Chapter 3: Scientific Theories, Laws, and Models

Question 1

A scientific __________ is a well-supported explanation of nature.

Answer 1

theory

Question 2

A scientific __________ describes a pattern in nature without explaining why it happens.

Answer 2

law

Question 3

Scientific theories are based on large amounts of __________ collected through experiments and observations.

Answer 3

evidence

Question 4

The __________ Theory explains that all living things are made of cells.

Answer 4

Cell

Question 5

Newton’s Law of __________ describes how objects attract each other with force.

Answer 5

Gravitation

Question 6

Scientific theories and laws are both supported by __________.

Answer 6

evidence

Question 7

Scientific theories can change if new __________ is discovered.

Answer 7

evidence

Question 8

The Law of __________ states that matter cannot be created or destroyed.

Answer 8

Conservation of Mass

Question 9

The __________ of Evolution explains how species change over time.

Answer 9

Theory

Question 10

A scientific __________ is a tool used to represent systems, processes, or objects.

Answer 10

model

Question 11

Physical models can be __________ and touched.

Answer 11

seen

Question 12

Mathematical models often use __________ to show relationships.

Answer 12

equations

Question 13

Conceptual models help explain systems using words or __________.

Answer 13

pictures

Question 14

A model of the __________ system shows how planets orbit the sun.

Answer 14

solar

Question 15

Scientific __________ help predict future events based on data.

Answer 15

models

Question 16

The __________ Model of the atom shows electrons orbiting the nucleus.

Answer 16

Bohr

Question 17

A __________ model might be used to study weather patterns.

Answer 17

computer

Question 18

Scientific laws do not explain, they only __________ what happens.

Answer 18

describe

Question 19

Theories explain __________ something happens.

Answer 19

why

Question 20

Models are important because they help us __________ things we can’t directly observe.

Answer 20

visualize

Question 21

A __________ is a pattern that happens in nature under certain conditions.

Answer 21

law

Question 22

Theories and laws do not become one another; they are __________ tools.

Answer 22

different

Question 23

A globe is a physical model of __________.

Answer 23

Earth

Question 24

A diagram of the water cycle is an example of a __________ model.

Answer 24

conceptual

Question 25

Scientists revise models when new __________ becomes available.

Answer 25

evidence

Question 26

The Law of Motion is an example of a scientific __________.

Answer 26

law

Question 27

What is a scientific theory? A. A wild guess B. A personal belief C. A well-supported explanation of nature D. A single experiment result

Answer 27

C. A well-supported explanation of nature Explanation: A scientific theory explains why things happen and is supported by a lot of evidence.

Question 28

Which of the following best describes a scientific law? A. An explanation B. A pattern in nature C. A prediction D. A hypothesis

Answer 28

B. A pattern in nature Explanation: A law describes a consistent relationship or pattern in nature.

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT an example of a scientific law? A. Law of Gravity B. Law of Motion C. Theory of Plate Tectonics D. Law of Conservation of Mass

Answer 29

C. Theory of Plate Tectonics Explanation: It is a theory, not a law—it explains why tectonic plates move.

Question 30

Which tool helps scientists explain things they cannot observe directly? A. Microscope B. Law C. Model D. Thermometer

Answer 30

C. Model Explanation: Models help represent things too complex or small to observe directly.

Question 31

Which model shows electrons orbiting a nucleus? A. Cell model B. Bohr model C. Solar model D. Newton model

Answer 31

B. Bohr model Explanation: The Bohr model shows electrons orbiting a nucleus.

Question 32

Scientific models can be all of the following EXCEPT: A. Physical B. Imaginary C. Mathematical D. Conceptual

Answer 32

B. Imaginary Explanation: Scientific models must be based on evidence and useful representations.

Question 33

Why do scientists use models? A. To guess results B. To show exact replicas C. To simplify complex systems D. To avoid experiments

Answer 33

C. To simplify complex systems Explanation: Models help scientists study things that are hard to observe or test directly.

