Critical Reasoning Flashcards

The re-creation of an event by comparing two situations in which all the factors are identical except one is called a ____________.

Answer: controlled experiment

Explanation: A controlled experiment involves comparing two situations where all factors are identical except for one variable, allowing for the isolation of the effects of that variable. This method helps to identify causality between variables.

A scheme of thought that has survived a test of detailed examination for long periods of time is a(an) __________.

Answer: scientific theory

Explanation: A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is acquired through the scientific method and has withstood extensive testing and scrutiny over time. It's a robust framework that helps explain observable phenomena.

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

Answer: Environmental, social, economic

Explanation: The three pillars of sustainability encompass environmental considerations, social equity, and economic viability. They represent the interconnected aspects necessary for long-term sustainable development.

If a cube of jello is cut into two pieces, what total property of the new pieces changes?

Answer: surface area

Explanation: When a cube of jello is cut into two pieces, the total property that changes in the new pieces is the surface area. Cutting the cube alters the surface area of each piece, but other properties like rock characteristics and chemical weathering remain unchanged by the act of cutting.

An experimental situation used as the basis of comparison is the _________.

Answer: control group

Explanation: A control group is an experimental situation used as the basis of comparison in a controlled experiment. It serves as a standard against which the effects of the experimental manipulation are compared.

A tentative thought- or experiment-derived explanation is known as a(an) ____________.

Answer: hypothesis

Explanation: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or prediction based on limited evidence or prior knowledge. It serves as a starting point for further investigation or experimentation in the scientific method.

The most recently developed scientific theory is the ___________.

Answer: plate tectonic theory

Explanation: Among the options provided, plate tectonic theory is the most recently developed scientific theory. It explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates, and its development occurred relatively recently compared to other theories like the nebular theory or the concept of convergent boundaries.

A statement describing a relationship that is observed in nature to occur consistently time after time is a(an) ________.

Answer: scientific law

Explanation: A scientific law is a statement that describes a relationship observed in nature to occur consistently over time. It summarizes a pattern observed in scientific data without explaining the underlying mechanism, unlike a scientific theory which explains observed phenomena.

Isotopes of an element have the same number of ______, but different numbers of ______.

Answer: protons; neutrons

Explanation: Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons (which determines the element's identity) but different numbers of neutrons, leading to variations in atomic mass.

A statement that the energy supplied to a system in the form of heat, minus the work done by the system, is equal to the change in internal energy represents the __________.

Answer: first law of thermodynamics

Explanation: The statement describes the first law of thermodynamics, which states that the change in internal energy of a system is equal to the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system. It's a fundamental principle in thermodynamics concerning energy conservation.

What distinguishes the atoms of one element from another?

Answer: The number of protons

Explanation: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determines its identity as an element. Each element has a unique number of protons, known as its atomic number, which distinguishes it from other elements.