How much do you know about science topics?
Test your knowledge of science facts and applications of scientific principles by taking our short 12-question quiz. Then see how you did in comparison with a nationally representative group of 3,278 randomly selected U.S. adults surveyed online and by mail between Aug. 11 and Sept. 3, 2014 as members of the Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel.
When you finish, you will be able to compare your scores with the average American and compare responses across demographic groups. The analysis of the findings from the poll can be found in the full report, “A Look At What the Public Does and Does Not Know About Science.”
Quiz: 12 Everyday Science Questions
These twelve new questions cover basic facts from biology, chemistry, physics and Earth science. Take your time and read the short explanation after each answer.
Which gas do plants take in from the air to make their food by photosynthesis?
Plants use carbon dioxide, water and light energy to make sugars, releasing oxygen.
Which planet is closest to the Sun?
Mercury orbits closest to the Sun, followed by Venus and Earth.
In a thunderstorm you see lightning before you hear thunder. Why?
Light reaches you almost instantly, while sound travels at roughly 340 metres per second in air.
Where is most of the DNA in a human cell found?
Most human DNA is stored in the nucleus; a small amount is in the mitochondria.
At sea level, pure water boils at what temperature?
At standard sea-level pressure, water boils at 100 °C (212 °F).
Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by…
Antibiotics act against bacteria; they do not work against viruses such as those that cause colds and flu.
Which force keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun?
The Sun’s gravity continually pulls the planets, curving their paths into orbits.
A water molecule (H₂O) is made of…
The formula H₂O means two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.
Which gas makes up most of Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of dry air; oxygen is about 21%.
Which blood cells carry oxygen around the body?
Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the tissues.
What is the unit of electrical resistance?
Resistance is measured in ohms, named after the physicist Georg Ohm.
Through which of these can sound NOT travel?
Sound needs a medium such as air, water or solid material, so it cannot cross empty space.
A Curious Beginner
Every scientist started with questions like these. Read the explanations again and you will know more than you did a few minutes ago.
Solid Foundations
You have a good grasp of everyday science. A few gaps are simply invitations to explore further.
Science Enthusiast
Impressive! You clearly know your way around the basics of physics, chemistry and biology.
Perfect Score
Twelve out of twelve. Your science knowledge is excellent; maybe challenge a friend to match it.
The comparison group has its own date and method
The Pew comparison uses a survey conducted in August and September 2014 and published in September 2015. The named sample of 3,278 US adults makes its historical benchmark traceable. That date matters alongside the twelve selected questions: the result describes this set of science-knowledge items, not every field of science or a general intelligence score.
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Additional source: Pew Research Center: 2015 science-knowledge report and 2014 survey.
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