Q: Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?

The law of conservation of mass: $$\text{In a chemical reaction, matter is neither created nor destroyed.}$$

Question 1

Which statement best describes the relationship between atoms, molecules, and the properties of matter?

Accepted Answer

The properties of matter are determined by the arrangement and types of atoms and molecules.

Question 2

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a pollutant found in air. Which of the following best describes a carbon monoxide molecule?

Accepted Answer

A molecule containing one carbon atom and one oxygen atom bonded together.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

The law of conservation of mass: $$	ext{In a chemical reaction, matter is neither created nor destroyed.}$$

Question 4

Which step in the scientific method involves making a tentative explanation for an observation?

Accepted Answer

Construction of a hypothesis.

Question 5

Why is it difficult to find free atoms in nature?

Accepted Answer

Atoms tend to bond together to form molecules.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A well-tested explanation of how nature behaves, based on validated hypotheses.

Question 7

If the properties of methanol molecules were different, what would happen to the behavior of methanol as a substance?

Accepted Answer

Methanol would behave differently because its molecular properties determine its behavior.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring experimental results.

Question 9

A chemist observes that a substance burns and hypothesizes that it combines with a component of air. What is the next step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Test the hypothesis through experimentation.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about scientific theories is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Scientific theories are validated by a series of experiments but can never be conclusively proven.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a molecule?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen gas ($$O_2)$$

Question 12

What is the main purpose of making observations in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

To collect data that can be used to formulate hypotheses.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the law of conservation of mass is important in chemical reactions?

Accepted Answer

It allows us to predict that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

Question 14

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the application of a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

Predicting that burning wood will not change the total mass of the system, according to $$	ext{mass}_{	ext{reactants}} = 	ext{mass}_{	ext{products}}$$

Question 15

Which of the following statements about Dalton’s atomic theory is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a scientific theory that models the nature of atoms and molecules.

Question 16

A student mixes two chemicals and observes a color change. What should the student do next according to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Formulate a hypothesis to explain the color change.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about molecules?

Accepted Answer

Molecules are made up of atoms bonded together.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of the law of conservation of mass?

Accepted Answer

When water evaporates, the total mass of water vapor and remaining liquid equals the original mass of water.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A law summarizes observations and predicts future ones, while a theory explains how nature behaves.

Introduction to Chemistry: Foundations and the Scientific Method

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