Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable statement based on observations, while a theory is a well-supported explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.

Question 2

In a controlled experiment testing the effect of a new drug on blood pressure, which of the following is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The blood pressure measured in participants

Question 3

A scientist observes that a certain plant grows faster when exposed to blue light than red light. She hypothesizes that blue light increases the rate of photosynthesis. Which of the following is the best testable prediction?

Accepted Answer

If plants are exposed to blue light, then they will grow taller than those exposed to red light over two weeks.

Question 4

Which of the following sources is considered the most credible for reporting scientific findings?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed journal article

Question 5

Why is water considered an excellent solvent for biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Because it is a polar molecule and can surround and separate ions and polar molecules

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why sweating cools the body?

Accepted Answer

Sweat absorbs heat energy as it evaporates from the skin

Question 7

A solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of $$10^{-9}$$ moles/liter. What is its pH?

Accepted Answer

$$9$$

Question 8

Which of the following statements about acids and bases is correct?

Accepted Answer

Acids donate hydrogen ions, while bases accept hydrogen ions.

Question 9

Why is the pH of blood tightly regulated around 7.4 in humans?

Accepted Answer

Because changes in pH can alter protein shape, affect chemical reaction rates, and disrupt homeostasis

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Buffers maintain pH by accepting or donating hydrogen ions as needed

Question 11

A student reads that children who sleep with the light on are more likely to develop nearsightedness. What critical thinking question should they ask to evaluate this claim?

Accepted Answer

Is there a genetic factor that could explain both sleeping with the light on and nearsightedness?

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a hydrophilic substance?

Accepted Answer

Table salt (NaCl)

Question 13

In the context of experimental design, what is the purpose of a placebo in a blind study?

Accepted Answer

To remove the power of suggestion as a variable

Question 14

Which of the following best illustrates the difference between correlation and causation?

Accepted Answer

A study finds that ice cream sales and drowning incidents both increase in summer, but eating ice cream does not cause drowning.

Question 15

Which of the following is a fact rather than a conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure in the experimental group was 10 mmHg lower than in the control group.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes why water is liquid at body temperature?

Accepted Answer

There is enough energy to temporarily break weak hydrogen bonds between water molecules.

Question 17

Which of the following is the best example of applying deductive reasoning in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why non-polar molecules do not dissolve well in water?

Accepted Answer

Non-polar molecules lack charged ends and do not interact with water’s polar molecules.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of the importance of access to clean water for human health?

Accepted Answer

The ongoing boil water advisory in Neskantaga First Nation, where residents experience health issues due to unsafe water.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of dehydration synthesis?

Accepted Answer

The formation of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins by removing water molecules.

The Scientific Method and The Chemistry of Living Things: Foundations of Human Biology

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