Scientific Problem Solving Quiz

What type of bridge is the simplest and has one horizontal beam across two supports?

• Beam bridge

• Truss bridge

• Suspension bridge

• Arch bridge

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

• To study how a change in the independent variable changes the dependent variable

• To observe or measure the factor during an experiment

• To ensure that observations result from the variable being tested

• To contain the same factors as the experimental group, but with the independent variable not changed

What is the factor that a scientist wants to test and is changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable?

• Control group

• Dependent variable

• Independent variable

• Constant

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is the factor that a scientist observes or measures during an experiment?

• Control group

• Dependent variable

• Independent variable

• Constant

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Why are truss bridges often used for bridges that span long distances?

• Because they are the simplest type of bridge

• Because they tend to sag in the middle if they are too long

• Because they are supported only at their two ends

• Because a series of interconnected triangles strengthens them

What are the gusset plates of a bridge?

• The beams in the bridge's deck

• The supports that hold up the deck of the bridge

• The structures where the truss structure connects to the roadway

• The critical pieces that hold the bridge together

What type of data uses words to describe what is observed?

• Qualitative data

• Quantitative data

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

What type of data uses numbers to describe what is observed?

• Qualitative data

• Quantitative data

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

What is the demand-to-capacity ratio used to measure?

• The load on the bridge when it collapsed

• The thickness of the gusset plates

• The safety of a structure

• The modifications made to the bridge

What did investigators conclude was the cause of the bridge collapse?

• The bridge was overloaded

• The gusset plates were not properly designed

• The modifications made to the bridge

• The load on the bridge when it collapsed