Deck 1: About Science

Question 1

A scientist can confirm that his or her interpretations of the results of an experiment are accurate when ________.

A)the results are reproducible
B)measurements are taken very carefully
C)the experiments are done in several different ways, with a variety of conditions
D)interpretations are always subjective, therefore, none of the above

Answer 1

interpretations are always subjective, therefore, none of the above

Question 2

Which of the following is closest to the initial broad research question posed by Kroto, Smalley and Curl?

A)How can we determine the spectral patterns of intrastellar dust?
B)Can we reproduce star-like conditions here on Earth?
C)Is intrastellar dust made of carbon based materials?
D)Is there such a thing as intrastellar dust in space?
E)What is the chemical nature of intrastellar dust?

Answer 2

What is the chemical nature of intrastellar dust?

Question 3

In answer to the question, "When a plant grows, where does the material come from?" the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle hypothesized by logic that all material came from the soil. Which of the following experimental tests might best prove Aristotle's hypothesis to be correct or incorrect?

A)Stop watering the plant to see if t he mass of the water contributes to the long term growth of the tree.
B)Grow the tree in a pot and measure the mass of the soil before and after the tree grows to a certain height.
C)Cover the tree with a black bag.
D)Aristotle was one of the greatest philosophers of all time; thus no test to any of his hypothesis is necessary.

Answer 3

Grow the tree in a pot and measure the mass of the soil before and after the tree grows to a certain height.

Question 4

Which of the scientific activities is likely to be most time consuming?

A)Observations are the most time consuming of the various scientific activities.
B)Forming scientific hypothesis is the most time consuming of the various scientific activities.
C)Experimentation is the most time consuming of the various scientific activities.
D)Formulating questions from observations is the most time consuming of the various scientific activities.

Question 5

Can a person claim himself/herself to be a scientist if he/she no longer does experiments?

A)No. Officially defined, a scientist is a person actively engaged in experimentation.
B)No. Since experimentation is one of the four key components of the scientific process, any person no longer actively engaged in performing experiments cannot officially claim to be a scientist.
C)Yes and No. A person may claim to be a scientist but the scientific community no longer officially recognizes him/her as such.
D)Yes. A professional scientist is recognized for more activities than the performance of actual experiments.

Question 6

Scientific research usually leads to ________.

A)expected results
B)the discovery of new questions
C)social well-being
D)inconclusive results

Question 7

Why is the process of science not restricted to any one particular method?

A)The scientist needs to be open to all possibilities and different ways of doing science in order to gain as much knowledge as possible from his or her research.
B)In order to interpret experimental evidence, it is important to perform the experiment using a variety of different scientific methods.
C)What one method proves as right, another might prove as wrong.
D)Science is not restricted to any one method because not everyone doing science has access to the same sort of equipment.

Question 8

Harry Kroto began with an interest in ________.

A)calculating the speed of the planets
B)figuring out the chemical structure of the bucky ball
C)identifying the composition of interstellar dust
D)making a lot of money
E)proving other scientists wrong

Question 9

Why is it wrong to assume that you are only "doing science" while you are doing experiments?

A)It is wrong because doing experiments is not the only accepted activity for the official practice of science.
B)It is wrong because doing experiments is not the only accepted method of producing a scientific theory.
C)It is wrong because any activity which helps further knowledge and understanding about the environment is considered the practice of science.
D)All of the above explain why it is wrong.

Question 10

Which of the following is the most important to the process of scientific inquiry?

A)Proposing answers.
B)Devising tests.
C)Refuting currently-held understandings.
D)Confirming currently-held understandings.

Question 11

Kroto, Smalley and Curl were able to deduce the shape of C₆₀ with ________.

A)an electron microscope
B)molecular models
C)mathematical equations
D)astrological charts

Question 12

Some important steps in scientific inquiry include ________.

A)state a broad question, document expectations, make observations
B)confirm results, narrow focus, reflect on findings
C)learn what is known, communicate with others, perform experiments
D)all of the above

Question 13

While visiting a foreign country a foreign-speaking citizen tries to give you verbal directions to a local museum. After multiple attempts he is unsuccessful because ________.

A)you are not smart enough to understand simple directions
B)it is difficult to navigate through an unfamiliar city
C)you don't understand the language
D)none of the above

Question 14

How might the demand for reproducibility in science have the long-term effect of compelling honesty?

