CAAT - Canadian Adult Achievement Basic Scientific Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

When a person turns on a standard incandescent lamp, what is the primary energy transformation that occurs?

Accepted Answer

Electrical energy to light and heat energy

Answer

Chemical energy to light energy

Answer

Mechanical energy to electrical energy

Answer

Nuclear energy to heat energy

Question 2

In most ecosystems, what is the primary role of organisms classified as 'producers'?

Accepted Answer

To convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis

Answer

To break down dead organic matter into nutrients

Answer

To consume other organisms for energy

Answer

To regulate the population of herbivores

Question 3

A student leaves an open glass of cold water on a table in a warm room. A few hours later, tiny droplets of water have formed on the outside of the glass. Which scientific process best explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

Condensation

Answer

Evaporation

Answer

Precipitation

Answer

Transpiration

Question 4

A scientist is testing the effect of different types of soil on the growth of bean plants. She plants identical bean seeds in three separate pots. Pot A contains sandy soil, Pot B contains clay soil, and Pot C contains loam soil. All pots are given the same amount of water and sunlight. She measures the height of the plants every week. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The type of soil

Answer

The amount of water

Answer

The height of the plants

Answer

The amount of sunlight

Question 5

A heavy box is sitting motionless on a flat floor. Which statement best explains why the box is not moving?

Accepted Answer

The downward force of gravity and the upward force from the floor are balanced.

Answer

There are no forces acting on the box.

Answer

The force of gravity is weaker than the force of friction.

Answer

The box has too much inertia to be affected by gravity.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?

Accepted Answer

A metal nail rusting in the rain

Answer

Boiling water to make steam

Answer

Chopping wood into smaller pieces

Answer

Melting an ice cube