Critical Thinking In Science Quiz

1. A scientist observed changes in the gas pressure of one mole of a gas in a sealed chamber with a fixed volume. To identify the source of the changes, the scientist should check for variations in the?

Temperature of the chamber.

Molecular formula of the gas

Isotopes of the gas

Air pressure outside the chamber

The gas pressure changes in a sealed chamber with a fixed volume are directly influenced by the temperature of the chamber. Variations in the temperature can lead to changes in gas pressure due to the ideal gas law relationship. While air pressure outside the chamber, isotopes of the gas, and the molecular formula of the gas can play roles in certain contexts, they are not the primary factors influencing the observed changes in this scenario.

Explanation

The gas pressure changes in a sealed chamber with a fixed volume are directly influenced by the temperature of the chamber. Variations in the temperature can lead to changes in gas pressure due to the ideal gas law relationship. While air pressure outside the chamber, isotopes of the gas, and the molecular formula of the gas can play roles in certain contexts, they are not the primary factors influencing the observed changes in this scenario.

2. What type of electronic probe could be used to determine the pressure inside a weather balloon with a 2-meter diameter at ambient temperature that holds 525 grams of helium?

Calorimetric

Thermometric

Spectrophotometric

Barometric

A barometric probe would be used to measure the pressure inside the weather balloon. The pressure inside the balloon can be determined by measuring the atmospheric pressure outside and the difference in pressure gives the pressure inside the balloon.

Explanation

A barometric probe would be used to measure the pressure inside the weather balloon. The pressure inside the balloon can be determined by measuring the atmospheric pressure outside and the difference in pressure gives the pressure inside the balloon.

3. Which tool would be most appropriate for collecting data during a neutralization reaction?

A thermometer

A graphing program

A statistics program

A pH probe

In a neutralization reaction, pH changes occur as acids and bases are neutralized. Therefore, a pH probe is the most appropriate tool for collecting data during this type of reaction. A thermometer measures temperature, not pH. A statistics program is used for analyzing data, not collecting it. A graphing program is used to visualize data, but it does not directly collect pH information.

Explanation

In a neutralization reaction, pH changes occur as acids and bases are neutralized. Therefore, a pH probe is the most appropriate tool for collecting data during this type of reaction. A thermometer measures temperature, not pH. A statistics program is used for analyzing data, not collecting it. A graphing program is used to visualize data, but it does not directly collect pH information.

4. In order to advance to the level of a theory, a hypothesis should be?

Obviously accepted by most people.

In alignment with past theories.

A fully functional experiment.

A hypothesis can only become a theory when it has been repeatedly confirmed by experimentation. This process involves testing the hypothesis multiple times under different conditions to ensure its validity and reliability.

Explanation

A hypothesis can only become a theory when it has been repeatedly confirmed by experimentation. This process involves testing the hypothesis multiple times under different conditions to ensure its validity and reliability.