A)Any false claims are eventually uncovered. Scientists, therefore, stand to gain most from reporting their results truthfully.
B)A scientist who has knowingly falsifies any bit of evidence runs the risk of losing credibility for all his or her life's work.
C)Science is about discovering the rules of nature. A scientist who creates his or her own rules through dishonesty, which may not be reproducible in other laboratories, is not truly doing science.
D)All of the above are true.

Question 15

Some politicians take pride in maintaining a particular point of view. They think that a change of mind would be seen as a sign of weakness. How is a change of mind viewed differently in science?

A)A change in mind is not viewed differently in science and is still subject to much criticism.
B)Science deals with facts that are confirmed by experiments. A "change of mind" in science, therefore, is usually the result of new experimental evidence obtained from experiments.
C)A scientist who changes his or her mind is often perceived as less honest, while a politician who changes his or her mind is often perceived as less trustworthy.
D)A scientist tries to understand many different points of view and so is apt to change his or her mind frequently.

Question 16

Most scientific inquires begin with ________.

A)a theory
B)a strong interest
C)mathematics formulas
D)grant money

Question 17

Buckminsterfullerene is a new form of carbon because ________.

A)its atoms are heavier
B)its atoms are connected differently
C)it is composed of newly formed carbon atoms
D)it also contains boron

Question 18

If someone is able to explain an idea to you using small familiar words, what does this say about how well that person understands the idea?

A)Small words simply mask the complexity of the idea revealing how little the person truly understands the concept.
B)A person who completely understands an idea uses complex words to express complex ideas.
C)A person who completely understands an idea is capable of explaining it using language that is familiar to both of you.
D)A person who uses small familiar words to explain an idea is usually hiding a lack of understanding.

Question 19

What is the best way to really prove to yourself that you understand an idea?

A)Tape record your explanation and play it back for yourself to be sure it makes sense.
B)Formulate questions concerning the idea and see if your friends can answer them.
C)Articulate the idea to others and confirm their understanding when you finish.
D)Ask someone else to explain the idea to you to see if their explanation matches yours.

Question 20

As a scientist, what are the most realistic dangers of trying to prove a theory a "right"?

A)You are no longer open to other possibilities.
B)You might convince others to see things only "your" way.
C)You might subconsciously use only the data that fits your model.
D)There is no danger, you are right when you are right.

Question 21

Which of the following statements about science is true?

A)Science deals only with testable hypotheses.
B)Science deals with observations and experimentation.
C)Scientists believe that natural phenomenon have natural explanations.
D)Experiments do not always go as planned.
E)a ll of the above

Question 22

Which statement is most accurate?

A)Science focuses on the development of new technology.
B)The goal of technology is the development of new science.
C)Technology and science are basically the same .
D)New technologies arise from scientific discoveries.

Question 23

Which of the following best describes a theory?

A)a comprehensive idea that has been extensively tested
B)a static, unchanging law of the universe
C)a prediction about the outcome of an experiment
D)a new way of testing an old idea

Question 24

Distinguish between a scientific hypothesis and a theory.

A)A scientific hypothesis must be testable, while a theory has already been tested.
B)Once a scientific hypothesis has been proven to be accurate, it becomes known as a theory.
C)In order to be scientific, an hypothesis must be backed by a theory.
D)A scientific hypothesis is a testable assumption, while a theory is a well-verified idea used to explain a broad range of phenomena.
E)Only a scientific hypothesis is subject to scrutiny, while a theory is generally accepted to be true and thus does not change.

Question 25

Any high risk for a particular technology ________.

A)has a low potential for benefiting society
B)helps to maximize potential benefits
C)is necessarily accompanied by high potential benefits
D)may be only a high risk to some

Question 26

The bucky ball led to the discovery of a whole new class of molecules called fullerenes. Fullerenes are useful in ________.

A)nanotechnology
B)conducting electricity
C)strengthening materials
D)all of the above

Question 27

During which of the scientific activities does the scientist come up with an hypothesis?

A)A hypothesis is always formulated from questions resulting from initial observations.
B)A hypothesis is formulated as the first step in any scientific process.
C)A hypothesis can come at any time, no matter what the scientist may be doing.
D)A hypothesis can only be formed from results of the experimental process.

Question 28

A scientific hypothesis is a(n)________.

A)testable assumption used to explain an observation
B)restatement of a natural phenomenon
C)well-tested theory that has been shown to be valid
D)prediction of what will happen in a certain situation
E)test designed to limit possible conclusions

Question 29

It is true that ________.

A)technology is the source of most all society's problems, such as pollution and cancer
B)technology needs to be used responsibly by people and societies as a whole
C)technology is always helpful
D)technology has nothing to do with the problems in society

Question 30

When the benefits of a technological innovation are seen to outweigh the risks ________.

