Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a chemical reaction?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A change in color is not always a characteristic of a chemical reaction. While some chemical reactions may result in a change in color, it is not a universal characteristic of all chemical reactions. The formation of new substances, release or absorption of energy, and change in temperature are commonly associated with chemical reactions. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it does not always occur in every chemical reaction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When an object is moving in a circle at a constant speed, there is a net force acting on it. This net force is directed towards the center of the circle and is responsible for continuously changing the direction of the object's velocity, even though the speed remains constant. Therefore, the correct answer is D because the net force is required to change the direction of the object's motion in a circular path. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the presence of a net force is necessary to continuously change the object's direction as it moves in a circular path, irrespective of changes in speed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The main factor affecting the acceleration of a ball rolling down an inclined plane is the angle of the incline. The steeper the incline, the greater the component of the gravitational force acting parallel to the incline, leading to a higher acceleration of the ball. While the material of the ball, air resistance, and the ball's initial velocity may have some influence on the motion, the angle of the incline is the primary factor determining acceleration in this scenario. The material of the ball does not significantly affect its acceleration on the incline unless it impacts the friction with the surface. Air resistance plays a minor role in the acceleration of the ball compared to the gravitational force. The ball's initial velocity affects the speed at the start but does not influence the acceleration down the incline.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The fossil record indicates that dinosaurs had feathers before birds, suggesting convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it best explains the scenario where dinosaurs with feathers existed before birds, showcasing the concept of unrelated organisms evolving similar traits independently.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.