Physics Review for Test I

A scientific theory

• is a guess about how or why something happens

• is a broad explanation of how the natural world works based on evidence

• can never be altered

• none of the above

How many variables may be tested legitimately in any one experiment?

• as many as a physicist can handle

• three

• one

• five

The minimum distance from the Earth to Mars is 5.46 x 10⁷ km. If you travel from the Earth to the Mars and back, which of the following is a correct estimation of your displacement?

• 0 miles

• 238,900 miles

• 477,800 miles

• None of the above

Measuring temperature would most likely involve which major area in physics?

• optics

• thermodynamics

• relativity

• vibrations and wave phenomena

Which of the following objects most likely has a constant speed?

• A car that speeds up when the light turns green

• A car traveling at 65 mph on the freeway

• A car that slows down to a stop due to a red light

• A car that makes a u-turn

Scientists use mathematical equations because they

• Represent physical quantities

• Can help make predictions

• Show a precise relationship between variables

• All of the above

Which statement below correctly identifies the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

• A hypothesis is a prediction, while a theory is an explanation

• A hypothesis is an explanation, while a theory is just an opinion

• A hypothesis is a guess, while a theory is a fact

• A hypothesis is a fact, while a theory is a guess

I drove 15 miles to the local farmer's market. Halfway back to my house I ran out of gas. What is my displacement?

• 22.5 miles

• 15 miles

• 7.5 miles

• 0 miles

A cheetah runs at 93 km/hr. This describes the cheetah's

• Displacement

• Instantaneous Speed

• Average Speed

• Average Velocity

Which of the following is a scalar?

• Displacement

• Distance

• Velocity

• None of the above