Science Practice Test

Independent variable

The variable that is intentionally changed or manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured or observed to determine the effect of the manipulated changes.

Controlled variable

A factor kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure that the outcome is only affected by the independent variable.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the outcome of an experiment, often written as an 'If…, then…' statement.

Evaluation (Scientific Method)

The step in an investigation where the procedure is critically assessed, identifying sources of error and suggesting improvements.

Measurement uncertainty

An estimate attached to a measured value that defines the range within which the true value is expected to lie.

Reading liquid volume

Positioning line of sight at eye level and measuring at the bottom of the liquid's meniscus.

Convert $2500\text{ cm}^3$ to $\text{dm}^3$

$$2.5\text{ dm}^3$$

Express $0.000405$ in scientific notation

$$4.05 \times 10^{-4}$$

Independent variable

The factor that you intentionally change in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The factor that you measure or observe in an experiment.

Controlled variable

A factor kept the same throughout an experiment to keep the test fair.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often written as an 'If…, then…' statement.

Evaluation (Scientific Method)

Checking an experiment to find errors and suggest ways to improve it.

Measurement uncertainty

The estimated range where the true value of a measurement lies.

Reading liquid volume

Looking at eye level and reading from the bottom of the liquid's meniscus.

Convert $2500\,\text{cm}^3$ to $\text{dm}^3$

$$2.5\,\text{dm}^3$$

Express $0.000405$ in scientific notation

$$4.05 \times 10^{-4}$$

Convert $0.5\,\text{hm}$ to $\text{mm}$

$$50\,000\,\text{mm}$$

Convert $1.5\,\text{dm}^3$ (liters) to $\text{cm}^3$ (milliliters)

$$1500\,\text{cm}^3$$