Question 34

Which of the following is a conceptual model? A. Skeleton model B. Weather simulation C. Diagram of the water cycle D. Globe

Answer 34

C. Diagram of the water cycle Explanation: This is a conceptual model using drawings and labels.

Question 35

Scientific laws describe: A. Why something happens B. What always happens under certain conditions C. What might happen D. The design of an experiment

Answer 35

B. What always happens under certain conditions Explanation: Laws describe what will happen under specific situations.

Question 36

Scientific theories are based on: A. Random ideas B. Opinions C. Evidence D. Traditions

Answer 36

C. Evidence Explanation: Scientific theories must be backed by a large amount of supporting evidence.

Question 37

Which of the following is a physical model? A. Diagram of food web B. Globe C. Line graph D. Pie chart

Answer 37

B. Globe Explanation: A globe is a physical representation of Earth.

Question 38

What do scientific theories and laws have in common? A. They never change B. They are both guesses C. They are based on evidence D. One becomes the other

Answer 38

C. They are based on evidence Explanation: Both are based on facts and observations.

Question 39

What does the Law of Conservation of Mass state? A. Matter can disappear B. Mass can be created C. Matter cannot be created or destroyed D. Mass is weight

Answer 39

C. Matter cannot be created or destroyed Explanation: That’s the central idea of the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Question 40

What helps scientists predict the weather? A. Gravity B. Mathematical models C. The Cell Theory D. Rock cycle

Answer 40

B. Mathematical models Explanation: These use equations and data to simulate and predict outcomes.

Question 41

Scientific laws are usually written as: A. Opinions B. Paragraphs C. Formulas D. Dialogues

Answer 41

C. Formulas Explanation: Scientific laws are often expressed as short, formula-based rules.

Question 42

Which best explains why a theory might change? A. A scientist wants it to B. It’s too old C. New evidence is found D. A new president is elected

Answer 42

C. New evidence is found Explanation: Theories can be updated when new data or observations challenge them.

Question 43

What type of model uses equations to predict outcomes? A. Conceptual B. Physical C. Mathematical D. Theoretical

Answer 43

C. Mathematical Explanation: Mathematical models use equations and data to simulate outcomes.

Question 44

Which statement is true? A. Theories and laws are the same B. Theories describe what happens C. Laws explain why things happen D. Theories and laws serve different roles

Answer 44

D. Theories and laws serve different roles Explanation: Laws describe; theories explain.

Question 45

Which of the following is an example of a scientific theory? A. Law of Gravity B. Theory of Evolution C. Law of Motion D. Bohr model

Answer 45

B. Theory of Evolution Explanation: This is a widely supported explanation for how species change.

Question 46

What is a limitation of models? A. They are always accurate B. They never change C. They are exact copies D. They simplify systems

Answer 46

D. They simplify systems Explanation: Models are not perfect replicas and often leave out some details.

Question 47

What does a globe model? A. Moon B. Atom C. Earth D. Star

Answer 47

C. Earth Explanation: A globe is a physical model representing the Earth.

Question 48

Why are models revised? A. For fun B. When new evidence is found C. When scientists get bored D. To confuse students

Answer 48

B. When new evidence is found Explanation: Models are updated as scientific knowledge improves.

Question 49

What do conceptual models use? A. Equations B. Computers C. Diagrams and words D. Chemicals

Answer 49

C. Diagrams and words Explanation: Conceptual models often use visuals and language to explain ideas.

Question 50

What does the Bohr model help us understand? A. Planets B. Bones C. Atoms D. Oceans

Answer 50

C. Atoms Explanation: The Bohr model helps show the structure of atoms.

Question 51

Which is true about scientific knowledge? A. It is fixed forever B. It changes as new evidence is found C. It’s always correct the first time D. It’s based on opinions

Answer 51

B. It changes as new evidence is found Explanation: Science evolves as we learn more.