A)the technology is seen as dangerous
B)the technology is accepted and applied
C)the technology needs further development
D)its use will depend on what the technology is

Question 31

Kroto, Smalley and Curl won the Nobel Prize for ________.

A)physics
B)chemistry
C)economics
D)medicine

Question 32

When employing a new technology, zero risk ________.

A)is impossible
B)is ideal
C)is the ultimate goal of science
D)leads to zero benefit

Question 33

The most pressing issue facing the world is ________.

A)too many technological advances happening too fast
B)too many scientific discoveries challenging the ecosystem
C)a rapid global population increase
D)a shortage of fossil fuels

Question 34

Global climate change is a ________.

A)theory
B)natural law
C)hypothesis
D)potential consequence

Question 35

Any technology ________.

A)has some risks
B)should have no risks before being used
C)has a very high risk of causing certain types of cancer
D)only has risks when being used without care

Question 36

Which of the following are scientific hypothesis? (i)Stars are made of the lost teeth of children.
(ii)Albert Einstein was the greatest scientist ever to have lived.
(iii)The planet Mars is reddish because it is coated with cotton candy.
(iv)Aliens from outer space have transplanted themselves into the minds of all government workers.
(v)Tides are caused by the moon.
(vi)You were President Abraham Lincoln in your past life.
(vii)A human remains self-aware while sleeping.
(viii)A human remains self-aware after death.
(ix)A human remains self-aware before being conceived.

A)ii, iv, vi
B)i, ii, iii, v, vii, viii
C)i, iii, v, vii, viii
D)All of these statements are scientific hypothesis.

Question 37

A misleading "artifact" of an experiment can be the result of ________.

A)faulty equipment
B)expired data
C)different interpretations by different scientist
D)a lack of reproducibility

Question 38

Why do scientists run control experiments and repeat their tests several times?

A)to minimize the number of conclusions and limit potential flaws in the experiment
B)because they get paid by the hour
C)to improve the chance of success
D)because chemistry is about doing experiments
E)to maximize the number of possible conclusions that can be obtained

Question 39

What is the first step in the scientific process?

A)observe a natural phenomenon
B)generate a scientific hypothesis
C)make a prediction about what may be happening
D)develop a test
E)check results by repeating work

Question 40

Which statement is false?

A)We have the technology to solve world hunger.
B)We have the technology to solve the world's energy needs.
C)We have the technology to develop global communication.
D)We lack the technology to solve most of the Earth's environmental problems.

Question 41

What do members of the Chemical Manufacturers Association pledge in the Responsible Care program?

A)The members pledge to manufacture utilizing responsible chemical standards.
B)The members pledge to manufacture without causing environmental damage.
C)The members pledge responsible care for all laboratory test animals.
D)The members pledge responsible care by using only USP grade reagents.

Question 42

What is your weight in kilograms if you weigh 155 pounds? (1 kg = 2.2 lbs)

A)70.5 kg
B)341 kg
C)3.41 kg
D)7.5 kg
E)34.1 kg

Question 43

Is chemistry the study of the submicroscopic, the microscopic, or the macroscopic, or all three?

A)Submicroscopic because it deals with atoms and molecules, which can't be seen with a microscope.
B)Microscopic because it pertains to the formation of crystals.
C)Macroscopic because it deals with powders, liquids, and gases that fill beakers and flasks.
D)All of the above because most everything is made of atoms and molecules.

Question 44

Which of the following would be considered basic research?

A)examining why a mouse likes cheddar cheese more than swiss cheese
B)studying ways of catching mice safely
C)testing the strength of a mouse cage
D)examining how quickly a trapdoor closes
E)testing a safe, nontoxic mouse glue

Question 45

After the devastating tsunami of December 2004, dozens of Scientologists mobilized to effected regions of south Asia to join in the relief effort. Instead of traditional medical aid, however, these pseudo scientists provided pamphlets along with "touch assist" treatment in which they touch wounded areas with a fingertip. What might the victims have thought about the efforts of the Scientologists?

A)The victims might perceive their efforts as admirable if the Scientologists were also assisting in the distribution of food and clothing.
B)The relief efforts of the scientologists may have been perceived as questionable if they consisted only of passing out pamphlets and practicing their "touch assist" healing.
C)If the victims' wounds healed within a few days, it's possible that the victims may have attributed the healing to the touch assist.
D)All of the above are likely thoughts by the victims of the devastating tsunami.

Question 46

Which of the following would not be considered matter?

