Science Overview: Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What does Coulomb's law describe?

The gravitational force between two masses.

The electrostatic force between stationary point charges. (correct)

The magnetic force between two magnets.

The electrostatic force between moving charges.

How can a scientific theory be characterized?

It cannot be changed once established.

It consists of untested hypotheses and assumptions.

It synthesizes well-tested hypotheses and laws about the natural world. (correct)

It only explains specific phenomena.

Which statement best defines the distinction between science and technology?

Science aims to apply existing knowledge, while technology seeks to create new laws.

Science is only focused on practical problems, while technology is theoretical.

Science discovers beauty, while technology is concerned with the human experience.

Science is focused on explanation, while technology is the application of scientific knowledge. (correct)

What is the primary purpose of scientific models?

To explain specific phenomena and can be refined with new information. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of science, how is the study of religion best described?

The inquiry into the source, purpose, and meaning of existence. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step of the scientific method?

Recognize a problem (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly defines a hypothesis?

An educated guess with a test for wrongness (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is a characteristic of scientific laws?

They describe a relationship measured by observations (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates a scientific hypothesis?

The universe is expanding at an increasing rate (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does scientific attitude play in discoveries?

It encourages inquiry and experimentation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a hypothesis that is contradicted by experimental evidence?

It is changed or abandoned (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might a fact evolve over time?

Because of new evidence leading to reevaluation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the basic science that forms the foundation for other scientific fields?

Physics (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key element in distinguishing observations from inferences?

Inferences may or may not be correct (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of inferences in science?

Inferences involve cataloging or speculating about observations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During which period was science as we know it today primarily developed?

The Renaissance (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of life sciences?

Study of living organisms (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do the branches of biology and chemistry relate to physics?

Biology builds on chemistry, while chemistry builds on physics. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the invention of the printing press contribute to the development of science?

It allowed for the widespread distribution of scientific knowledge. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of science?

A fixed body of knowledge (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of observations in the scientific method?

They form the basis for scientific hypotheses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: About Science

Physics is the basic science
The scientific method includes observation, facts, hypothesis, laws, principles, theories, and models
Science and technology, and science and religion are also studied

How Old Is Science?

Science began before recorded history
People were curious about their environment and sought explanations
Star patterns, seasons, and environmental predictions allowed for control over environmental factors

A Brief History of Science

Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians contributed to scientific knowledge
Greek figures like Aristotle and Pythagoras contributed during the 3rd and 4th centuries BC
During the Dark Ages, the Chinese charted stars and planets, while Arab nations advanced mathematics and glassmaking
Modern science developed in the 16th century, aided by the printing press (15th century)

What Is Science?

The study of nature's rules
Includes numerous branches
- Life sciences: study of living things
  - Botany
  - Zoology
- Physical sciences: study of non-living things
  - Geology
  - Chemistry
  - Astronomy
  - Physics

What Science Is? (cont.)

More than just a body of knowledge
A method to explore nature and discover natural laws
A tool for solving problems

The Basic Science - Physics

Studies how matter and energy interact
Includes motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, and atomic composition
Forms the basis for other sciences
Chemistry becomes physics at the atomic level
Biology builds on chemistry, which builds on physics

Inferences & Observations

Observation involves perceiving conditions
Inference is a mental process to explain or interpret an observation
Correctness isn't a defining factor, distinguishing observation from inference

Scientific Method

A systematic approach in science
A method for gaining, organizing, and applying knowledge
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and Francis Bacon (1561-1626) are key figures
Steps in the scientific method:
- Recognize a problem.
- Formulate a hypothesis (a testable guess about a solution).
- Predict the consequences of the hypothesis.
- Perform experiments to test predictions.
- Formulate a general rule organizing problem, hypothesis, and results.

Scientific Attitude

Not all discoveries are made strictly following the scientific method
Trial and error, and serendipitous discoveries are important
Important attitudes include inquiry, experimentation, and humility

Basic Scientific Terms - Fact

A phenomenon agreed upon by qualified observers
Not absolute; things considered facts can later be proven incorrect.
May change in significance over time

Basic Scientific Terms - Hypothesis (cont.)

Educated guess about an outcome.
Is not a fact
Must be testable (falsifiable).
Could become a law or principle if repeatedly tested and confirmed by many scientists

Examples of Hypotheses

Atoms are the smallest particles of matter (testable)
Outer space contains undetected matter (not testable)
Roman Catholic Pope is holiest (not testable)

Basic Scientific Terms - Law or Principle (cont.)

A hypothesis that is repeatedly confirmed by many scientists
Can be changed with new, contradictory evidence
Describes relationships that can be observed and measured

Examples of Laws and Principles

Newton's laws of motion describe how force produces motion in objects.
Coulomb's law describes electrostatic force between charges.

Basic Scientific Terms - Theory (cont.)

A synthesis of information; well-tested hypotheses, laws, and principles
Used to explain larger parts of the natural world (e.g., atomic theory)
Can be updated with new information

Basic Scientific Terms - Models(cont.)

Similar to theories, but explain specific aspects of the natural world
Representations of phenomena to explain them more clearly
Can evolve with new information

Science and Technology

Science answers theoretical questions
Technology solves practical problems
Technology is the application of scientific principles

Science, Art, Religion

Science discovers and records natural phenomena
Art explores and appreciates the value of human interactions
Religion studies the source, purpose, and meaning of existence

Something to Think About

Is science absolute?
Is technology good or bad for us?
Should people be aware of science and technology's impact on their lives?

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of science as outlined in Chapter 1. It explores the scientific method, the historical development of science, and the contributions of ancient civilizations to our understanding of nature. Gain insights into how science has evolved through the ages and its relationship with technology and religion.