Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A testable and falsifiable explanation for an observation.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of negative feedback in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood glucose by insulin.

Question 3

A student is asked to determine the number of protons in a neutral atom of sodium ($$Na) $$with atomic number 11. What is the correct answer?

Accepted Answer

11

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for ionic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Water is a polar molecule, allowing it to surround and separate ions.

Question 5

Which of the following is a covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between two atoms.

Question 6

How is the charge of an atom determined?

Accepted Answer

By subtracting the number of electrons from the number of protons: $$	ext{Charge} = 	ext{Protons} - 	ext{Electrons}$$

Question 7

Which of the following is a real-world example of an emergent property?

Accepted Answer

The ability of a school of fish to move in coordinated patterns, which individual fish cannot do alone.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between an element and a compound?

Accepted Answer

An element consists of only one type of atom, while a compound consists of two or more different elements chemically combined.

Question 9

Which of the following molecules is most likely to dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Sodium chloride ($$NaCl)$$

Question 10

A gecko can walk up smooth vertical surfaces due to which property of water?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion and adhesion, which allow water molecules to stick to each other and to surfaces.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to general conclusions, while deductive reasoning moves from general principles to specific predictions.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT one of the four major elements that make up most living matter?

Accepted Answer

Calcium ($$Ca)$$

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on water?

Accepted Answer

Ice is less dense than liquid water due to hydrogen bonding.

Question 14

A scientist observes that plants grow faster when exposed to blue light. She proposes that blue light increases the rate of photosynthesis. Which part of the scientific method is this?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a hypothesis.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a polar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond in which electrons are shared unequally between atoms, resulting in partial charges.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of positive feedback?

Accepted Answer

The release of oxytocin during childbirth, which intensifies uterine contractions.

Question 17

How many electrons are needed to fill the first three shells of an atom?

Accepted Answer

18

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between structure and function in biology?

Accepted Answer

The shape of a biological structure is closely related to its function.

Question 19

Which of the following is a hydrogen bond?

Accepted Answer

A weak attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why salt (NaCl) dissolves in water?

Accepted Answer

The positive and negative ions are attracted to the partial charges of water molecules.

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of an emergent property of water that is important for life?

Accepted Answer

Water's high specific heat helps stabilize Earth's climate.

General Biology: Foundations, Atoms, and Water Properties – Study Guide

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