A)light
B)trees
C)air
D)clouds
E)rain

Question 47

If 1 ft = 12 in, how many feet is 16.0 inches?

A)1.33 ft
B)1.00 ft
C)1.50 ft
D)19.2 ft
E)1.92 ft

Question 48

Any conversion factor is equal to ________.

A)the negative of its inversion factor
B)one
C)the new unit being derived
D)its reciprocal

Question 49

Which of the following would be considered applied research?

A)determining the lightest and strongest metal to be used for an airplane wing
B)testing the strength of a piece of metal
C)determining the melting temperature of a metal
D)examining how susceptible a metal is to bending
E)determining how readily a metal corrodes in a wet environment

Question 50

An example of basic research is ________.

A)the development of new plastics that can be recycled
B)the study of the relationship between the amount of automobile emissions gases in the atmosphere and the decomposition of atmospheric ozone
C)the study of the composition of the atom
D)the design of new batteries for electric cars
E)the study of natural compounds in sea animals to look for new molecules that can be used for medicine

Question 51

The great philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)wrote, "I think we must retain the belief that scientific knowledge is one of the glories of man. I will not maintain that knowledge can never do harm. I think such general propositions can almost always be refuted by well-chosen examples. What I will maintain and maintain vigorously is that knowledge is very much more often useful than harmful and that fear of knowledge is very much more often harmful than useful." Which of the following supports this statement?

A)knowledge of electricity
B)knowledge of nuclear power
C)knowledge of the atom
D)knowledge of dynamite
E)all of the above

Question 52

Chemistry is the study of ________.

A)matter
B)transformations of matter
C)only microscopic phenomena
D)only macroscopic phenomena
E)both A and B

Question 53

The radius of an oxygen atom is meter. What is this radius in pico meters? (1pm = 10^-12m)

A)0.66 picometer
B) picometers
C)66 picometers
D)10 picometers
E) picometers

Question 54

The American Chemistry Council is ________.

A)a society of chemistry educators
B)a special interest group
C)an organization of environmental lawyers
D)an advisory panel to the U.S. Congress

Question 55

Of the three sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology, the most complex is ________.

A)physics because it involves many mathematical equations
B)chemistry because there are so many possible combinations of atoms
C)biology because it is based upon both the laws of chemistry and physics
D)All three of these sciences are equally complex

Question 56

Which of the following can be classified as matter?

A)water
B)sand
C)perfume
D)ice cream
E)all of the above

Question 57

How long does it take for Earth to revolve around the sun?

A)one day
B)one week
C)one month
D)one year

Question 58

Why is reproducibility such a vital component of science?

A)Reproducibility allows a scientist a second chance to show that his/her initial findings were correct.
B)Reproducibility is a vital component of science because it provides repeat funding.
C)An experiment can only be considered valid if other scientists can reproduce the results.
D)Modern scientific procedures provide built-in assurances so that reproducibility is no longer considered to be a vital component of science.

Question 59

The gap between two brain cells is 2.0 × 10^-3 nm. How many meters is this?

A)2.0 × 10^-12 m
B)2.0 × 10^-6 m
C)2.0 m
D)2.0 × 10⁶ m
E)2.0 × 10^-9 m

Question 60

How many meters is 15.5 millimeters?

A)0.0155 m
B)15,500 m
C)1.55 m
D)0.0000155 m
E)0.00155 m

Question 61

If one meter is equal to 39.4 inches, how many centimeters are in one foot?

A)30.4 cm
B)304 cm
C)0.3 cm
D)472 cm
E)4.72 cm

Question 62

The diameter of a lead pipe was measured to be 2.40 centimeters. Its diameter in units of meters is ________.

A)240 meters
B)2,400 meters
C)0.240 meter
D)0.0240 meter
E)0.00240 meter

Question 63

The diameter of a lead pipe is measured to be 2.40 cm and you are asked to convert to units of inches. For this conversion factor problem, what units do you begin with in your calculation?

A)meters
B)inches
C)centimeters
D)feet

Question 64

The diameter of a lead pipe is measured to be 2.40 cm and you are asked to convert to units of inches. For this conversion factor problem, what units do you end with in your calculation?

A)meters
B)inches
C)centimeters
D)feet

Question 65

The diameter of a lead pipe is measured to be 2.40 cm and you are asked to convert to units of inches. Which of the following conversion factors can you use to solve this problem?

A)12 in = 1 ft
B)100 cm = 1 m
C)3 ft = 1 yd
D)two of the above
E)none of the above