Quiz #2

Prepare for this quiz by reviewing all of the assignments in this unit that came prior to it. Read through your notes, practice problem work, and lab report. When you are ready, take this quiz without the use of your notes. Record your answers in the form at the bottom of this page.

1. A student looks up some information in a physics textbook dealing with Newton's Laws of Motion. She finds that the 2nd Law is summarized by the equation F = ma (Force equals mass times acceleration.) She conducts an experiment to verify the law by collecting data on a cart system and then graphing the force on the cart vs. its acceleration. She concludes that the slope on the graph is the inverse of the mass of the cart. Is she correct?
A. Yes
B. No

2. You are asked to evaluate data associated with a lab report that is titled "Variable A vs. Variable B." You notice that for every data point, the product of variable A multiplied by variable B is a constant number. What type of shape would you expect to see for the line of best fit on a graph of the data representing Variable A vs. Variable B?
A. Linear
B. Parabolic
C. Hyperbolic
D. Trigonometric

3. The table below shows unitless data collected by a student in a lab. What type of relationship would you expect on a graph of Variable B vs. Variable A?

A. Linear
B. Parabolic
C. Hyperbolic
D. Trigonometric

4. The table below shows unitless data collected by a student in a lab. In order to show a linear relationship between the variables, which graph would you construct?

A. Variable A vs. 1/Variable B
B. Variable B vs. Variable A Squared
C. Variable A vs. Variable B
D. Variable B vs. Variable A

5. When constructing a graph that shows a linear relationship between two variables, which of the following is true?
A. Two of the data points should be used to determine the slope of the best fit line
B. The best fit line can zig-zag in order to touch all data points.
C. All of the data points must touch the best fit line
D. The slope of the relationship is found by using two points from the best fit line

6. Which of the following is true about the methods used in a scientific investigation?
A. Scientists strictly follow a linear methodology that emphasizes a step by step approach
B. Scientists randomly investigate regarding methods used in investigations
C. Scientists don't follow a set methodology when conducting an investigation
D. Scientists don't communicate with others until they are sure of the results of their investigation

7. Lab activities that confirm concepts that are well-understood provide students with the most valuable learning experience.
A. True
B. False

8. When creating a lab report, scientists must include which of the following?
A. Results
B. Methods
C. Discussion
D. All of the above

9. Which statement shown below exhibits better scientific writing?
Statement A: The data show an inverse relationship. 
Statement B: The measurements seem to go in opposite ways.
A. Statement A
B. Statement B
C. Neither is more scientific than the other

10. Why should a student write lab reports using language that is more technical and specific than is common in everyday language?
A. That statement is not true
B. Because everyday language is likely to be more subjective
C. Because everyday language is likely to be more objective
D. Because everyday language generally includes measurements