IB NATURE OF SCIENCE EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
Why do scientists make assumptions when developing a scientific method? - ANSWER-
1. allows simple models to be constructed
-through induction reasoning
2. allows for the testing of models to approzimate behavior under controlled conditions
Inductive vs deductive reasoning - ANSWER-inductive
-starts w conclusion
-broad generalizations from specific observations
-conclusions made from data for example
-based on observations
-allows for the conclusion to be false bc observations (which the conclusions are being
drawn from) do not always ring true for all cases
deductive
-starts w premises
-starts out with a general statement, or hypothesis, and examines the possibilities to
reach a specific, logical conclusion
-based on theories
-conclusions are true because premises are true
Scientific law - ANSWER-1. a description of reality
2. derived from repeated observations, leading to further predictions
Newton's Second Law is invalid for high speed travel--why should it retain its status as a
law? - ANSWER-1. Law is within an applicable range
2. Laws change their validity with time, accepted laws have exceptions
Meteorites - ANSWER-rocky metallic fragment
landed on earth or orbits the sun
*provided evidence for origin of life on earth; meteorties contain amino acids and
organic compounds
Cation vs Anion - ANSWER-Cation
-positively charged
Anion
-negatively charged
-where electrons are stored
, goes from anion to cation (neg to positive previously mentioned)
Uranium - ANSWER-the energy source that provides the least proportion of world's
energy demands
provides us with nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in nuclear power stations
electrons move through a ____ and ions move through _____ - ANSWER-external
circuit; electrolyte
a lift (elevator) is operated by an electrical motor and moves between the 12th and 3rd
floor at a constant speed
which transferring of energy is occurring? - ANSWER-kinetic to thermal
Gravitational constant - ANSWER-empirical physical constant involved in the
calculation(s) of gravitational force between two bodies (G not g; g is acceleration due
to gravity)
6.673×10-11 N m2 kg-2
G force acting on 2 masses is directly proportional to the product of these masses
What does the spacing between gravitational field lines represent? - ANSWER-strength
of the fields
Soft iron - ANSWER-iron that has a low carbon content and is easily magnetized and
demagnetized, used in magnetic assemblies, direct current (DC) electromagnets and in
some electric motors
when it is placed in a magnetic filed it becomes magnetized by induction
induction: the process by which a body having electric or magnetic properties produces
magnetism, an electric charge, or an electromotive force in a neighboring body without
contact
Work - ANSWER-work done is the transfer of energy
Paleomagnetism - ANSWER-provided evidence for continental drift theory and plate
tectonics
study of the record of the Earth's magnetic field in rocks, sediment, or archeological
materials. Certain minerals in rocks lock-in a record of the direction and intensity of the
magnetic field when they form
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
Why do scientists make assumptions when developing a scientific method? - ANSWER-
1. allows simple models to be constructed
-through induction reasoning
2. allows for the testing of models to approzimate behavior under controlled conditions
Inductive vs deductive reasoning - ANSWER-inductive
-starts w conclusion
-broad generalizations from specific observations
-conclusions made from data for example
-based on observations
-allows for the conclusion to be false bc observations (which the conclusions are being
drawn from) do not always ring true for all cases
deductive
-starts w premises
-starts out with a general statement, or hypothesis, and examines the possibilities to
reach a specific, logical conclusion
-based on theories
-conclusions are true because premises are true
Scientific law - ANSWER-1. a description of reality
2. derived from repeated observations, leading to further predictions
Newton's Second Law is invalid for high speed travel--why should it retain its status as a
law? - ANSWER-1. Law is within an applicable range
2. Laws change their validity with time, accepted laws have exceptions
Meteorites - ANSWER-rocky metallic fragment
landed on earth or orbits the sun
*provided evidence for origin of life on earth; meteorties contain amino acids and
organic compounds
Cation vs Anion - ANSWER-Cation
-positively charged
Anion
-negatively charged
-where electrons are stored
, goes from anion to cation (neg to positive previously mentioned)
Uranium - ANSWER-the energy source that provides the least proportion of world's
energy demands
provides us with nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in nuclear power stations
electrons move through a ____ and ions move through _____ - ANSWER-external
circuit; electrolyte
a lift (elevator) is operated by an electrical motor and moves between the 12th and 3rd
floor at a constant speed
which transferring of energy is occurring? - ANSWER-kinetic to thermal
Gravitational constant - ANSWER-empirical physical constant involved in the
calculation(s) of gravitational force between two bodies (G not g; g is acceleration due
to gravity)
6.673×10-11 N m2 kg-2
G force acting on 2 masses is directly proportional to the product of these masses
What does the spacing between gravitational field lines represent? - ANSWER-strength
of the fields
Soft iron - ANSWER-iron that has a low carbon content and is easily magnetized and
demagnetized, used in magnetic assemblies, direct current (DC) electromagnets and in
some electric motors
when it is placed in a magnetic filed it becomes magnetized by induction
induction: the process by which a body having electric or magnetic properties produces
magnetism, an electric charge, or an electromotive force in a neighboring body without
contact
Work - ANSWER-work done is the transfer of energy
Paleomagnetism - ANSWER-provided evidence for continental drift theory and plate
tectonics
study of the record of the Earth's magnetic field in rocks, sediment, or archeological
materials. Certain minerals in rocks lock-in a record of the direction and intensity of the
magnetic field when they form
