Physics A Exam Fall 2024

What is the first step in the scientific method?

• Make Hypothesis

• Experiment

• Identify Problem

• Analyze Results

Answer explanation

The first step in the scientific method is to identify the problem. This involves recognizing a question or issue that needs investigation, which sets the foundation for forming a hypothesis and conducting experiments.

Why is measurement important in physics?

• It helps in memorizing formulas

• It is crucial for validating hypotheses and theories

• It simplifies complex equations

• It is used only for historical analysis

Answer explanation

Measurement is essential in physics as it provides the quantitative data needed to validate hypotheses and theories. Without accurate measurements, scientific claims cannot be substantiated or tested effectively.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-5

NGSS.HS-PS1-7

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

What is the purpose of the International System of Units (SI)?

• To provide a standardized framework for measurements

• To create new units for every scientific discipline

• To eliminate the use of prefixes in measurements

• To replace all existing measurement systems

Answer explanation

The purpose of the International System of Units (SI) is to provide a standardized framework for measurements, ensuring consistency and clarity across various scientific disciplines and applications.

Which of the following is a fundamental unit in the SI system?

• Meter

• Quagmire

• Gallon

• Inch

Answer explanation

The meter is a fundamental unit in the SI system, used to measure length. In contrast, quagmire is not a unit, gallon is a non-SI unit of volume, and inch is an imperial unit. Therefore, the correct answer is meter.

What is scientific notation primarily used for?

• Expressing very large or very small numbers in a compact form

• Converting units of measurement

• Calculating averages

• Measuring temperature

Answer explanation

Scientific notation is primarily used for expressing very large or very small numbers in a compact form, making it easier to read and work with such values in scientific and mathematical contexts.

How is the number 13,700,000,000 expressed in scientific notation?

• 1.37 × 10^10

• 1.37 × 10^9

• 1.37 × 10^11

• 1.37 × 10^8

Answer explanation

To express 13,700,000,000 in scientific notation, move the decimal point 10 places to the left, resulting in 1.37. Thus, it is written as 1.37 × 10^10, making this the correct choice.

What does the exponent in scientific notation indicate?

• How many places the decimal was moved

• The size of the number

• The unit of measurement

• The type of number

Answer explanation

The exponent in scientific notation indicates how many places the decimal point has been moved. A positive exponent means the decimal was moved to the right, while a negative exponent indicates it was moved to the left.

Which "Headline" best describes a possible real world situation illustrated by this position vs time graph?

• The runner ran forward for 2 seconds, and then backward for 2 seconds.

• The runner ran forward for 2 seconds, and then stood still for 2 seconds.

• The runner ran forward for 2 seconds, and then ran forward more slowly for 2 seconds.

• The runner ran uphill slowly for 2 seconds and then sped up for 2 seconds.

Answer explanation

The graph shows a forward movement followed by a slower forward movement, indicating the runner ran forward for 2 seconds and then continued forward but at a reduced speed for the next 2 seconds.

What is the rule for addition and subtraction with significant figures?

• The result should have the same number of significant figures as the factor with the most significant figures.

• The result should have the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the least decimal places.

• The result should have the same number of significant figures as the factor with the least significant figures.

• The result should have the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the most decimal places.

Answer explanation

In addition and subtraction, the result should have the same number of decimal places as the measurement with the least decimal places. This ensures that the precision of the result reflects the least precise measurement.

How many significant figures does the number 0.003003 have?

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Answer explanation

The number 0.003003 has four significant figures. The leading zeros are not counted, but the digits 3, 0, 0, and 3 are significant, making a total of 4 significant figures.