How to Tackle “Simple” Multiple Choice Problems

1. How to Tackle “Simple” Multiple Choice Problems A, B, C, D…it’s all the same to me! HELP!

2. A Sample Question… What is the total number of atoms represented in the formula CuSO4∙ 5H2O? • 8 • 13 • 21 • 27

3. Step #1 Read the entire question and all possible answers (even if you think the first one listed is right ).

4. Step #2 Chill, even if you… Don’t know the right answer Don’t know what the words mean

5. Step #3 Restate the question in your own words. What is the question really asking?

6. Step #4 Eliminate answers that… • don’t make sense • include words like “always” or “never” • are partially false

7. Step #5 Mark neatly on scantron forms!

8. Summary • Read • Chill • Restate • Eliminate • Mark neatly

9. Let’s try it! A student investigated the physical and chemical properties of a sample of unknown gas and then investigated the gas. Which statement represents a conclusion rather than an experimental observation? • The gas is colorless • The gas is carbon dioxide • When gas is bubbled in limewater, the liquid becomes cloudy • When placed in the gas, a flaming flint stops burning

10. Sample 2 The number of cycles per unit time of a wave is… • Wave velocity • Frequency • Wavelength • Altitude

11. Sample 3 The following set of procedures was used by a student to determine the heat of solution of NaOH, • Read the original temperature of the water • Read the final temperature of the water • Pour the water into a beaker • Stir the mixture • Add the sodium hydroxide What is the correct order of procedures for making this determination? • a-c-e-b-d • e-d-c-a-b • c-a-e-d-b • c-e-d-a-b

12. Sample 4 All atoms of the same element have the same… • Atomic mass • Number of neutrons • Atomic number • Mass number

13. Sample 5 The plate boundary responsible for creating mountains is… • Divergent • Convergent • Transform