Foundations of Science Midterm

In an experiment, which variable is directly affected by changes to the independent variable?

• Control

• Constants

• Average

• Dependent

When designing an experiment, why is a control group important?

• It provides a comparison to evaluate the effect of the independent variable.

• It increases the sample size of the experiment.

• It ensures that the dependent variable is not influenced by external factors.

• It allows for the manipulation of the independent variable.

In an experiment, what does the independent variable represent?

• The variable that is measured by the researcher

• The variable that remains constant throughout the experiment

• The variable that is manipulated by the researcher

• The variable that serves as a control

According to the Big Bang Theory, the universe is approximately how old?

• 2,024 years old

• 4.6 billion years old

• 4.6 million years old

• We still haven’t determined the age of the universe.

Evidence from the Big Bang Theory suggests which elements are the most abundant in the universe? (select all that apply)

• Hydrogen

• Helium

• Neon

• Oxygen

Which question can a particle accelerator, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), help us answer?

• What is the age of the universe?

• What is the chemical composition of the stars?

• How much remnant heat is left over from the Big Bang?

• How did particles behave at the time of the Big Bang?

How does what we see in the light from stars relate to the Doppler effect and support the Big Bang Theory?

• The Doppler Effect can help determine distance of objects in the universe.

• The Doppler Effect can help determine the composition of objects in the universe.

• The Doppler Effect models how particles behaved at the time of the Big Bang.

• The Doppler Effect is not relevant to our understanding of the Big Bang Theory.

What evidence does the Doppler effect provide to support the Big Bang Theory?

Why is the Big Bang Theory considered a scientific theory rather than a scientific law? Be specific and include supportive evidence. (3 pts)

Which mechanism, developed by Harry Hess, states that when two tectonic plates slowly separate, molten material rises up from within the mantle to fill the opening?

• Mantle convection

• Seafloor spreading

• Continental drift

• Magnetic reversals