CHEM 103 Module 1 Exam - Measurement, Matter, and Scientific
Method 2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which step of the scientific method involves a tentative explanation for a set
of observations?
A. Theory
B. Law
C. Experiment
D. Hypothesis
Answer: D
Rationale: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested through further
experimentation.
2. Which of the following is a quantitative observation?
A. The solution turned blue
B. The reaction produced a pungent odor
C. The solid appears shiny
D. The temperature increased by 15 degrees Celsius
Answer: D
Rationale: Quantitative observations involve numerical measurements, whereas
qualitative observations describe characteristics.
,3. A scientific law is best described as:
A. An educated guess about a phenomenon
B. A concise statement that summarizes a vast range of observations
C. A detailed explanation of why something happens
D. A preliminary result from a single experiment
Answer: B
Rationale: A law summarizes what happens consistently in nature, often expressed
mathematically, without necessarily explaining why.
4. Matter is defined as anything that has:
A. Mass and occupies space
B. Weight and energy
C. Color and shape
D. Chemical reactivity
Answer: A
Rationale: By definition, matter is anything that possesses mass and takes up volume
(occupies space).
5. In which state of matter are particles packed closely together in a fixed, rigid
arrangement?
A. Gas
B. Liquid
C. Solid
D. Plasma
Answer: C
Rationale: Solids have a definite shape and volume because their particles are held in a
rigid structure.
, 6. Which state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its
container?
A. Solid
B. Vapor
C. Gas
D. Liquid
Answer: D
Rationale: Liquids have a fixed volume but are fluid enough to adapt to the shape of their
container.
7. Which of the following is an example of a physical change?
A. Iron rusting
B. Ice melting
C. Wood burning
D. Cooking an egg
Answer: B
Rationale: Melting is a phase change where the chemical identity of water remains H2O;
the others involve chemical reactions.
8. Which property of matter is considered intensive?
A. Density
B. Volume
C. Mass
D. Length
Answer: A
Rationale: Intensive properties, like density, do not depend on the amount of matter
present.
Method 2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which step of the scientific method involves a tentative explanation for a set
of observations?
A. Theory
B. Law
C. Experiment
D. Hypothesis
Answer: D
Rationale: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested through further
experimentation.
2. Which of the following is a quantitative observation?
A. The solution turned blue
B. The reaction produced a pungent odor
C. The solid appears shiny
D. The temperature increased by 15 degrees Celsius
Answer: D
Rationale: Quantitative observations involve numerical measurements, whereas
qualitative observations describe characteristics.
,3. A scientific law is best described as:
A. An educated guess about a phenomenon
B. A concise statement that summarizes a vast range of observations
C. A detailed explanation of why something happens
D. A preliminary result from a single experiment
Answer: B
Rationale: A law summarizes what happens consistently in nature, often expressed
mathematically, without necessarily explaining why.
4. Matter is defined as anything that has:
A. Mass and occupies space
B. Weight and energy
C. Color and shape
D. Chemical reactivity
Answer: A
Rationale: By definition, matter is anything that possesses mass and takes up volume
(occupies space).
5. In which state of matter are particles packed closely together in a fixed, rigid
arrangement?
A. Gas
B. Liquid
C. Solid
D. Plasma
Answer: C
Rationale: Solids have a definite shape and volume because their particles are held in a
rigid structure.
, 6. Which state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its
container?
A. Solid
B. Vapor
C. Gas
D. Liquid
Answer: D
Rationale: Liquids have a fixed volume but are fluid enough to adapt to the shape of their
container.
7. Which of the following is an example of a physical change?
A. Iron rusting
B. Ice melting
C. Wood burning
D. Cooking an egg
Answer: B
Rationale: Melting is a phase change where the chemical identity of water remains H2O;
the others involve chemical reactions.
8. Which property of matter is considered intensive?
A. Density
B. Volume
C. Mass
D. Length
Answer: A
Rationale: Intensive properties, like density, do not depend on the amount of matter
present.
