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Science questions, chapter 1

Introduction to Scientific Investigation

43 marks. Use Practice to check each answer as you go, or Exam to answer everything against the clock first.

Section A: objective questions

12 marks
Choose the best answer for each question.
1
Which statement best describes science?
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B
Science is a discipline that involves systematic observations and experiments of natural phenomena (textbook p. 4).
RememberingLow1.1Textbook p. 4
2
A scientist studies weather and climate change. Which field of science is this?
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D
Meteorology is the study of weather and climate change.
RememberingLow1.1Textbook p. 6
3
Diagram 1 shows a hazard symbol on a chemical bottle. Which chemical is most likely to be in the bottle?
Hazard symbol
Diagram 1
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A
This is the corrosive symbol. Concentrated acids and alkalis are corrosive. Petrol is flammable, uranium is radioactive and chloroform is an irritant.
UnderstandingMedium1.2Textbook p. 12
4
Diagram 2 shows a piece of laboratory apparatus. What is its function?
Laboratory apparatus with a tap
Diagram 2
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C
This is a burette (it has a scale and a tap). It measures the volume of a liquid accurately. A pipette measures a fixed volume.
RememberingLow1.2Textbook p. 10
5
What is the S.I. unit of temperature?
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B
The S.I. unit of temperature is the kelvin (K). Degree Celsius is commonly used but is not the S.I. unit.
RememberingLow1.3Textbook p. 15
6
2.5 km = ______ m
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C
1 km = 1000 m, so 2.5 × 1000 = 2500 m.
ApplyingLow1.3Textbook p. 16
7
Which prefix has the value 0.000 001?
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A
micro = 10⁻⁶ = 0.000 001. milli = 0.001, centi = 0.01, nano = 0.000 000 001.
RememberingMedium1.3Textbook p. 16
8
Diagram 3 shows the scale of a pair of vernier calipers. What is the reading?
Vernier calipers scale
Diagram 3
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D
Main scale just before the vernier zero = 2.4 cm. Vernier line 7 lines up with a main-scale line → 0.07 cm. Reading = 2.4 + 0.07 = 2.47 cm.
ApplyingMedium1.4Textbook p. 22
9
Which instrument is the most suitable for measuring the diameter of a strand of hair?
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D
The micrometer screw gauge is the most sensitive (smallest reading 0.01 mm), so it can measure very small diameters.
UnderstandingLow1.4Textbook p. 23
10
Which of the following is an example of a random error?
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A
Random errors are caused by the observer, e.g. parallax error. The other three are systematic errors from the instrument.
UnderstandingMedium1.4Textbook p. 26
11
Diagram 4 shows three liquids, P, Q and R, that do not mix, in a measuring cylinder. Which statement is correct?
Three liquid layers P (top), Q (middle), R (bottom)
Diagram 4
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C
The densest liquid sinks to the bottom. R is at the bottom, so R is the densest; P (top) is the least dense.
AnalysingMedium1.5Textbook p. 30
12
A student has identified a problem and constructed a hypothesis. What is the next step in a scientific investigation?
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B
Order: identify problem → construct hypothesis → control variables → plan → conduct → collect data → analyse → conclude → report.
UnderstandingLow1.6Textbook p. 34

