Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A theory explains a wide variety of observations and is supported by evidence, while a hypothesis is an educated guess that has not yet been thoroughly tested.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

It must have failed at least one crucial test of its validity.

Question 3

In the scientific method, what is the correct sequence of steps after making an observation?

Accepted Answer

Ask a question, suggest a hypothesis, make a prediction, perform a test.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about scientific thinking is correct?

Accepted Answer

Scientific thinking relies on proposing and testing hypotheses.

Question 5

Galileo is often regarded as the father of the scientific method because he:

Accepted Answer

Formulated systematic equations and emphasized the importance of testing hypotheses.

Question 6

Which of the following is a hallmark of science according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Science progresses through the creation and testing of models of nature that make testable predictions.

Question 7

A scientist observes a strange pattern in the data from a Mars rover. According to the scientific method, what should be the scientist's next step?

Accepted Answer

Suggest a hypothesis to explain the pattern.

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates the application of the scientific method in a real-world scenario?

Accepted Answer

An engineer observes a bridge crack, asks why it happened, hypothesizes that it was due to material fatigue, predicts similar cracks in other bridges, and tests by inspecting them.

Question 9

If a scientific theory fails a crucial test of its validity, what should happen according to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

The theory should be revised or rejected.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a testable prediction?

Accepted Answer

If plants are given more sunlight, they will grow taller.

Question 11

A hypothesis is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An educated guess that can be tested.

Question 12

Which of the following would NOT be considered scientific?

Accepted Answer

Making a prediction that cannot be tested.

Question 13

Suppose a new model of planetary motion is proposed. What must this model do to be considered scientific?

Accepted Answer

Make testable predictions about planetary positions.

Question 14

Which of the following is a reason why Galileo's work is significant in the history of science?

Accepted Answer

He was the first to use systematic observation and mathematical equations to test hypotheses.

Question 15

A scientific theory must be supported by:

Accepted Answer

A large, compelling body of evidence.

Question 16

Which of the following is a multi-step application of the scientific method in medical research?

Accepted Answer

A researcher observes a new disease, asks what causes it, hypothesizes it is a virus, predicts that patients will have viral markers, and tests blood samples for those markers.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of revising a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If a test does not support the hypothesis, the hypothesis is revised or a new one is made.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

A mathematical equation predicting the motion of planets.

Question 19

If a scientific theory explains a wide variety of observations but is not supported by evidence, it is:

Accepted Answer

Not considered a valid scientific theory.

Question 20

Which of the following equations best represents the process of making a prediction in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Prediction} = 	ext{Hypothesis} + 	ext{Logic}$

The Scientific Method and Scientific Theories in Physics

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