Scientific Investigations
What is the independent variable in an experiment?
The variable that is changed by the scientist
Which type of energy is the energy of motion
Kinetic
Which example shows radiation?
A. Heat from the Sun warming your skin B. A pan heating a metal spoon C. Warm water circulating in a pot D. Ice touching your hand
Heat from the Sun warming your skin
Which measurement describes the distance from one wave crest to the next?
Wavelength
Which electromagnetic wave has the lowest energy?
Radio waves
What is the dependent variable?
The variable that is measured
Which situation has the greatest potential energy?
A ball resting on the ground B. A ball held high above the ground C. A ball rolling on the floor D. A person running 7
A ball held high above the ground
In which direction does thermal energy naturally flow?
Hot to cold
Frequency is measured in
Hertz
Which electromagnetic radiation can humans detect with their eyes?
Visible light
Why are repeated trials useful?
They help increase reliability of results
Food stores what type of energy?
Chemical
Which example shows convection?
A. A metal spoon becoming hot in soup B. Warm air rising and cool air sinking C. Feeling heat from sunlight. D. A hand touching a warm cup
Warm air rising and cool air sinking
Which equation can be used to calculate wave speed?
v = f × λ
Which electromagnetic wave has the highest energy?
Gamma rays
A student tests whether different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth. What should be measured as the dependent variable?
Plant growth
A battery powers a flashlight. Which sequence best describes the main energy transformation?
Chemical → electrical → light Light → chemical → electrical Thermal → sound → light Mechanical → nuclear → light
Chemical → electrical → light
Heat transfer through direct contact is called
Conduction
A wave bounces off a surface. What behavior is occurring?
Reflection
As electromagnetic wave frequency increases, what generally happens to energy?
It increases
What does the law of conservation of energy state?
Energy can change forms but is not created or destroyed
When condensation occurs, the substance changes from
A. Solid to liquid B. Liquid to gas C. Gas to liquid D. Liquid to solid
Gas to liquid
Which generally travels faster?
Light
Which sequence goes from lower energy to higher energy?
Radio → microwave → infrared → visible