Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A broad explanation of why something happens in nature that is widely accepted and supported by a great deal of evidence.

Question 2

In a controlled experiment testing the effect of sunlight on plant growth, which is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Growth of the plants measured over time.

Question 3

Which statement about scientific laws is correct?

Accepted Answer

Scientific laws describe events that always happen under certain circumstances in nature.

Question 4

A scientist observes that water boils at 100°C at sea level. What type of scientific knowledge is this?

Accepted Answer

Scientific law

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a model in science?

Accepted Answer

A mathematical equation describing population growth: $$P(t) = P_0$ e$$^{rt}$$

Question 6

Why are scientific ideas considered open to revision?

Accepted Answer

Because new evidence or discoveries can lead to changes in scientific understanding.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A possible answer to a scientific question that can be tested to be either true or false.

Question 8

A student wants to test if fertilizer affects plant height. What is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Amount of fertilizer added.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of science?

Accepted Answer

Science can answer all questions about the universe.

Question 10

Which statement about scientific investigation is true?

Accepted Answer

It is a plan for answering a scientific question and testing possible answers.

Question 11

A scientist collects data to support or disprove a statement. What is this data called?

Accepted Answer

Evidence

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Topics that cannot be tested or answered by science.

Question 13

Why do scientific ideas sometimes remain unchanged for hundreds of years?

Accepted Answer

Because they have not been proven wrong after continual testing.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the nature of science?

Accepted Answer

Science is based on assumptions about the universe.

Question 15

A scientific law can be represented mathematically. Which of the following is an example?

Accepted Answer

Newton's Second Law: $$F = ma$$

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a step in a scientific investigation?

Accepted Answer

Accepting ideas without evidence.

Question 17

Why do scientists use models?

Accepted Answer

To represent part of the real world and help explain complex phenomena.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes an experiment?

Accepted Answer

A special type of scientific investigation performed under controlled conditions.

Question 19

Which of the following is a reason why scientific knowledge accumulates over time?

Accepted Answer

New discoveries lead to modifications and revisions of previous knowledge.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of a scientific idea that is open to revision?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis that is tested and found to be incorrect.

Introduction to Science and the Nature of Scientific Inquiry

Study Guide - Practice Questions