Name______________________________
Date_____________________
Names of group members________________________________________________
ALE#1
1. Diamonds are forever, but are theories forever too? Explain in light of your
knowledge of the scientific process.
2. Can you use the scientific method to prove that Abraham Lincoln was the 16th
president of the United States? Explain your reasoning.
3. Distinguish between and explain how scientists use each of the following: i.)
scientific theory, ii.) Hypothesis and iii.) Scientific law. Now explain how the
common person uses the word ‘theory” in every day usage.
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4. Design a controlled experiment to test the effect that age may have on the grade
point average of GRCC students. Include your hypothesis, prediction, variables,
control, and procedure.
5. Darwin’s theory of natural selection is occasionally criticized by the layperson as
being “only a theory.” Comment on the validity of this statement in light of what you
know about the scientific method and how a hypothesis becomes a scientific theory.
Hint: Think about how our society uses the term theory, versus the scientific
meaning of a theory.
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6. Often if a person can visualize a concept they will understand and remember the
concept. Here are some terms that are used regularly in chemistry and are important
to understand clearly. Create a diagram (or diagrams) that would help someone
understand what is meant by the following terms: matter, atoms, elements, chemical
bonds, molecules, and compounds.
7. Atoms consist primarily of three kinds of subatomic particles. Identify and describe
particles by completing the chart below.
Name of subatomic particle
Electric charge
8. Atoms are always electrically neutral, that is they are not positively or negatively
charged. From this fact, how do the number of protons compare to the number of
electrons in an atom?
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9. A lump of the element gold has different properties than a lump of the element
carbon. An atom of gold has different properties than an atom of carbon. How can
atoms of gold and carbon have different properties if all atoms consist of the same
subatomic particles? What determines the identity of an atom?
10. What is an ion? Provide several examples of some ions using chemical formulae and
written names.
11. Water consists of tiny particles called molecules. Each water molecule contains
_____ atoms of hydrogen ___________________ bonded to ________ atom of
oxygen. In the space below draw one water molecule and label the bonds.
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12. Distinguish between the following kinds of chemical bonds: covalent bond, hydrogen
bonds, and ionic bonds, giving an example of each.
13. Whirligig beetles are small insects that run around on water as if it were a hard
surface, and they stay completely dry. How are they able to do this?
14. List the four life-supporting properties of water that result from the tendency of water
molecules to form hydrogen bonds. Discuss how each of these properties is
important to life.
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