Answers to Introduction to Chemistry Practice Problems:  

1.  Identify each type of investigation as an example of pure research or applied research.

a.  A researcher analyzes the composition of Saturn’s atmosphere.  Pure research

b.  A researcher improves the fuel efficiency of a combustion engine.  Applied research

c.  A researcher works on ways to improve the agricultural yield of an acre of corn Applied research

d.A researcher examines the unique crystalline structure of snowflakes.  Pure research

2.  Match each activity to one of the five areas of chemistry. (Organic, inorganic, biochemistry, physical, analytical)

a.  Determining the energy transferred when water reaches the boiling point  Physical 

b.Finding out how much water vapor is in a sample of air  Analytical

c.  Studying the conversion of light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis

in plants  Biochemistry

d.  Manufacturing polyester, which contains carbon  Organic

e.  Studying crystals of the mineral quartz  Inorganic

f.  Performing quality control during the manufacturing of Advil  Analytical

g.  Explaining how the speed of a reaction can be increased by adding a catalyst  Physical

h.  Studying the clotting mechanism of blood  Biochemistry

3.  Identify each piece of data as either qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numerical).

a.   Blue Qualitative

b.  150 pound  Quantitative

c.  110° C  Quantitative

d.  Round  Qualitative

e.  Smells like roses  Qualitative

f. 35 mph Quantitative

g. Hot  Qualitative