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

The scientific method is the structured approach scientists use: observe, question, hypothesize, experiment, analyze data, and draw conclusions.

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

A hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested, while a theory is a broad explanation supported by extensive evidence from multiple experiments.

Question 3

What is a controlled variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

A factor kept constant to ensure a fair test

Answer

Controlled variables are kept the same throughout the experiment so that any changes in the dependent variable can be attributed to the independent variable.

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

Mass is constant regardless of location and measures the amount of matter. Weight varies with gravity and is a measure of gravitational force.

Question 5

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Accepted Answer

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed

Answer

The law of conservation of energy states that the total energy in a closed system remains constant — it can change forms but cannot be created or destroyed.

(RICAS) Rhode Island State Practice Test Practice Test

(RICAS) Rhode Island State Practice Test Practice Test

RICAS Scientific Inquiry