Science and Inquiry Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is science?

A way of knowing and an approach to understanding the natural world

What is inquiry?

The process of conducting an experiment

The recording of observations

The formulation of logical explanations

The search for information and explanations of natural phenomena (correct)

What is a hypothesis?

An explanation based on observations and assumptions that leads to a testable prediction

You can prove a hypothesis is true.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is an experiment?

A scientific test, often done under controlled conditions Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of data with their descriptions:

Qualitative = Descriptions of what is observed Quantitative = Expressed as numerical measurements Signup and view all the answers

What is inductive reasoning?

A type of logic in which generalizations are derived from a large number of specific observations Signup and view all the answers

What is deductive reasoning?

A type of logic in which specific results are predicted from a general premise Signup and view all the answers

A controlled experiment is designed to compare an ______ group and a control group.

experimental Signup and view all the answers

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

The factor manipulated by the experimenter Signup and view all the answers

What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

The factor being measured that is affected by the independent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is a theory in scientific terms?

An explanation that is broader in scope than a hypothesis and is supported by a large body of evidence Signup and view all the answers

What defines matter?

Anything that takes up space and has mass Signup and view all the answers

What is an element?

A substance that cannot be broken down to other substances by chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements makes up 96% of living matter?

Carbon Signup and view all the answers

What is a compound?

A substance consisting of two or more different elements combined in a fixed ratio Signup and view all the answers

What is an atom?

The smallest unit of matter that still retains the properties of an element Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Science and Inquiry

Science is a systematic way of knowing about the natural world.
Inquiry involves seeking information and explanations for natural phenomena through observation, hypothesis formulation, and testing.
Observations reveal crucial details about nature, often aided by tools like microscopes and thermometers.
A hypothesis is an explanation based on observations, leading to predictions that can be tested.
Testing hypotheses may require revisions; it’s impossible to verify all explanations or prove a hypothesis as absolute truth.
Scientific inquiry only encompasses natural phenomena, excluding supernatural aspects.

Experiments and Data

Experiments are scientific tests conducted in controlled settings.
Data, the foundation of scientific inquiry, can be qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numerical).
Data analysis often uses statistics to determine significance or randomness of results.

Reasoning in Science

Inductive reasoning leads to generalizations from numerous specific observations, e.g., “All organisms are made of cells.”
Deductive reasoning predicts specific outcomes based on general premises, structured in “if...then” statements.

Realistic Scientific Process

The scientific process is not linear; it involves backtracking, repetition, and feedback.
Key components include exploration, data gathering and interpretation, societal impacts, and community feedback.

Experimental Design

Controlled experiments compare an experimental group that receives the tested factor and a control group that does not.
Variables:
- Independent variable: manipulated by the experimenter, graphed on the x-axis.
- Dependent variable: measured and affected by the independent variable, graphed on the y-axis.

Scientific Theories

A theory provides a broader explanation supported by substantial evidence and can generate new hypotheses.
An example is the theory of evolution through natural selection; colloquially, “theory” may imply untested speculation.

Matter and Elements

Matter occupies space and possesses mass, composed of various elements.
Elements cannot be further broken down through chemical reactions, with over 90 found in nature.
Essential elements comprise 20-25% of total elements, vital for organisms’ health and reproduction.
Four primary elements (O, C, H, N) constitute 96% of living matter, with an additional seven secondary elements making up the remaining 4%.
Trace elements are essential for life in extremely small quantities.

Compounds and Emergent Properties

Compounds consist of two or more differing elements combined in fixed ratios, exhibiting unique characteristics.
Sodium chloride (NaCl), a compound, is formed from sodium (a metal) and chlorine (a gas), showcasing emergent properties distinct from its individual components.
Water (H2O) illustrates this principle with hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio.

Atomic Structure

Atoms, the smallest units of matter, retain the properties of elements.
They comprise three primary subatomic particles:
- Neutrons (neutral charge, located in the nucleus).
- Protons (positive charge, also found in the nucleus).
- Electrons (negatively charged, orbiting the nucleus).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the principles of science and the process of inquiry. Explore the significance of observations, hypotheses, experiments, and data analysis in the scientific method. This quiz includes various aspects of scientific reasoning and experimentation.