Life Sciences I: Exam 1

Dependent Variable

What we are measuring (effect)

Independent Variable

What is being manipulated (cause)

Control

Being compared to everything else (0)

Standardized Variable

Something that is kept the same throughout the experiment

Inductive reasoning

Specific observations used to establish a general principle

Hypothesis

Based inquiry that is testable, measurable, and ethical that has a tentative answer to a well framed question

Law

Explains what happens in nature under specific conditions

Theory

Comprehensive, well-tested explanations supported by evidence

Acid

Low on pH scale, high concentration in H+ ions

Base

High on pH scale, low concentration in H+ ions

Polar covalent bonds

Two atoms share electrons unequally due to DIFFERENCES in their electronegativities

Nonpolar covalent bonds

Two atoms share electrons equally due to SIMILARITIES in their electronegativities

Ionic Bonds

When electronegativities between two atoms are so different that one atom takes an electron

Hydrogen Bonds

Weaker bonds that are formed when partial charges on two molecules attract to each other

Van der Waals Interactions

Generic interactions of any two atoms in close proximity

Cohesion

Water sticks to water due to hydrogen bonding

Adhesion

Water sticks to other polar molecules

Surface Tension

Force required to break surface of liquid

Temperature

Average kinetic energy, the intensity of heat

Heat

Total quantity of kinetic energy in some body of matter

Calorie

Amount of heat required to raise 1 g of water by 1 C