Scientific Practice
Why would you find errors in data collection?
- small sample size
- personal bias
- errors with tools
What is a "genetic code"
A set of instructions for the creation and development of all living things. These are in the form of DNA.
Describe the locations and charges of each of the three subatomic particles that make up the atom.
Proton - positive, in the nucleus
Neutron - neutral, in the nucleus
Electron - negative - moves around the nucleus in orbitals
What is "polarity" in water?
Polarity occurs when the distribution of electrons is uneven in a molecule, so one or more atoms pulls electrons closer to itself. In water, the electron in hydrogen is drawn closer to the nucleus of the oxygen.
Carbon has four valence electrons. Why does this unique property make it helpful for life on Earth?
Carbon can make up to four covalent bonds and maintain stability. This means it can bond with many vital elements and create chains and rings with itself.
What is the difference between a scientific law and theory?
Theories describe a range of phenomena while laws are specific and describe how the world will behave in certain situations
How do living things obtain and use material for energy? Be as specific as possible.
Living things obtain materials from their environment. They gain energy from the material through metabolism which is the build up or break down of materials through chemical reactions.
Why do some elements on the periodic table have a decimal in their mass number?
Mass numbers represent the average mass of all isotopes of that element.
Remember that isotopes are atoms of the same element that have a different number of neutrons.
What is the difference between adhesion and cohesion?
Adhesion - attraction between molecules of different substances
Cohesion - attraction between molecules of the same substance
What is the process of forming a polymer?
Polymerization is when monomers form a chain to create a polymer
How does science change society?
Research may change how our society views different subjects such as diseases
It may also change our economy and laws
What is a stimulus and how does it contribute to the survival of life?
It is a signal from the environment to which an organism responds. It helps the living organism respond to possible threats.
What is radioactivity and how can it be dangerous?
It is when unstable nuclei cause a breakdown of the element. This is dangerous because particles can be released from the atom and high speeds, which can damage DNA. ("teeny tiny bullets")
You create a solution of saltwater by dissolving NaCl (solid) into H2O (liquid). Which substance was the solvent, and which was the solute? Which property of water does this exhibit?
- Water is a universal solvent
Water is the solvent, NaCl (salt) is the salute.
What element is present in ALL macromolecules?
Carbon
What is "Science?"
The collection and organization of information from our natural world. It provides explanations based on evidence and understanding.
What is homeostasis? Give an example.
Homeostasis is a response from the body to dramatic changes to external conditions. An example would be sweating caused by excess heat.
What are the two types of weak interactions that take place in chemical reactions? Define them.
Van der Waals - Slight attraction due to close proximity between atoms
Hydrogen - Bond between hydrogen atoms and a neighboring molecule.
What is a buffer and why is it important for cells?
A buffer is a weak acid or base that reacts with strong acids or bases to prevent dramatic changes to pH.
This helps cells maintain homeostasis.
If carbon was not found in abundance on Earth, what would be the next element that could have been used in the construction of life?
Silicon