I85PREP
⌘ K
CSET Science, general interdisciplinary foundations - independent foundations study materials
CSET Science, general interdisciplinary foundations - independent foundations study resources

CSET Science, general interdisciplinary foundations - independent foundations practice questions

One question at a time. Build your CSET Science, general interdisciplinary foundations - independent foundations understanding.

First 50 of 190 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A student designs an experiment to test how light intensity affects plant growth. Which variable should the student deliberately change?

  1. The independent variable Correct answer.
  2. The dependent variable
  3. A controlled variable
  4. A confounding variable

Explanation

The independent variable is the factor the experimenter deliberately manipulates to observe its effect. Here, light intensity is changed on purpose, making it the independent variable.

Question 2Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which statement best distinguishes a scientific theory from a scientific hypothesis?

  1. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by extensive evidence, while a hypothesis is a testable proposed explanation Correct answer.
  2. A theory is a guess, while a hypothesis is a proven fact
  3. A theory cannot be tested, while a hypothesis can
  4. A theory and a hypothesis mean the same thing in science

Explanation

In science, a theory is a broad, well-tested explanation supported by many lines of evidence. A hypothesis is a specific, testable proposed explanation that may later be supported or refuted.

Question 3Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A graph shows a straight line through the origin relating distance to time. What does this indicate about the object's motion?

  1. The object moves at constant speed Correct answer.
  2. The object is accelerating
  3. The object is at rest
  4. The object is decelerating

Explanation

A straight (linear) distance-time graph means distance increases at a steady rate, so the speed is constant. The slope equals the constant speed.

Question 4Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which of the following is the most appropriate use of a control group in an experiment?

  1. To provide a baseline for comparison without the experimental treatment Correct answer.
  2. To increase the number of trials
  3. To change multiple variables at once
  4. To eliminate the need for repeated measurements

Explanation

A control group does not receive the experimental treatment and serves as a baseline. Comparing the treatment group to the control isolates the effect of the variable being tested.

Question 5Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which crosscutting concept is most directly illustrated when a scientist studies how energy flows from producers to consumers in a food web?

  1. Energy and matter: flows, cycles, and conservation Correct answer.
  2. Stability and change
  3. Structure and function
  4. Scale, proportion, and quantity

Explanation

Tracing energy from producers through consumers in a food web is a direct application of the crosscutting concept of energy and matter flows within a system.

Question 6Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A measurement is recorded as 0.00420 grams. How many significant figures does this value contain?

  1. Three Correct answer.
  2. Five
  3. Six
  4. Two

Explanation

Leading zeros are not significant. The significant figures are 4, 2, and the trailing 0, giving three significant figures in 0.00420.

Question 7Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which of the following best describes the difference between accuracy and precision in measurement?

  1. Accuracy is closeness to the true value; precision is reproducibility of repeated measurements Correct answer.
  2. Accuracy is reproducibility; precision is closeness to the true value
  3. Accuracy and precision both mean the same as reliability
  4. Precision describes the number of trials, while accuracy describes the units used

Explanation

Accuracy measures how close a result is to the accepted true value. Precision measures how closely repeated measurements agree with each other, regardless of correctness.

Question 8Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

When using the metric system, which prefix indicates one one-thousandth of a base unit?

  1. Milli- Correct answer.
  2. Kilo-
  3. Centi-
  4. Mega-

Explanation

The prefix milli- means one one-thousandth (10^-3) of a base unit, so a milligram is 0.001 gram.

Question 9Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A teacher wants students to identify a pattern in data collected over many trials. Which scientific practice does this primarily develop?

  1. Analyzing and interpreting data Correct answer.
  2. Constructing explanations only
  3. Defining problems
  4. Obtaining information from text

Explanation

Recognizing patterns across data sets is central to the practice of analyzing and interpreting data, one of the NGSS science and engineering practices.

Question 10Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which of the following is an example of an independent replication that strengthens a scientific claim?

