Question 1

Which of the following best defines chemistry?

Accepted Answer

The study of matter, its properties, the changes it undergoes, and the energy associated with those changes.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT considered matter?

Accepted Answer

Sunlight

Question 3

Which statement about ordinary things and chemicals is correct?

Accepted Answer

All ordinary things are composed of chemicals.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A systematic approach to research involving observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis.

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct order of steps in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Theory

Question 6

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

It is a summary of observed behavior that applies to many different systems.

Question 7

A scientist observes that a metal changes color when heated. She proposes that all metals change color when heated. What has she formulated?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a theory in science?

Accepted Answer

A well-tested explanation for a broad set of observations.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of an observation?

Accepted Answer

Water boils at $100\ ^\circ\mathrm{C}$ at sea level.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes an experiment?

Accepted Answer

A procedure carried out to test a hypothesis.

Question 11

How did Antoine Lavoisier use the scientific method to disprove the Phlogiston theory?

Accepted Answer

He performed quantitative experiments showing that mass is conserved during combustion.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world example of applying the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A doctor observes a patient’s symptoms, hypothesizes a diagnosis, orders tests, and analyzes the results.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about hypotheses is correct?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation.

Question 14

A student claims that sugar dissolves faster in hot water than in cold water. What is the next step according to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Design and perform an experiment to test the claim.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

A theory is a well-tested explanation, while a law summarizes observed patterns.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Ignoring data that does not fit the hypothesis

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of matter undergoing a chemical change?

Accepted Answer

Iron rusting when exposed to oxygen

Question 18

A researcher observes that a gas is produced when vinegar is added to baking soda. She hypothesizes that the gas is carbon dioxide. Which step should she take next?

Accepted Answer

Design an experiment to test if the gas is carbon dioxide.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of experiments in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Experiments are used to test hypotheses and gather evidence.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct application of the law of conservation of mass, as demonstrated by Lavoisier?

Accepted Answer

The mass of reactants equals the mass of products in a chemical reaction.

Introductory Chemistry Concepts and Scientific Method

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards