Scientific Knowledge Quiz

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

• Can be changed or abandoned with a single experiment that contradicts it. Answers the question “How does this happen?”

• A statement that describes an observed phenomenon in nature

• A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that is yet to be tested

• A generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature

What is a scientific law?

• A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation

• A statement that describes an observed phenomenon in nature

• A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that is yet to be tested

• Concise DESCRIPTION of a scientific idea that is the result of multiple experiments. Answers the question “What is happening?”

Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?

• Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

• The Theory of Evolution

• The Big Bang Theory

• The Theory of Relativity

What is an experimental hypothesis?

• A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation

• A statement that describes an observed phenomenon in nature

• A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that is yet to be tested

• A statement that can be tested in an experiment

Which of the following is a characteristic of a scientific theory?

• It can be proven beyond any doubt

• It is based on personal beliefs or opinions

• It is static and unchanging

• Covers a large number of observations that are verified by multiple experiments

What distinguishes a scientific theory from a hypothesis?

• A theory is based on observation and experimentation, while a hypothesis is a statement that is testable and made to describe what "you think is going to happen during an experiment"

• A theory is a well-substantiated explanation, while a hypothesis is an untested prediction

• A theory is supported by evidence, while a hypothesis is not

• A theory is more reliable than a hypothesis

Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?

• The Theory of Plate Tectonics

• The Theory of Relativity

• The Law of Conservation of Mass

What is the role of experimentation in scientific knowledge?

• To test hypotheses and theories

• To prove theories beyond any doubt

• To support personal beliefs

IDENTIFY IF THIS IS A LAW, HYPOTHESIS, OR THEORY:

The disorder (entropy) of the universe always increases

• LAW

• THEORY

• HYPOTHESIS

IDENTIFY IF THIS IS A LAW, HYPOTHESIS, OR THEORY:

If leaf color change is related to temperature, then exposing plants to low temperatures will result in changes in leaf color.

• HYPOTHESIS

• LAW

• THEORY