Exam 1: Basic Concepts

Which of the following is a sufficient condition for making ice from fresh water?

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

Developing an AIDS vaccine is not impossible, as some skeptics claim. Research suggests that the human immune system is better at fighting HIV than was originally thought. Most of those infected suppress the virus for years without developing AIDS. A small number never contract the virus despite repeated exposures. If we can figure out the mechanism that accounts for this, we'll have clues about how to engineer a vaccine. Seth Berkley, "Don't Quit on an AIDS Vaccine"

Viruses are acellular entities too small to be seen with a light microscope. They are composed of a nucleic acid and a few proteins. Viruses replicate themselves and display other properties of living organisms only when they have invaded living cells. Indeed, some viruses can be crystallized and stored in a container on a shelf for years, but they retain the capacity to invade cells and cause disease. Jacquelyn C. Black, Microbiology: Principles and Explorations

Humans are biological organisms. To understand our behavior and mental processes, we need to understand their biological underpinnings, starting with the cellular level, the neuron. How we feel, learn, remember, and think all stem from neuronal activity. So, how a neuron works and how neurons communicate are crucial pieces of information in solving the puzzle of human behavior and mental processing. Richard Griggs, Psychology: A Concise Introduction

If Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is correct in her assessment that "people who are well represented at trial do not get the death penalty," then the disparate skills of defense attorneys in capital cases throughout America guarantees that defendants who are legally innocent will continue to be executed and that manifest justice dictates that the death penalty be abolished.

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

Lead is toxic, but do you know why? Lead is toxic mainly because it preferentially replaces other metals in biochemical reactions. In so doing it interferes with the proteins that regulate blood pressure (which can cause development delays in children and high blood pressure in adults), heme production (which can lead to anemia), and sperm production. Lead also displaces calcium in the reactions that transmit electrical impulses in the brain, which diminishes the ability to think and recall information. Anne Marie Helmenstine, "Your Guide to Chemistry"

A crystal is a form of mineral that has grown in an orderly and symmetrical manner. When broken, it naturally divides into a common shape based on its structure. Crystals are the result of the atomic arrangement of atoms as they grow in a shape that can be duplicated many times. Crystals are made up of molecules that fit neatly together in an orderly way. All crystals of the same material have the same shape. Edward F. Albin, Earth Science Made Easy

The parallel concepts of the element and the atom constitute the very foundations of chemical science. An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into a simpler form capable of an independent existence as observable matter. As such, the concept of the element is a macroscopic one that relates to the world that we can observe with our senses. The atom is the microscopic realization of this concept. That is, it is the actual physical particle that is unique to each chemical element. Stephen Lower, Chem 1 Virtual Textbook

Cows' milk is hardly the perfect food, as the American Dairy Association would have us believe. Whole milk consumed in large quantities can raise blood cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. Studies have indicated a connection between the sugars in milk and ovarian cancer. The proteins in cows' milk can cause the body to develop antibodies that can lead to diabetes, and in a fourth of the population milk causes bloating, flatulence, and sometimes diarrhea. Jane Brody, "Debate over Milk: Time to Look at the Facts"

In a random sample of 50 students, only 15 said that they regularly read a newspaper. Therefore, probably less than 50% of the student body regularly reads a newspaper.

Earth science can be divided into four branches. Geology is the study of rocks, minerals, and forces that wear down the surface and build mountains. Meteorology covers weather, climate, and the atmosphere. Astronomy investigates planets, stars, and other features outside the atmosphere. The study of the oceans is called oceanography. Scott Ryan, Earth Science

The earth is divided into the crust, the mantle, and the core. The crust is the solid portion on which we stand. The mantle is a plastic but solid material under the crust that can flow and move about. And finally, the core is the innermost part of the earth made of solid and molten iron. Pam Walker and Elaine Wood, Hands-On General Science Activities

Frank is bringing flowers home to his wife. Apparently Frank is having an affair.

An argument that proceeds from knowledge of an effect to a claim about a cause is:

Bismarck, chancellor of Prussia, harnessed the conservative agenda of keeping the aristocracy in power while promoting the liberal nationalist aim of German unification. He also proved successful at diplomacy with the other great powers. Through three quick and successful wars against Denmark, Austria, and France, he united Germany in 1871 under Prussian leadership. Steven L. Spiegel, World Politics in a New Era

Aristotle focused on clarifying the concept of virtue itself. He argued that it was virtuous to choose the proper amount of emotion and/or action called for in a particular situation and that extremes of emotion and action were vices. In all communities there are some men of practical wisdom who have the capacity to judge wisely. Aristotle argued that they have the capacity to follow the "right rule" whatever the situation. David Cooper, Value Pluralism and Ethical Choice

After drinking a bottle of Black Diamond Special Brew, Clyde noticed a slightly bitter aftertaste. Lauren and Nicole noticed the same thing when they drank some Black Diamond a year earlier. We conclude that every bottle of Black Diamond Special Brew has a slightly bitter after taste.

Arthur looks jaundiced today. Arthur must have the flu.