1. You design an experiment to test the effect of temperature on plant growth. Which variable should you keep constant?

A. The type of soil used.
B. The amount of sunlight the plants receive.
C. The amount of water given to the plants.
D. The temperature variations being tested.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this experiment, the variable being tested is the effect of temperature on plant growth. To ensure that any observed changes in plant growth are due to temperature variations and not other factors, it is important to keep other variables constant. The type of soil used can significantly impact plant growth, so it should be kept constant to isolate the effect of temperature. Keeping the amount of sunlight and water constant would also help ensure that any differences in plant growth are due to temperature variations.

2. Which of the following is a balanced chemical equation?

A. H2 + O2 â†’ H2O
B. 2H2 + O2 â†’ 2H2O
C. 3H2O â†’ 2H2 + O2
D. H2O â†’ H2 + O2

Correct answer: b

Rationale: The equation is balanced, with equal numbers of atoms of each element on both sides.

3. Which of the following numbers is a perfect square?

A. 10
B. 12
C. 15
D. 16

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A perfect square is a number obtained by squaring an integer. 16 is the result of squaring 4 (4 x 4 = 16). The other answer choices are not the product of squaring any whole number.

4. A news article claims a scientist has discovered a cure for cancer. How should you approach this information?

A. Celebrate the breakthrough and immediately share the news with everyone.
B. Remain skeptical and wait for independent verification and further research.
C. Dismiss the claim as impossible without any further investigation.
D. Accept the information as fact because it was published in a news article.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. It's essential to wait for scientific consensus and verification before accepting such groundbreaking claims.

5. What is the condition called when someone experiences a temporary loss of consciousness due to a lack of blood flow to the brain?

A. Stroke
B. Epilepsy
C. Syncope (fainting)
D. Multiple sclerosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Syncope (fainting)'. Syncope is the temporary loss of consciousness caused by a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen reaching the brain. This can occur due to various reasons such as dehydration, sudden drop in blood pressure, or emotional stress. A stroke (option A) is a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain, leading to brain cell damage. Epilepsy (option B) is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Multiple sclerosis (option D) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Therefore, the correct term for a temporary loss of consciousness due to lack of blood flow to the brain is syncope.