, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction.

Question 2

A researcher collects data on the color patterns of butterflies in a rainforest. This type of data is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data

Question 3

Which of the following statements about isotopes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 4

A molecule of water (H$$_2O) is $$considered a polar molecule because:

Accepted Answer

Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating an unequal sharing of electrons.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the difference between a covalent bond and an ionic bond?

Accepted Answer

A covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons, while an ionic bond involves the transfer of electrons.

Question 6

A solution is made by dissolving 2 moles of NaCl in enough water to make 1 liter of solution. What is the molarity ($$M) of $$the solution?

$$
M = \frac{	ext{moles of solute}}{	ext{liters of solution}}
$$

Accepted Answer

2 M

Question 7

Which functional group is correctly matched with its structure and typical property?

Accepted Answer

Carboxyl group: $$-COOH$$, acts as an acid

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds stabilize and keep the molecules of ice farther apart than in liquid water.

Question 9

A buffer solution is able to resist changes in pH upon the addition of small amounts of acid or base because:

Accepted Answer

It contains a weak acid and its conjugate base, which can absorb excess H$$^+ or OH$^-$$ ions.

Question 10

A scientist 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. The group that does not receive fertilizer serves as:

Accepted Answer

A negative control

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

If all mammals have hair and a whale is a mammal, then a whale must have hair.

Question 12

How many neutrons are present in an atom of carbon-14 ($$^{14}C$$), which has an atomic number of 6?

Accepted Answer

8

Question 13

Which property of water allows a water strider to walk on the surface of a pond?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion due to hydrogen bonding

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a nonpolar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Electrons are shared equally between two atoms.

Question 15

Which of the following is true about the pH scale?

Accepted Answer

A solution with pH 3 is more acidic than a solution with pH 7.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about carbon’s bonding properties?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds due to its four valence electrons.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a geometric (cis-trans) isomer?

Accepted Answer

Two molecules with the same covalent partnerships but different spatial arrangements around a double bond.

Question 18

A solution is prepared by dissolving 0.5 moles of glucose in enough water to make 250 mL of solution. What is the molarity ($$M) of $$the solution?

$$
M = \frac{	ext{moles of solute}}{	ext{liters of solution}}
$$

Accepted Answer

2 M

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of a solvent in a solution?

Accepted Answer

It is the substance that dissolves the solute.

Question 20

Which functional group is found in both aldehydes and ketones, and how do they differ?

Accepted Answer

Carbonyl group; in aldehydes it is at the end of the carbon skeleton, in ketones it is within the skeleton.

Biology Study Guide: Key Concepts and Step-by-Step Guidance

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