RICAS Scientific Inquiry

Question 1

What is the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A systematic process for investigating phenomena through observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis

Answer

A single experiment

Answer

A math formula

Answer

A way to write lab reports

Question 2

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable prediction; a theory is a well-supported explanation

Answer

They are the same thing

Answer

A theory is less certain than a hypothesis

Answer

A hypothesis cannot be tested

Question 3

What is a controlled variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

A factor kept constant to ensure a fair test

Answer

The variable being measured

Answer

The variable being changed

Answer

An unexpected result

Question 4

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Accepted Answer

Mass is the amount of matter; weight is the gravitational force on that matter

Answer

They are identical

Answer

Mass changes with location; weight stays constant

Answer

Weight is measured in kilograms

Question 5

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Accepted Answer

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed

Answer

Energy is always increasing

Answer

Energy can be created from nothing

Answer

Energy always decreases

Question 6

What is the difference between an element and a compound?

Accepted Answer

An element is a pure substance; a compound is two or more elements chemically combined

Answer

They are the same thing

Answer

A compound is simpler than an element

Answer

An element contains multiple types of atoms