Chemistry:
The study of atoms and molecules, their structures, and their interactions to form various substances.
Physics:
The study of forces,
... [Show More] energy and motion.
Earth Science:
This field focuses on Earth's structure and composition, as well as the processes that change Earth, such as volcanic and seismic activity.
Physical Science:
The scientific study of nonliving matter. Ex: chemistry, physics, and Earth science.
Astronomy:
The study of the moon, stars, and other objects in space.
Controlled Experiment:
An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time..
Independent Variable:
The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.
Dependent Variable:
The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.
Control Variable:
A variable that is kept constant during a controlled experiment.
Observational Study:
The systems are observed as they appear in nature and researchers do not attempt to change them.
Laboratory Experiment:
Researchers study the system of interest in a highly controlled artificial setting (lab).
Physical Model:
A physical representation of an object. Ex: Scaled down version of the solar system.
Conceptual Model:
A verbal or graphical explanation for how a system works or is organized. Ex: posters, charts.
Mathematical Model:
Uses different forms of data to represent the way a system or process works. Ex: formulas, graphs, mathematical means. Ex: F=ma (formula).
Computer Model:
A computer program that models an event or object. Important in explaining and predicting natural phenomena. Ex: weather patterns, solar system.
Principle of Falsification:
Principle that only falsifiable statements can be subject to scientific inquiry.
Hypothesis:
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.
Theory:
A hypothesis that has been tested with a significant amount of data.
Law:
A concise statement that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments. Describes a widespread pattern in nature. Intended to be universal.
Scientific Investigation:
Scientists test their ideas with a variety of different types of investigations. Ex: laboratories, controlled experiments, astronomy, field studies, models.
SI System:
International System of units based on the metric system and units derived from the metric system.
Base Quantities:
Seven designated physical quantities (sets) from which all other SI quantities can be derived.
(1) Meter (m)-length
(2) Kilogram (k)-mass
(3) Second (s)-time
(4) Kelvin (K)-temperature
(5) Amperes (A)-"amp"-electric current
(6) Candela (cd)-light intensity
(7) Moles (mol)-amount of substance
Time:
Base quantity that measures how long an event lasts or the break between events.
Length:
Used to describe the distance between two objects, or the two ends of an object.
Mass:
Used to describe the amount of matter in an object.
Temperature:
A measure of how hot or cold something is.
Gram:
a metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.
Meter:
The base unit of length in the metric system. Unit symbol (m).
Liter:
Basic unit of volume in the metric system. Unit symbol (l).
Second:
SI base unit for time. Unit symbol (s).
Kelvin:
Si base unit of temperature. Unit symbol (K).
Mega:
Metric prefix one million of the base unit. 10^6 Unit symbol (M).
Kilo:
Metric prefix 1/1000 or 10^3. Unit symbol (k).
Deci:
Metric prefix 1/10th or 10^(-1) (0.1). Unit symbol (d).
Centi:
Metric prefix 1/100th or 10^(-2) (0.01). Unit symbol (c).
Milli:
Metric prefix 1/1000th or 10^(-3) (0.001). Unit symbol (m).
Micro:
Metric prefix 1/millionth of the base unit. 10^(-6) (0.000001)
Nano:
Metric prefix 1/billionth 10^(-9) (0.000000001). Unit symbol (n).
Derived Units:
What is produced when the base units/quantities are combined.
Triple Beam Balance:
Instrument used to measure mass.
Graduated Cylinder:
Instrument used to measure volume of a liquid.
Direct Relationship:
When an increase of one variable results in an increase of the other, or a decrease of one results in a decrease of the other.
Inverse Relationship:
When one variable increases and the other one decreases, or when one decreases and the other increases.
Speed:
The distance an object travels per unit of time.
Velocity:
The speed and direction of a moving object.
Acceleration:
Chang in an object's velocity; occurs when an object:
*speeds up
*slows down &/or
*changes direction
Force:
A push or pull exerted on an object.
Combined Forces:
Two or more forces acting in the same direction on the same object. They add to produce a net force that is stronger than any one of the forces.
Net Force:
The sum of all forces acting on an object.
Opposing Forces:
Two forces of the same magnitude acting on the same object in opposite directions.
Balanced Forces:
Forces that combine to produce a net force of zero.
Unequal Forces:
Opposite forces acting on an object and unequal in magnitude. [Show Less]