Science Flashcards
How to Use These Flashcards
- Hover over any flashcard to see the answer
- Each card presents an application-based question
- Think critically before revealing the answer
- Try to apply scientific principles to real-world situations
- Use these to prepare for exams and deepen understanding
Scientific Method
Your plant isn't growing well. What steps would you take using the scientific method to determine why?
1. Observe plant condition
2. Hypothesis: Lack of sunlight?
3. Experiment: Move to sunnier spot
4. Analyze results after 1 week
Water Cycle
Why might a coastal city receive more rainfall than a city 100km inland?
Coastal cities receive more rainfall because evaporation from the ocean provides a constant source of moisture for cloud formation and precipitation.
States of Matter
Why does water boil at lower temperatures at higher altitudes?
At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower. Since boiling occurs when vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure, water boils at lower temperatures.
Food Chains
What would happen to an ecosystem if all the decomposers disappeared?
Dead organisms wouldn't decay, nutrients wouldn't be recycled, soil would become infertile, and the entire food chain would collapse.
Scientific Observation
Why is it important to record both qualitative and quantitative observations?
Qualitative observations describe qualities (color, texture) while quantitative provides measurable data. Both together give a complete picture.
Earth's Resources
How might the construction of a large dam affect the local ecosystem?
It could flood habitats, block fish migration, alter water temperature downstream, and change sediment distribution patterns.
Adaptations
Why do desert plants like cacti have thick stems and spines instead of leaves?
Thick stems store water, spines reduce water loss (by minimizing surface area) and protect from herbivores.
Experimentation
Why is it important to change only one variable at a time in an experiment?
Changing multiple variables makes it impossible to determine which change caused the observed results.
Solar Energy
How does the angle of sunlight affect solar panel efficiency?
Panels are most efficient when sunlight strikes perpendicularly. Lower angles reduce energy absorption due to reflection and diffusion.
Pollination
Why might a decline in bee populations affect food production?
Bees pollinate many crops. Fewer bees mean less pollination, leading to reduced fruit and seed production for many plants.
Scientific Models
Why are models useful in science despite their limitations?
Models simplify complex systems, making them easier to study, understand, and predict behavior, even if they're not perfect representations.
Water Conservation
How does planting trees help conserve water in an ecosystem?
Trees reduce runoff, improve soil water retention, release water vapor that forms clouds, and provide shade that reduces evaporation.
Heat Transfer
Why does metal feel colder than wood at the same temperature?
Metal conducts heat away from your hand faster than wood, making it feel colder even though both are at the same temperature.
Scientific Ethics
Why is peer review important in scientific research?
Peer review ensures research quality, validity, and reliability by having experts evaluate methods and findings before publication.
Earth's Rotation
How would Earth be different if it didn't rotate?
One side would always face the sun (extremely hot), the other in permanent darkness (extremely cold), and there would be no day/night cycle.
Simple Machines
How does using a ramp to lift a heavy object compare to lifting it straight up in terms of force required?
A ramp reduces the amount of force needed by increasing the distance over which the force is applied, following the principle of mechanical advantage.
