Name Class Date

Scientific Thinking

1. Define chemistry.

2. Classify each statement as an example of basic research, applied research or technology.

_______________ a. Atoms of krypton collide with lead atoms to produce new, heavier elements.
_______________ b. Chemicals are tested which may stop the growth of blood vessels near cancer
cells.
_______________ c. Global positioning (GPS) units guide farm tractors fertilizing a corn field.

3. Define scientific method.

4. The piece of matter and its surroundings selected for study make up a _______________________.

5. Write an example of each of the following types of statements listed below.

a. hypothesis

b. theory

6. The radiation intensity from a sample of radioactive thallium is measured in counts per minute (cpm)
at various distances from the sample. The data are noted in the table below. Which statement below
is a valid conclusion?

Distance from source (cm) 1 cm 2 cm 4 cm

Radiation intensity (cpm) 3321 883 228

a. Radiation intensity is directly related to the distance from the source.

b. Air effectively blocks radioactive intensity from the source.
c. Length of time of exposure is the independent variable.
d. The farther from the source, the lower the intensity.

7. a. On the back, list the materials and equipment shown at right.

b. Describe what type experiment might be done using this setup. (What might the objective be?
Briefly describe what the procedure for this experiment would be.)