Frequently Confused Words

What is the difference between mass and weight?

• Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the force of gravity on an object.

• Mass is measured in newtons, while weight is measured in kilograms.

• Mass changes with location, while weight remains constant.

• Mass is a vector quantity, while weight is a scalar quantity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which of the following correctly differentiates speed and velocity?

• Speed is a scalar quantity, while velocity is a vector quantity.

• Speed is measured in meters per second squared, while velocity is measured in meters per second.

• Speed includes direction, while velocity does not.

• Speed is always greater than velocity.

What is the main difference between an element and a compound?

• An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom, while a compound is made of two or more types of atoms chemically bonded.

• An element can be broken down into simpler substances, while a compound cannot.

• An element is always a solid, while a compound can be a solid, liquid, or gas.

• An element is found in nature, while a compound is man-made.

How does a physical change differ from a chemical change?

• A physical change affects the form of a substance, while a chemical change affects its composition.

• A physical change is always reversible, while a chemical change is always irreversible.

• A physical change involves energy, while a chemical change does not.

• A physical change creates a new substance, while a chemical change does not.

What distinguishes a hypothesis from a theory in scientific terms?

• A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation.

• A hypothesis is always correct, while a theory can be disproven.

• A hypothesis is based on a single experiment, while a theory is based on multiple experiments.

• A hypothesis is a law, while a theory is not.

Which statement correctly differentiates between mitosis and meiosis?

• Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically different daughter cells.

• Mitosis occurs in gametes, while meiosis occurs in somatic cells.

• Mitosis involves two rounds of cell division, while meiosis involves one.

• Mitosis reduces the chromosome number by half, while meiosis maintains the chromosome number.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources?

• Renewable energy sources can be replenished naturally, while non-renewable energy sources cannot.

• Renewable energy sources are always more efficient than non-renewable sources.

• Renewable energy sources are man-made, while non-renewable sources are natural.

• Renewable energy sources are always cheaper than non-renewable sources.

How do prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells?

• Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus.

• Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do not.

• Prokaryotic cells are larger than eukaryotic cells.

• Prokaryotic cells are found in multicellular organisms, while eukaryotic cells are not.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?

• A conductor allows the flow of electric current, while an insulator resists it.

• A conductor is always made of metal, while an insulator is always made of plastic.

• A conductor has high resistance, while an insulator has low resistance.

• A conductor is used in circuits, while an insulator is not.

Which of the following differentiates a comet from an asteroid?

• A comet is made of ice and dust, while an asteroid is made of rock and metal.

• A comet orbits the sun, while an asteroid does not.

• A comet is found in the asteroid belt, while an asteroid is found in the Kuiper belt.

• A comet is larger than an asteroid.