Science Quiz on Thinking and Working Scientifically

Which of the following is a strength of using a particle model to explain changes of state?

• It shows every single molecule’s exact position

• It predicts the exact melting point of all substances

• It helps visualise how particles move in solids, liquids, and gases

• It accounts for the effects of temperature on matter

A balanced chemical equation must show which of the following?

• Unequal numbers of reactant molecules and product molecules

• Equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the arrow

• Unequal masses of reactants and products

• Coefficients that always add up to one

Which of the following hypotheses is testable?

• “Plants exhibit different levels of happiness depending on the colour of music played.”

• “If the concentration of salt in water is increased, then its boiling point increases.”

• “People in rural areas feel happier than people in cities.”

• “Gravity affects mood in mountainous regions.”

In planning an investigation of how insulation affects the cooling rate of hot water, which variable is the dependent variable?

• Type of insulation (e.g., foam, cotton, none)

• Initial temperature of the water

• Cooling rate (°C per minute) measured over time

• Volume of water at the start

When analysing experimental data, which result would be considered anomalous in a series of temperature measurements at fixed time intervals?

• 90 °C, 88 °C, 87 °C, 86 °C

• 90 °C, 88 °C, 65 °C, 87 °C

• 90 °C, 85 °C, 80 °C, 75 °C

• 90 °C, 89 °C, 88 °C, 87 °C

Which of these descriptions correctly distinguishes accuracy from precision?

• Accuracy is how close repeated measurements are to each other; precision is how close a measurement is to the true value

• Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the true value; precision is how close repeated measurements are to each other

• Both accuracy and precision refer to how close measurements are to each other

• Both accuracy and precision refer to how close measurements are to the true value

A student uses red and blue litmus paper to test solution X. The red litmus turns blue; the blue litmus remains blue. What is solution X?

• Acidic

• Neutral

• Alkaline

• Cannot be determined without a pH meter

Which hazard symbol must be considered when working with concentrated hydrochloric acid?

• Oxidising (flame over circle)

• Corrosive (test tubes pouring onto hand and metal)

• Flammable (flame)

• Toxic (skull and crossbones)

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of repeating measurements?

• Reducing the impact of random errors

• Identifying anomalous results

• Improving precision

• Ensuring perfect accuracy

Which of the following pairs of variables represents a fair test for investigating how light intensity affects plant growth?

• Independent: plant species; Dependent: light intensity

• Independent: light intensity; Dependent: plant height; Controlled: water amount, soil type

• Independent: plant height; Dependent: light colour

• Independent: soil type; Dependent: light intensity