Salt water causes marine ecosystems to be very different from freshwater ecosystems. Organisms in both types of ecosystems are affected by the freezing and melting of ice. An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that ice melts faster in salt water than in fresh water. Ice cubes made of fresh water were placed into cups containing either fresh water or salt water. Various data were recorded, and the energy released by each melting ice cube was calculated from the data. The table shows the results for each cup.
What statement describes one or more needed changes to this experiment that would allow the experimenter to draw a valid conclusion?
- A. Salt water should have been used to make the ice cubes for the cup of salt water.
- B. The time for ice cubes to melt should have been measured in minutes.
- C. At the beginning, both cups should have contained the same mass of water at the same temperature.
- D. The energy released should have been measured, not calculated.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C highlights the necessity for both cups to start with the same mass of water at the same temperature to ensure a fair comparison. This control eliminates variables that could skew results, allowing for a valid conclusion about the melting rates of ice cubes in different solutions. Option A is incorrect because using salt water to make ice cubes would not provide relevant data on how the ice behaves in fresh versus salt water. Option B is not a change that affects the experimental validity; measuring time in minutes is appropriate, but the key is ensuring conditions are equal. Option D suggests a measurement method change, but calculating energy based on temperature changes is acceptable in this context.
Option C highlights the necessity for both cups to start with the same mass of water at the same temperature to ensure a fair comparison. This control eliminates variables that could skew results, allowing for a valid conclusion about the melting rates of ice cubes in different solutions. Option A is incorrect because using salt water to make ice cubes would not provide relevant data on how the ice behaves in fresh versus salt water. Option B is not a change that affects the experimental validity; measuring time in minutes is appropriate, but the key is ensuring conditions are equal. Option D suggests a measurement method change, but calculating energy based on temperature changes is acceptable in this context.
Other Related Questions
Which hypothesis is suitable for this investigation?
- A. Body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate depend on the health of the subject.
- B. Many of the body's systems respond to exercise.
- C. Body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate increase with exercise.
- D. Subjects at rest have better health than subjects that exercise.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C effectively addresses the investigation by predicting a specific relationship: that body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate will increase with exercise. This hypothesis is testable and directly relates to physiological responses during physical activity. Option A is too broad, as it suggests a general relationship between health and various physiological metrics without focusing on exercise. Option B, while relevant, lacks specificity regarding the measurable changes in body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. Option D presents a misleading comparison, as it contradicts established knowledge about the benefits of exercise for health.
Option C effectively addresses the investigation by predicting a specific relationship: that body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate will increase with exercise. This hypothesis is testable and directly relates to physiological responses during physical activity. Option A is too broad, as it suggests a general relationship between health and various physiological metrics without focusing on exercise. Option B, while relevant, lacks specificity regarding the measurable changes in body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. Option D presents a misleading comparison, as it contradicts established knowledge about the benefits of exercise for health.
A diagram of a PV cell being exposed to sunlight is shown below. Click on the labels you want to select and drag them into the boxes to show the components of the PV cell.
- A. Phosphorus-injected layer
- B. Boron-injected layer
- C. Electric field
- D. Energy
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,B,C
The components of a photovoltaic (PV) cell include the phosphorus-injected layer, which serves as the n-type semiconductor, and the boron-injected layer, acting as the p-type semiconductor. Together, these layers create a junction that facilitates the movement of electrons when exposed to sunlight. The electric field between these layers is crucial for separating charge carriers, enabling electricity generation. Option D, "Energy," is not a structural component of the PV cell but rather a result of its operation. It does not represent a physical part of the cell, making it an incorrect choice.
The components of a photovoltaic (PV) cell include the phosphorus-injected layer, which serves as the n-type semiconductor, and the boron-injected layer, acting as the p-type semiconductor. Together, these layers create a junction that facilitates the movement of electrons when exposed to sunlight. The electric field between these layers is crucial for separating charge carriers, enabling electricity generation. Option D, "Energy," is not a structural component of the PV cell but rather a result of its operation. It does not represent a physical part of the cell, making it an incorrect choice.
Based on the table, use the drop-down menus to make the following statement correct. _ experiences the least warming effect from CO2 because it has the _ of CO2 in its atmosphere.
- A. smallest amount
- B. largest amount
- C. Mars
- D. Planet L
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,C
The statement highlights that Mars experiences the least warming effect from CO2 due to its atmospheric composition. Mars has a small amount of CO2 compared to other planets, which limits its greenhouse effect and consequently its warming. Option B, "largest amount," is incorrect as it contradicts the premise that a larger CO2 presence would lead to more warming. Option D, "Planet L," is not a recognized celestial body in this context and does not provide relevant information regarding CO2 levels. Thus, the combination of Mars with the smallest amount of CO2 accurately reflects the relationship between atmospheric composition and warming effects.
The statement highlights that Mars experiences the least warming effect from CO2 due to its atmospheric composition. Mars has a small amount of CO2 compared to other planets, which limits its greenhouse effect and consequently its warming. Option B, "largest amount," is incorrect as it contradicts the premise that a larger CO2 presence would lead to more warming. Option D, "Planet L," is not a recognized celestial body in this context and does not provide relevant information regarding CO2 levels. Thus, the combination of Mars with the smallest amount of CO2 accurately reflects the relationship between atmospheric composition and warming effects.
which sentence describes a difference between artificial selection and natural selection?
- A. In natural selection, variation is heritable; in artificial selection, variation is not heritable.
- B. In natural selection, there is differential reproduction; in artificial selection, there is not differential reproduction.
- C. In natural selection, there is variation within the population of organisms; in artificial selection, there is no variation within the population or organisms.
- D. In natural selection, reproductive success is driven by naturally occurring processes; in artificial selection, reproductive success is driven by human-imposed processes.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Natural selection occurs through naturally occurring processes where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to evolutionary change over time. In contrast, artificial selection involves human intervention, where specific traits are chosen for breeding based on human preferences. Option A is incorrect; both types of selection involve heritable variation. Option B misrepresents artificial selection, which also involves differential reproduction based on selected traits. Option C is inaccurate as artificial selection can still involve variation within the chosen traits. Thus, option D accurately highlights the fundamental distinction between the two processes.
Natural selection occurs through naturally occurring processes where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to evolutionary change over time. In contrast, artificial selection involves human intervention, where specific traits are chosen for breeding based on human preferences. Option A is incorrect; both types of selection involve heritable variation. Option B misrepresents artificial selection, which also involves differential reproduction based on selected traits. Option C is inaccurate as artificial selection can still involve variation within the chosen traits. Thus, option D accurately highlights the fundamental distinction between the two processes.