  1. A different lab repeats the experiment and obtains the same result Correct answer.
  2. The original researcher restates the conclusion more confidently
  3. A reviewer agrees the idea sounds reasonable
  4. The result is published in a popular magazine

Explanation

Independent replication occurs when other researchers reproduce the same results using the same methods. This strengthens confidence that the finding is reliable and not an artifact.

Question 11Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A laboratory safety rule requires students to wear goggles when heating liquids. This rule best illustrates the importance of which practice?

  1. Anticipating and minimizing hazards before they occur Correct answer.
  2. Increasing the speed of the experiment
  3. Reducing the number of measurements needed
  4. Eliminating the need for adult supervision

Explanation

Wearing goggles is a proactive safety measure that minimizes the risk of injury from splashes or breakage before an accident occurs, reflecting sound hazard anticipation.

Question 12Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which type of reasoning moves from specific observations to a general conclusion?

  1. Inductive reasoning Correct answer.
  2. Deductive reasoning
  3. Circular reasoning
  4. Random sampling

Explanation

Inductive reasoning builds a general conclusion or pattern from many specific observations. Scientists often use induction to form hypotheses from data.

Question 13Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A model of the water cycle is most useful in a classroom because it allows students to do which of the following?

  1. Visualize and explain processes that are otherwise too large or slow to observe directly Correct answer.
  2. Replace the need for real observation entirely
  3. Prove that the water cycle is the only Earth system
  4. Measure the exact volume of global precipitation

Explanation

Models help students represent and reason about systems and processes that are too large, slow, or abstract to observe directly, such as the global water cycle.

Question 14Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which of the following best represents quantitative data?

  1. The plant grew 4.2 centimeters in two weeks Correct answer.
  2. The plant looked healthy and green
  3. The leaves had a pleasant smell
  4. The flowers appeared beautiful

Explanation

Quantitative data are numerical measurements. A growth of 4.2 centimeters is a measured numerical value, unlike the qualitative descriptions in the other options.

Question 15Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A student claims a result is significant after only a single trial. What is the most important methodological objection?

  1. A single trial does not show whether the result is reproducible Correct answer.
  2. Single trials are always wrong
  3. Significance can never be determined experimentally
  4. The student should change the hypothesis

Explanation

One trial cannot demonstrate reliability because random variation may have produced the result. Repeated trials are needed to determine whether an outcome is consistent and reproducible.

Question 16Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which crosscutting concept is illustrated when a teacher asks students to compare the structure of a bird's wing to its function in flight?

  1. Structure and function Correct answer.
  2. Cause and effect
  3. Stability and change
  4. Scale, proportion, and quantity

Explanation

Relating the shape and parts of a bird's wing to how it enables flight directly applies the crosscutting concept of structure and function, which links form to performance.

Question 17Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A teacher wants students to evaluate whether a claim in a science article is well supported. Which question is most useful for this evaluation?

  1. What evidence is provided, and is it sufficient and relevant to the claim? Correct answer.
  2. Does the article use long and impressive words?
  3. Was the article published recently?
  4. Is the author famous?

Explanation

Evaluating a scientific claim depends on examining the quality, relevance, and sufficiency of the supporting evidence. Strong claims rest on solid data, not on vocabulary, recency, or fame alone.

Question 18Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which experimental flaw would most undermine the validity of a study testing a new fertilizer on plant growth?

  1. The treated plants received more sunlight than the untreated plants Correct answer.
  2. The experiment was repeated three times
  3. The plants were measured in centimeters
  4. The same species of plant was used in all groups

Explanation

If treated plants also received more sunlight, sunlight becomes a confounding variable, so any growth difference cannot be attributed solely to the fertilizer. Controlling all variables except the fertilizer is essential for validity.

Question 19Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A student notices that the line of best fit on a scatter plot slopes downward from left to right. This indicates:

  1. A negative correlation between the two variables Correct answer.
  2. A positive correlation between the two variables
  3. No relationship between the variables
  4. That one variable causes the other

Explanation

A downward-sloping line of best fit indicates a negative correlation: as one variable increases, the other tends to decrease. Correlation alone does not establish causation.

