Introduction to Physical Science

Introduction to Physical Science

• Physical science is the study of matter and energy and how they interact.
• It encompasses physics and chemistry.
• It seeks to understand the fundamental laws governing the universe.
• It uses the scientific method to develop theories and models.

Branches of Physical Science

• Physics: The study of motion, forces, energy, and matter.
  • Includes mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.
  • Focuses on the fundamental laws governing the universe.
  • Example concepts include Newton's Laws of Motion, conservation of energy, and the laws of thermodynamics.
• Chemistry: The study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
  • Focuses on individual atoms and molecules and how they combine.
  • Explores topics like atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry.
  • Example concepts include balancing chemical equations, predicting reaction outcomes, and understanding the periodic table.

Fundamental Concepts in Physical Science

• Matter: Anything that has mass and occupies space.
  • Exists in different states: solid, liquid, and gas.
  • Properties of matter include density, melting point, boiling point, and conductivity.
• Energy: The ability to do work or cause change.
  • Exists in different forms: kinetic, potential, thermal, light, and sound.
  • Energy can be transformed from one form to another.
• Forces: Interactions that can cause changes in motion or shape.
  • Forces can be contact forces (like friction) or non-contact forces (like gravity).
  • Understand forces help predict the behavior of objects.
• Motion: The change in position of an object over time.
  • Described using concepts like velocity, acceleration, and momentum.
  • Understanding motion helps us understand the world around us.

Scientific Method in Physical Science

• Observation: Noticing patterns or events in the natural world.
• Questioning: Formulating specific questions based on the observations.
• Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation for the observations.
• Prediction: Forecasting outcomes based on the hypothesis.
• Experimentation: Designing and performing controlled experiments to test the prediction.
• Analysis: Examining the results of the experiments.
• Conclusion: Drawing a conclusion about whether the hypothesis is supported, or rejected, given the experimental evidence.
• Communication: Sharing results and conclusions with others.

Units of Measurement in Physical Science

• International System of Units (SI): A standardized system of units globally used in scientific measurements.
  • Examples include meters for distance, kilograms for mass, seconds for time, and Kelvin for temperature.
  • Using consistent units is crucial for accuracy and reproducibility in experiments.
• Significant Figures: A way to express the precision of a measurement.
  • Correctly reporting significant figures in scientific context is critical for accurate communication.

Interdisciplinary Connections

• Physical science concepts are intertwined with other scientific disciplines:
  • Biology relies on principles of chemistry to explain molecular processes.
  • Earth science uses physics to explain movement of tectonic plates.
  • Astronomy uses physics to explain the behavior of stars and galaxies.

Critical Thinking in Physical Science

• Questioning assumptions and critically analyzing data are crucial skills in physical science.
• Developing and evaluating models is essential for understanding observed phenomena.
• Applying established principles to new contexts helps in problem-solving.

Safety in Physical Science

• Following safety guidelines in labs and educational contexts is very important for all scientists.
  • Using appropriate protective equipment (e.g. goggles, lab coats, gloves.)
  • Handling materials safely, including chemicals.
  • Following standardized procedures for conducting experiments.