Branching Out

Science is a rigorous, systematic endeavor that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the world. Its purpose is to understand the natural and social phenomena and make reliable predictions based on empirical evidence.

The three major branches of modern science are natural sciences, social sciences, and formal sciences. Natural sciences study the physical world, social sciences study individuals and societies, and formal sciences study formal systems governed by axioms and rules.

The difference between natural sciences and formal sciences is that natural sciences rely on empirical evidence to study the physical world, while formal sciences study formal systems using axioms and rules without relying on empirical evidence.

<p>Applied sciences are disciplines that use scientific knowledge for practical purposes. Examples of disciplines within this category include engineering and medicine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The earliest written records of identifiable predecessors to modern science can be traced back to Bronze Age Egypt and Mesopotamia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Electricity is the flow of electrons through a conductor. Voltage is the potential difference between two points in a circuit, measured in volts (V), and symbolized as V. Current is the rate of flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A), and symbolized as I. Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω), and symbolized as R.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Conductors are materials that allow the flow of electric current easily, such as metals like copper and silver. Insulators are materials that do not allow the flow of electric current easily, such as rubber and plastic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ohm's law states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it and inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor. Mathematically, Ohm's law can be expressed as V = I * R, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In a series circuit, the components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current to flow. The same current flows through each component, and the total resistance is the sum of individual resistances. Series circuits are commonly used in Christmas lights and flashlight bulbs. In a parallel circuit, the components are connected across each other, providing multiple paths for current to flow. The voltage across each component is the same, and the total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance. Parallel circuits are commonly used in household wiring and electronic devices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>AC (alternating current) power is the type of electrical power commonly used in homes and buildings. It alternates in direction and magnitude, meaning the flow of electrons periodically changes direction. DC (direct current) power is the type of electrical power commonly used in batteries and electronic devices. It flows in one direction only.</p> Signup and view all the answers