Question 20Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which is the best example of an inference rather than a direct observation?

  1. The wet ground suggests it rained earlier Correct answer.
  2. The ground is wet
  3. The thermometer reads 15 degrees Celsius
  4. The leaf is green

Explanation

An inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning. Concluding that it rained because the ground is wet goes beyond what is directly observed, making it an inference.

Question 21Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

Which scientific practice is most directly engaged when students build a physical representation of a molecule to predict how it will react?

  1. Developing and using models Correct answer.
  2. Planning investigations only
  3. Obtaining information from text
  4. Defining a design problem

Explanation

Constructing a physical molecular representation to make predictions is the practice of developing and using models, which helps students reason about systems they cannot directly see.

Question 22Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

A student measures the boiling point of a liquid three times and gets 78.1, 78.0, and 78.2 degrees Celsius, but the true value is 100 degrees Celsius. The measurements are best described as:

  1. Precise but not accurate Correct answer.
  2. Accurate but not precise
  3. Both accurate and precise
  4. Neither accurate nor precise

Explanation

The readings are very close to one another, so they are precise. However, they are far from the true value of 100 degrees, so they are not accurate.

Question 23Scientific questions, evidence and quantitative reasoning

When designing a science lesson that integrates the three dimensions of the NGSS, a teacher should combine disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and:

  1. Science and engineering practices Correct answer.
  2. Standardized vocabulary lists only
  3. Memorization of isolated facts
  4. A single multiple-choice quiz

Explanation

Three-dimensional NGSS instruction integrates disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices so students build and apply knowledge through doing science.

Question 24Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

On the periodic table, elements in the same vertical column (group) generally share which characteristic?

  1. Similar chemical properties due to the same number of valence electrons Correct answer.
  2. Identical atomic masses
  3. The same number of neutrons
  4. The same physical state at room temperature

Explanation

Many main-group families show related outer-electron patterns and chemical behavior. The introductory group comparison is useful, but transition elements and exceptions mean that identical valence-electron counts must not be promised for every element in every periodic-table group.

Question 25Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

What distinguishes a chemical change from a physical change?

  1. A chemical change produces new substances with different properties Correct answer.
  2. A chemical change only alters the shape of a substance
  3. A physical change always forms a new compound
  4. A physical change cannot be reversed

Explanation

In a chemical change, atoms rearrange to form new substances with new chemical properties, such as rusting or burning. Physical changes alter only form or state, not chemical identity.

Question 26Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

According to the law of conservation of mass, in a closed chemical reaction the total mass of the products is:

  1. Equal to the total mass of the reactants Correct answer.
  2. Always greater than the reactants
  3. Always less than the reactants
  4. Unrelated to the reactants

Explanation

The law of conservation of mass states that matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction, so the mass of products equals the mass of reactants in a closed system.

Question 27Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

An atom has 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 11 electrons. What is its net electric charge?

  1. Neutral (zero charge) Correct answer.
  2. Positive charge of +1
  3. Negative charge of -1
  4. Positive charge of +12

Explanation

An atom is neutral when its number of protons (positive) equals its number of electrons (negative). With 11 protons and 11 electrons, the charges cancel and the net charge is zero.

Question 28Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

A solution with a pH of 3 is best described as:

  1. Acidic Correct answer.
  2. Basic
  3. Neutral
  4. A pure metal

Explanation

On the pH scale, values below 7 are acidic. A pH of 3 indicates a relatively strong acid with a high concentration of hydrogen ions.

Question 29Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

In the chemical formula H2O, the subscript 2 indicates that one molecule contains:

  1. Two hydrogen atoms Correct answer.
  2. Two water molecules
  3. Two oxygen atoms
  4. Two electrons

Explanation

A subscript in a chemical formula gives the number of atoms of the preceding element in one molecule. In H2O, the subscript 2 means two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.

Question 30Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

Which best explains why metals are good conductors of electricity?

