Quiz about Scientific Theories and Laws Review

Question 1

A set of principles that explains and predicts a phenomena is called a _____.

Accepted Answer

scientific theory

Answer

scientific law

Answer

scientific method

Answer

scientific instructor

Question 2

Scientists create both scientific theories and scientific laws as they make observations and conduct experiments about the natural world. Which of the following statements most accurately compares the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws?

Accepted Answer

Scientific theories are ideas that explain natural events, while scientific laws more reliably predict natural events.

Answer

Scientific laws are based on evidence, while scientific theories are not.

Answer

Scientific theories involve only biology, while laws involve all types of science.

Answer

Scientific theories involve mathematical equations, while scientific laws are based on observations.

Question 3

Which of these can change when new evidence is presented?

Accepted Answer

theory

Answer

law

Question 4

Which of these explain how a natural phenomenon works or happens?

Accepted Answer

theory

Answer

law

Question 5

A scientific ____________ is a statement that describes what always happens under certain conditions in nature.

Accepted Answer

law

Answer

theory

Answer

method

Answer

variable

Question 6

A rule that describes a repeatable pattern in nature

Accepted Answer

scientific law

Answer

scientific inquiry

Answer

scientific theory

Question 7

Which of these describes a natural phenomenon or relationship that always occurs under specific conditions

Accepted Answer

law

Answer

theory

Question 8

Scientific theories can be tested.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 9

Scientific theories are based on

Accepted Answer

large amounts of data collected over time.

Answer

general assumptions of how systems work.

Answer

mathematical principles that can be proven true.

Answer

observations from within only one scientific discipline.

Question 10

A scientific ____________ is a statement that describes what always happens under certain conditions in nature.

Accepted Answer

law

Answer

theory

Answer

method

Answer

variable

Question 11

A scientific theory...

Accepted Answer

is based on lots of evidence

Answer

is not valid

Answer

is not reliable

Answer

has not been tested many times

Question 12

Scientists __________________ test scientific theories.

Accepted Answer

constantly

Answer

rarely

Answer

never

Question 13

Attempts to explain why something happens Explain how a natural phenomenon works based on available evidence.

Accepted Answer

Theory

Answer

Law

Answer

Hypothesis

Question 14

True/False. A scientific theory can change with new evidence and cannot change into a law.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 15

The following statements apply to both theory and law: Based on evidence. Cannot change into each other. Widely accepted by the majority of scientists in the given field of study

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 16

Atomic theory, which describes the atoms that make up matter, has been explored for centuries. Scientists in ancient Greece first proposed that matter was made of units called atoms. For many years, scientists thought atoms were solid and could not be divided. Then, in the nineteenth century, scientists began to discover the particles that make up atoms. Modern techniques have allowed scientists to split atoms into increasingly smaller particles. Which of the following statements about theories is supported by the history of the atomic theory?

Accepted Answer

Theories can change in response to new evidence.

Answer

If new evidence contradicts earlier theories, it is a result of an experimental error.

Answer

Experiments with modern equipment cannot be used to support earlier theories.

Answer

A theory is discarded when new evidence contradicts a part of the theory.

Question 17

A scientist spends a month observing two prairie animals, prairie dogs and ferrets, in their natural habitat. Based on his observations, the scientist states that ferrets are more active than prairie dogs. Why is his statement NOT a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

The statement is not widely accepted and supported by sufficient evidence.

Answer

It is an observation of something in nature.

Answer

Prairie dogs and ferrets are different species.

Answer

The scientist has not conducted enough trials to draw a valid conclusion.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A statement that describes what always happens under certain conditions in nature

Answer

A hypothesis that has been proven true

Answer

An educated guess based on observations

Answer

A theory that has been widely accepted

Question 19

What is the primary difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains why phenomena occur, while a law describes what happens

Answer

A law explains why phenomena occur, while a theory describes what happens

Answer

Theories are based on mathematical equations, while laws are based on observations

Answer

Laws are subject to change, while theories are not

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The Theory of Evolution

Answer

The Law of Gravity

Answer

The Law of Thermodynamics

Answer

The Law of Conservation of Mass

Question 21

Why can scientific theories change over time?

Accepted Answer

New evidence can lead to modifications or replacements

Answer

They are based on assumptions that can be disproven

Answer

They are not based on empirical evidence

Answer

They are only valid for a limited time

Question 22

Which of the following statements is true about scientific theories and laws?

Accepted Answer

Both are based on evidence and widely accepted

Answer

Theories can become laws if proven true

Answer

Laws can become theories if new evidence is found

Answer

Neither can be tested or modified

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