Working Scientifically And Practical Skills

Question 1

Why might a scientific theory change?

Answer 1

New evidence might be discovers that can’t be explained by the existing theory

Question 2

What is the purpose of peer review?

Answer 2

To check claims are scientifically valid and to detect false claims

Question 3

What is the independent variable in an investigation?

Answer 3

The variable that is changed by the investigator

Question 4

Why do measurements always have some uncertainty?

Answer 4

There are always limits in the resolution of the measuring equipment used.

Question 5

Name a piece of equipment you could use to measure the weight of an object.

Answer 5

Newtonmeter
Or a calibrated spring-balance

Question 6

What can you use to measure the current through a circuit component?

Answer 6

An ammeter or a multimeter

Question 7

True or false? Repeating measurements reduces systematic errors in your data.

Answer 7

False. Repeating measurements reduces the risk of RANDOM errors

Question 8

True or false? A line of best fit should go through all plotted points.

Answer 8

False. It should go through as many points as possible, ignoring any anomalous points.

Question 9

What is an anomalous result? What should you do if you have one?

Answer 9

A result that doesn’t fit in with the others. If you can work out what caused it, you can ignore it when processing your results.