  1. They have delocalized electrons that move freely through the material Correct answer.
  2. They contain large amounts of water
  3. Their atoms are tightly bonded and cannot move
  4. They lack any electrons in their outer shells

Explanation

In metals, valence electrons are delocalized and free to move throughout the metallic lattice. This mobile sea of electrons allows electric current to flow easily.

Question 31Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

A compound differs from a mixture in that a compound:

  1. Has elements chemically combined in fixed proportions Correct answer.
  2. Can always be separated by physical means
  3. Has components that retain their original properties
  4. Has variable composition

Explanation

A compound forms when elements bond chemically in a fixed ratio, producing new properties. Mixtures combine substances physically, have variable composition, and can be separated physically.

Question 32Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

Which subatomic particle has approximately the same mass as a proton but no electric charge?

  1. Neutron Correct answer.
  2. Electron
  3. Photon
  4. Ion

Explanation

The neutron has nearly the same mass as a proton but carries no electric charge. Neutrons reside in the atomic nucleus alongside protons.

Question 33Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

Which statement about catalysts in chemical reactions is correct?

  1. A catalyst speeds up a reaction without being consumed by it Correct answer.
  2. A catalyst is always used up during the reaction
  3. A catalyst changes the products of the reaction
  4. A catalyst increases the energy released by the reaction

Explanation

A catalyst lowers the activation energy of a reaction, increasing its rate. It is not consumed and remains available afterward, so the products and net energy are unchanged.

Question 34Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

In a balanced chemical equation, the coefficients in front of formulas ensure that:

  1. The same number of each type of atom appears on both sides Correct answer.
  2. Energy is released in every reaction
  3. The reaction proceeds instantly
  4. All reactants are gases

Explanation

Balancing an equation adjusts coefficients so that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides, satisfying the conservation of mass.

Question 35Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

When two hydrogen atoms bond with one oxygen atom to form water, the type of bond formed is:

  1. A covalent bond in which atoms share electrons Correct answer.
  2. An ionic bond in which electrons are fully transferred
  3. A metallic bond among free electrons
  4. No bond at all

Explanation

Water forms through covalent bonds, where hydrogen and oxygen atoms share electrons. This sharing holds the atoms together in the H2O molecule.

Question 36Matter, materials, reactions and chemical reasoning

Which of the following correctly describes a difference between an exothermic and an endothermic reaction?

  1. An exothermic reaction releases energy, while an endothermic reaction absorbs energy Correct answer.
  2. An exothermic reaction absorbs energy, while an endothermic reaction releases energy
  3. Both reactions always release light
  4. Neither reaction involves energy change

Explanation

Exothermic reactions release energy to the surroundings, often as heat, raising the temperature. Endothermic reactions absorb energy, often causing the surroundings to cool.

Question 37Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

Which statement correctly describes Newton's third law of motion?

  1. For every action force there is an equal and opposite reaction force Correct answer.
  2. An object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon
  3. Force equals mass times acceleration
  4. Energy can be neither created nor destroyed

Explanation

Newton's third law states that when one object exerts a force on a second, the second exerts an equal force in the opposite direction on the first, as when a swimmer pushes water backward.

Question 38Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

A 2-kilogram cart accelerates at 3 meters per second squared. What net force acts on it?

  1. 6 newtons Correct answer.
  2. 1.5 newtons
  3. 5 newtons
  4. 0.67 newtons

Explanation

Using Newton's second law, F = ma = 2 kg x 3 m/s^2 = 6 newtons. The net force equals the mass multiplied by the acceleration.

Question 39Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

Which form of energy is associated with the motion of an object?

  1. Kinetic energy Correct answer.
  2. Potential energy
  3. Chemical energy
  4. Nuclear energy

Explanation

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion and depends on an object's mass and the square of its speed. A faster or heavier moving object has more kinetic energy.

Question 40Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

When a ball is held at the top of a hill, the energy it possesses due to its position is best described as:

  1. Gravitational potential energy Correct answer.
  2. Kinetic energy
  3. Thermal energy
  4. Electrical energy

Explanation

Gravitational potential energy is stored energy due to an object's height in a gravitational field. As the ball rolls down, this potential energy converts into kinetic energy.