Section B: structured questions

31 marks
Answer all questions. Write your answers in the spaces provided.
13
Diagram 5 shows three pieces of apparatus, P, Q and R. Choose the function of each.
[1 mark] (a)Apparatus P
Apparatus P
P
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Supports apparatus during heating
P is a tripod stand.
[1 mark] (b)Apparatus Q
Apparatus Q
Q
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Separates insoluble solids from a mixture
Q is a filter funnel.
[1 mark] (c)Apparatus R
Apparatus R
R
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Evaporates excess solvent
R is an evaporating dish.
RememberingLow1.2Textbook p. 10
14
Convert the following.
[1 mark] (a)1.5 kg = ______ g
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  • 1500 g1
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[1 mark] (b)3 minutes = ______ s
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  • 180 s1
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[1 mark] (c)250 mm = ______ m
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  • 0.25 m1
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ApplyingLow1.3Textbook p. 16
15
Diagram 6 shows a micrometer screw gauge being used to measure the diameter of a wire.
Micrometer screw gauge scale
Diagram 6
[1 mark] (a)What is the reading of the micrometer screw gauge?
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  • 5.37 mm1
Sleeve 5.0 mm + thimble 37 × 0.01 = 0.37 mm.
Tick each point you got.
[1 mark] (b)The micrometer screw gauge has a zero error of +0.02 mm. Calculate the actual diameter of the wire.
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  • 5.37 − 0.02 = 5.35 mm1
Actual reading = reading − zero error.
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[1 mark] (c)Why is a micrometer screw gauge used instead of a ruler to measure the diameter of the wire?
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  • It is more sensitive / more accurate — its smallest reading is 0.01 mm (a ruler reads only to 1 mm)1
Tick each point you got.
ApplyingMedium1.4Textbook p. 23
16
A stone of mass 30 g is lowered into a measuring cylinder of water. Diagram 7 shows the water level before and after.
Measuring cylinder before the stone is added
Before
Measuring cylinder after the stone is added
After
[1 mark] (a)What is the volume of the stone?
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  • 62 − 50 = 12 cm³1
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[2 marks] (b)Calculate the density of the stone.
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  • Density = 30 ÷ 12 (correct substitution)1
  • = 2.5 g cm⁻³ (answer with unit)1
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[2 marks] (c)Will the stone float or sink in water? Explain your answer.
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  • Sinks1
  • Its density (2.5 g cm⁻³) is greater than the density of water (1.00 g cm⁻³)1
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[1 mark] (d)Name the method used to find the volume of the stone.
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  • Water displacement method1
Tick each point you got.
AnalysingMedium1.5Textbook p. 31
17
Siti poured 100 cm³ of water into each of three containers with different surface areas. She left them in the sun for 3 hours and then measured how much water had evaporated. Diagram 8 shows her results.
Bar chart: 50 cm² → 8 cm³, 100 cm² → 15 cm³, 150 cm² → 23 cm³
Diagram 8
[1 mark] (a)State the manipulated variable.
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  • Surface area of the container1
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[1 mark] (b)State the responding variable.
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  • Volume of water evaporated1
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[1 mark] (c)State one constant variable.
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Any 1 points
  • Initial volume of water (100 cm³)1
  • Time left in the sun (3 hours)1
  • Location / temperature of surroundings1
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[1 mark] (d)Construct a hypothesis for this investigation.
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  • The larger the surface area of the container, the larger the volume of water evaporated1
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[1 mark] (e)Based on Diagram 8, state one conclusion.
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  • The larger the surface area, the more water evaporates — the hypothesis is accepted1
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[1 mark] (f)State one scientific attitude Siti must practise when recording her results.
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  • Honest and accurate when recording data1
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AnalysingHigh1.6Textbook p. 34
18
Diagram 9 shows a situation in a science laboratory.
A small fire on a laboratory bench beside an overturned spirit lamp; two students nearby
Diagram 9
[2 marks] (a)State two actions the students should take immediately.
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Any 2 points
  • Do not panic / move away from the fire1
  • Inform the teacher immediately1
  • Switch off the electricity / gas supply1
  • Use the fire blanket or fire extinguisher (if trained / under the teacher's instruction)1
Tick each point you got.
[1 mark] (b)The spirit lamp contains alcohol. Which hazard symbol should be on the alcohol bottle?
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Flammable
Alcohol vaporises easily and catches fire.
[1 mark] (c)Suggest one laboratory rule that could have prevented this accident.
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Any 1 points
  • Keep flammable chemicals away from flames / heat sources1
  • Do not leave a lit spirit lamp unattended1
  • Handle apparatus carefully and keep the bench tidy1
Tick each point you got.
EvaluatingHigh1.2Textbook p. 14
19
Pak Wan wants to sell a three-layer drink. The table shows the densities of three liquids he has.
LiquidDensity (g cm⁻³)
Rose syrup1.30
Orange juice1.05
Milk foam0.60
[1 mark] (a)State the order of the layers from the bottom to the top of the glass.
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  • Rose syrup (bottom) → orange juice → milk foam (top)1
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[2 marks] (b)Explain how Pak Wan should prepare the drink so that the layers stay separate.
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Any 2 points
  • Pour the densest liquid (rose syrup) first, then orange juice, then milk foam1
  • Pour slowly (e.g. over the back of a spoon) so the layers do not mix1
  • Less dense liquids float on denser liquids1
Tick each point you got.
CreatingHigh1.5Textbook p. 32
20
Choose the correct term for each description.
[1 mark] (a)A digital thermometer can detect a change of 0.1 °C.
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Sensitivity
[1 mark] (b)Three measurements of the same pencil are 4.52 cm, 4.52 cm and 4.52 cm.
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Consistency
[1 mark] (c)The reading obtained is very close to the actual value.
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Accuracy
UnderstandingMedium1.4Textbook p. 18