Exam 1: Basic Concepts

An element is a collection of atoms of the same type. Each atom contains three fundamental particles-a proton, a neutron, and an electron. The protons and neutrons are in the center, or nucleus, of the atom. Protons have a positive charge, while neutrons have no electric charge. The electrons have a negative charge and orbit about the nucleus at a specific distance. Edward F. Albin, Earth Science Made Easy

PART A If the economy crashes, then stock prices fall, because if stock prices fall, then pension funds shrink, and if the economy crashes then pension funds shrink. The form of this argument is: PART B Which of the following substitutions proves the argument invalid? A) S = Jessica Biel is a man, P = Jessica Biel is a human, E = Jessica Biel is a woman. B) S = cats, P = animals, E = dogs. C) S = Jessica Biel is a woman, P = Jessica Biel is a human, E = Jessica Biel is an actress. D) S = Matt Damon is an actor, P = Matt Damon is a lawyer, E = Matt Damon is a professional. E) S = Susan is rich, P = Susan is famous, E = Susan is happy.

Amanda is taller than Jacqueline, and Jacqueline is shorter than Laura. Hence, it necessarily follows that Amanda is taller than Laura.

In general, whoever produces or distributes child pornography is subject to prosecution. But that rule is not absolute. For example, in 2002 the Supreme Court ruled that computer generated child porn is protected under the First Amendment. The Court reasoned that such pornography was permissible because no real children are exploited.

It is likely that innocent prisoners in this country have been executed for crimes they did not commit. From 1973 until 2016, 151 death row inmates have been exonerated. In many of these cases DNA evidence played a crucial role. Yet, in that same time frame, more than 1000 prisoners were executed. For many of these prisoners no DNA evidence was available. If such evidence had been available, how may more would have been exonerated?

In an explanation, the statement that describes the event to be explained is called the:

Of the more than 40 red wines imported from Australia, Green Valley, Old Châteaux, and Fireside Vineyards are excellent. Thus, it must be the case that all red wines imported from Australia are excellent.

All terrorist leaders are secluded megalomaniacs. No secluded megalomaniacs are lovers of humanity. Therefore, no terrorist leaders are lovers of humanity.

There are two approaches to the development and testing of hypotheses: inductive and deductive. In the inductive method, the scientist gathers empirical data and from it arrives at a generalization. The inductive method proceeds from specific observations to a general conclusion. Using a deductive method, a scientist develops a general idea about a phenomenon, performs experiments, and from them makes specific predictions that can be tested again. Robert Leo Smith and Thomas M Smith, Ecology and Field Biology, 6^th edition

All businesses are involved in three types of activity-financing, investing, and operating. For example, the founder of Tootsie Roll needed financing to start and grow his business. This may have come from either personal savings or outside sources. The cash obtained was then invested in the equipment necessary to run the business, such as mixing equipment and delivery vehicles. Once this equipment was in place, the founder could begin the operating activities of making and selling candy. Paul D. Kimmel, et al., Financial Accounting, 3^rd edition

Which of the following is a sufficient condition for being a parent?

If a deductive argument has a false conclusion then we know the argument is:

The National Questioner (known for its sensationalist journalism) reports that a young boy in Oklahoma has spoken with Martians. Thus, we must draw the conclusion that Martians do indeed exist.

All algae photosynthesize their own food, as plants do. Algae are also widely distributed in bodies of fresh water and in oceans. Because they are so numerous and because they capture energy from sunlight in the food they make, algae are an important source of food for other organisms. Jacquelyn C. Black, Microbiology: Principles and Explorations

In professional boxing it is appropriate to throw knock-out punches. Since professional wrestling is similar in many ways to boxing, it is appropriate for professional wrestlers to throw knock-out punches.

In the expression "If North Korea has nuclear weapons, then it poses a threat to world peace," the statement "It poses a threat to world peace" is called the:

If a deductive argument has a false premise and a false conclusion, then we know:

The chief of the fire department issued a report stating that residential fires are down slightly from the prior year. Thus, it must be the case that residential fires are slightly down this year.

Ashley detests Isabel, and Isabel detests Francesca. Therefore, it necessarily follows that Ashley detests Francesca.

Some over-the-counter medicines should not be given to very young children. For example, cold medicines contain decongestants and antihistamines. These substances raise blood pressure and heart rate. If an overdose should occur in a young child, the result can be fatal.