Question 41Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

Which property of a wave determines its pitch when the wave is a sound wave?

  1. Frequency Correct answer.
  2. Amplitude
  3. Wavelength only at constant speed
  4. Speed in a vacuum

Explanation

The pitch of a sound is determined by its frequency: higher frequency produces higher pitch. Amplitude affects loudness, not pitch.

Question 42Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

Two charged objects are brought near each other and repel. What can be concluded about their charges?

  1. They carry the same type of charge Correct answer.
  2. They carry opposite charges
  3. One must be neutral
  4. Both must be neutral

Explanation

Like charges repel and opposite charges attract. Because the objects repel, they must carry the same type of charge, either both positive or both negative.

Question 43Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

When white light passes through a prism and separates into colors, this demonstrates that white light is:

  1. A mixture of different wavelengths of visible light Correct answer.
  2. A single pure wavelength
  3. Made entirely of ultraviolet rays
  4. Unable to be refracted

Explanation

A prism refracts each wavelength of light by a slightly different amount, spreading white light into a spectrum. This shows white light is a combination of many visible wavelengths.

Question 44Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

Which statement about heat transfer by conduction is correct?

  1. Heat moves through a material by direct contact between particles Correct answer.
  2. Heat moves only through empty space
  3. Conduction requires bulk movement of a fluid
  4. Conduction occurs only in gases

Explanation

Conduction transfers thermal energy through direct particle-to-particle contact, as when a metal spoon heats up in hot soup. Solids, especially metals, conduct heat well.

Question 45Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

A student observes that a metal ball expands slightly when heated. This best illustrates which property of matter?

  1. Thermal expansion as particles move faster and take up more space Correct answer.
  2. Chemical decomposition of the metal
  3. A change in the number of atoms
  4. Conversion of the metal into a gas

Explanation

When heated, particles in the metal vibrate faster and move slightly farther apart, causing thermal expansion. The metal's chemical identity and atom count remain unchanged.

Question 46Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

In an electric circuit, what is the function of a resistor?

  1. To oppose the flow of current and control its magnitude Correct answer.
  2. To store electric charge indefinitely
  3. To increase voltage without limit
  4. To convert current into magnetism only

Explanation

A resistor opposes current flow, reducing it according to Ohm's law (V = IR). Resistors are used to control current levels and divide voltage in circuits.

Question 47Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

An object travels 100 meters in 20 seconds at constant velocity. What is its average speed?

  1. 5 meters per second Correct answer.
  2. 2,000 meters per second
  3. 0.2 meters per second
  4. 120 meters per second

Explanation

Average speed equals distance divided by time: 100 m / 20 s = 5 meters per second. Speed is the rate at which distance is covered.

Question 48Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

Which best explains why gases can be compressed much more easily than solids or liquids?

  1. Gas particles are far apart with large spaces between them Correct answer.
  2. Gas particles are chemically bonded in rigid lattices
  3. Gas particles do not move at all
  4. Gas particles are larger than solid particles

Explanation

In a gas, particles are widely separated with large empty spaces between them. Applying pressure pushes them closer together, allowing significant compression unlike in dense solids and liquids.

Question 49Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

The law of conservation of energy states that energy:

  1. Cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another Correct answer.
  2. Is always lost completely during transformations
  3. Can be created when needed
  4. Only exists as kinetic energy

Explanation

The law of conservation of energy states that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant. Energy may change forms, such as potential to kinetic, but it is never created or destroyed.

Question 50Forces, energy, fields, waves and modern physical models

Which best describes the difference between mass and weight?

  1. Mass is the amount of matter in an object; weight is the force of gravity on that mass Correct answer.
  2. Mass and weight are identical quantities
  3. Weight is measured in kilograms and mass in newtons
  4. Mass changes with location, while weight stays constant

Explanation

Mass is the quantity of matter in an object and stays constant everywhere. Weight is the gravitational force on that mass and changes with the strength of gravity, such as on the Moon.