In 1984, some drums of uranium hexafluoride were lost in the English Channel, which is known for its cold water (about 17°C). The melting point of uranium hexafluoride is 148°F. In what physical state is the uranium hexafluoride in these drums?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: solid. Uranium hexafluoride has a melting point of 148°F, which is equivalent to approximately 64.4°C. Since the water temperature in the English Channel is only about 17°C, the uranium hexafluoride would be below its melting point and thus in a solid state. The other choices are incorrect because the temperature is not high enough for it to be in a liquid or gaseous state, and there is no indication of it being a mixture of solid and liquid based on the given information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 4. Significant figures are non-zero digits and zeros between them. In this case, only digits 6, 4, 2, and 8 are non-zero, making them all significant. Zeros before the first non-zero digit are not significant, so the zeros before 6 are not counted. Hence, there are 4 significant figures in the number 0006428. Choice A (7) is incorrect because it includes all digits, including the leading zeros, which are not significant. Choice B (3) is incorrect because it only considers the non-zero digits, excluding the zeros between them. Choice C (8) is incorrect because it counts all digits including leading zeros, which are not significant.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: To determine the significant figures in the sum of 23.68 and 4.12, we add the numbers which results in 27.8. The sum has 3 significant figures because the least precise number has 2 decimal places. To find the significant figures in the product, we multiply the numbers which equals 97.4096. The product has 4 significant figures since the number with the fewest significant figures has 2 before the decimal point and 4 after. Therefore, the correct answer is D (4 significant figures in the product and 3 in the sum).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the amount of uncertainty in a measured quantity is influenced by both the skill of the observer and the limitations of the measuring instrument. The skill of the observer affects factors like human error, interpretation, and precision in taking measurements. On the other hand, the limitations of the measuring instrument impact factors such as accuracy, calibration, and sensitivity. Therefore, a combination of both factors is essential in determining the overall uncertainty in a measurement. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not consider the comprehensive nature of uncertainty in measurements. Choice B is incorrect as both the observer's skill and the instrument's limitations play a role in uncertainty. Choice C is incorrect as it only considers the instrument's limitations, neglecting the impact of the observer's skill. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses solely on the observer's skill, overlooking the importance of the measuring instrument's capabilities.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: natural law. A natural law describes a consistent pattern or behavior in the natural world, such as the conservation of mass in a chemical reaction. This principle states that the total mass of materials before and after a chemical change remains constant. Observations (A) are factual statements based on data, measurements (B) involve quantifying properties, and theories (C) are explanations based on evidence, but none specifically address the consistent behavior of mass in chemical changes as a natural law does.