Question 1

Which of the following best describes the first step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Making observations about nature and asking questions.

Question 2

A scientist notices that a plant grows faster when placed near a window. She suggests that sunlight increases plant growth. What step of the scientific method is she performing?

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the scientific method is correct?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis may be modified if experimental results do not support it.

Question 4

A blender does not work when plugged in. According to the scientific method, what is the next logical step?

Accepted Answer

Propose a hypothesis, such as the plug has malfunctioned.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of an experiment in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Plugging the blender into a different outlet to see if it works.

Question 6

If the results of an experiment do not support the hypothesis, what should a scientist do next according to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Modify the hypothesis and design new experiments.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A law describes what happens; a theory explains why it happens.

Question 8

A student observes that a chemical reaction produces heat. She proposes that all similar reactions will produce heat. What is her proposal called?

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Ignoring data that does not fit the hypothesis

Question 10

A researcher tests a new drug on patients and finds that it reduces symptoms in 80% of cases. What should the researcher do next according to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Draw a conclusion and consider whether the hypothesis is supported.

Question 11

Which of the following best represents a real-world application of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A chef tastes a dish, thinks it needs more salt, adds salt, and tastes it again.

Question 12

In the scientific method, what is the purpose of designing experiments?

Accepted Answer

To test the validity of a hypothesis.

Question 13

A scientist concludes that a hypothesis is false after several experiments. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Modify the hypothesis and conduct new experiments.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Water boils at $$100\ ^\circ \mathrm{C} at $$standard atmospheric pressure.

Question 15

A hypothesis is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A possible explanation for an observation.

The Scientific Method in Chemistry: Principles and Applications

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