Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main distinction between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
What is the main distinction between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
- A theory is a well-substantiated explanation based on observations, while a law describes a relationship or regularity in nature. (correct)
- A theory is a hypothesis that has been confirmed by many experiments, while a law is a generalization that applies to all cases.
- A theory explains why a phenomenon occurs, while a law describes how it occurs.
- A theory is a guess, while a law is a proven fact.
Which of these branches of science deals with the composition, properties, and reactions of matter?
Which of these branches of science deals with the composition, properties, and reactions of matter?
- Biology
- Chemistry (correct)
- Physics
- Earth Science
Which stage in the scientific method involves evaluating the results of an experiment?
Which stage in the scientific method involves evaluating the results of an experiment?
- Observation
- Data Analysis (correct)
- Hypothesis
- Prediction
A scientist observes that plants grow taller in the presence of sunlight. Which of these statements is a valid, falsifiable hypothesis based on this observation?
A scientist observes that plants grow taller in the presence of sunlight. Which of these statements is a valid, falsifiable hypothesis based on this observation?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good scientific hypothesis?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good scientific hypothesis?
What is the primary purpose of communication in the scientific method?
What is the primary purpose of communication in the scientific method?
A scientist designs an experiment to test the effects of different types of fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following is an example of a controlled variable in this experiment?
A scientist designs an experiment to test the effects of different types of fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following is an example of a controlled variable in this experiment?
Which of these statements best describes the role of observation in the scientific method?
Which of these statements best describes the role of observation in the scientific method?
Flashcards
Observation
Observation
The process of gathering information about the natural world using our senses or tools.
Question
Question
A specific question about an observation, aiming to understand why something is happening.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis
A proposed explanation for the observation or question, formulated as a prediction that can be tested.
Prediction
Prediction
Signup and view all the flashcards
Experiment
Experiment
Signup and view all the flashcards
Data Analysis
Data Analysis
Signup and view all the flashcards
Conclusion/Interpretation
Conclusion/Interpretation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Communication
Communication
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Science
- Science is a systematic approach to building and organizing knowledge about the universe through testable explanations and predictions.
Branches of Science
- Natural Sciences: Study the natural world.
- Physics: Studies matter, energy, and their interactions (mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, nuclear physics).
- Chemistry: Examines the composition, properties, and reactions of matter (organic, inorganic, physical chemistry).
- Biology: Studies living organisms and their interactions (genetics, ecology, physiology).
- Earth Science: Examines Earth's structure, processes, and history (geology, oceanography, meteorology).
- Astronomy: Studies celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth's atmosphere (stars, galaxies, the universe).
Scientific Method
- Observation: Noticing and describing events or phenomena.
- Question: Formulating a specific question about the observation.
- Hypothesis: A testable explanation or prediction for the observation/question.
- Prediction: A statement of the expected outcome if the hypothesis is correct.
- Experiment: A controlled test of the prediction.
- Data Analysis: Evaluating experimental results.
- Conclusion/Interpretation: Determining whether the data supports the hypothesis; revising or rejecting if necessary.
- Communication: Sharing results for peer review and further study.
Characteristics of a good scientific hypothesis
- Testable: An experiment can determine if the hypothesis is supported.
- Falsifiable: It can be proven wrong. Non-falsifiable hypotheses are not considered scientific.
- Predictive: It predicts observations under specific conditions.
Scientific Theories
- A scientific theory is a well-supported explanation based on repeated observations and experiments. It is not a guess.
Scientific Laws
- A scientific law describes a relationship or regularity in nature, often expressed as a mathematical equation. It describes the phenomenon but may not explain why it occurs.
Scientific Models
- A representation of a complex system or process, used to understand and predict behavior. Models can be physical, diagrams, simulations, or equations.
Scientific Progress
- Science is an ongoing process of discovery. New discoveries and technologies lead to refining or replacing existing theories and models.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
