Physical Science Overview

Study Notes

Understanding Science and Physical Science

Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation.
Physical science is a branch of natural science that deals with non-living systems, encompassing fields like physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology.

Concepts of Matter and Energy

Matter refers to anything that has mass and takes up space, existing in solid, liquid, and gas forms.
Energy is the ability to do work or cause change; it exists in various forms including kinetic, potential, thermal, and chemical.

Classes of Physical Science

The two major classes of physical science are physics and chemistry, which are interrelated as they both examine properties and interactions of matter and energy.

Theories and Laws

Theories and laws serve to explain and predict phenomena in the natural world.
A law is a descriptive statement or equation that reliably predicts events under certain conditions.
A theory is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.
Laws explain "what" happens, while theories explain "why" it happens.

Purpose of Models and Technology

Models are simplified representations of more complex real-world items or systems, used to visualize and understand phenomena.
Technology in physical science refers to tools and methods employed to solve problems or enhance understanding.
The purpose of a model is to help scientists predict outcomes, visualize concepts, and communicate ideas effectively.

Measurement and Equipment

Essential equipment for measuring energy, matter, and motion includes metrics like rulers, graduated cylinders, and scales.
A metric ruler measures length with precision; a graduated cylinder measures liquid volume accurately.
Meniscus is the curve at the surface of a liquid in a container, important for accurate volume readings.

Basic Measurements in Science

Basic measurements in science involve length, volume, mass, time, and temperature.
Scientists utilize the metric system for consistency, based on the International System of Units (SI).
The SI system's base units include meter (length), liter (volume), kilogram (mass), second (time), and Kelvin (temperature).

Metric System and Prefixes

Measurements are created using combinations of base units and metric prefixes, which denote decimal multiples or submultiples.
Common metric prefixes include kilo-, centi-, and milli-, aiding in the simplification and expression of various measurements.

Scientific Notation

Scientific notation is a way to express numbers that are too large or too small succinctly, using powers of ten.
The two sectors of scientific notation refer to its base (10) and the exponent, which indicates the number of times to multiply or divide by ten.
For positive exponents, shift the decimal to the right; for negative exponents, shift it to the left.

Reporting Measurements

When writing a unit of measurement using prefixes, combine the prefix with the base unit (e.g., kilometer for 1,000 meters).
The report of measurements should always be accompanied with accuracy, indicating the precision of the measurement taken.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of physical science through this quiz. Discover what defines science, matter, and energy, as well as the relationship between theories and laws. Test your understanding of models and technology in the context of physical science.