Science Reviewer - Branches of Science

Study Notes

Branches of Science

Physical Sciences: Focus on nonliving things and the laws governing the universe.
- Astronomy: Explores phenomena beyond Earth's atmosphere.
- Chemistry: Investigates the structures and properties of matter.
- Geology: Examines Earth's solid materials and processes.
- Meteorology: Studies weather and atmospheric phenomena.
- Physics: Analyzes matter, energy, and their interactions.
Biological Sciences: Concerned with living organisms.
- Botany: Studies plant life and their biological processes.
- Zoology: Examines animal species and their behaviors.
Social Sciences: Investigates human behavior and societies.
- Psychology: Explores mental processes and behavior.
- Sociology: Analyzes the structure and development of societies.

Scientific Method

A structured approach to gaining knowledge.
- Observation: Utilizing senses to gather information.
- Problem Statement: Clear, measurable question guiding inquiry.
- Hypothesis Formation: Predicts outcomes as potential explanations.
- Testing Hypothesis:
  - Control: Standard setups for comparison.
  - Variables:
    - Independent: Unchanged by other variables.
    - Dependent: Influenced by other variables.
    - Controlled: Consistent across all setups.
    - Manipulated: Varied to determine effects.
- Conclusion: Summarizes findings and validates or refutes the hypothesis.

Kinds of Reasoning

Inductive Reasoning: Draws conclusions based on repeated observations.
Deductive Reasoning: Applies established principles to derive new conclusions.

Significant Figures

Important digits in a number that convey precision.
- Nonzero digits: Always significant.
- Final zeros in decimals: Considered significant.
- Zeros between significant figures: Counted as significant.
- Placeholding zeros: Not significant.

Scientific Notation

A method for expressing large or small numbers succinctly using powers of ten.
- Form: Adjust number to between 1 and 10, followed by ×10^n.
- Exponent rules:
  - Shift left: Positive exponent.
  - Shift right: Negative exponent.

Rounding Off

Reduces the number of digits in a number while keeping the approximate value.

Equations

Mathematical expressions reflecting relationships among quantities:
- Direct Relationship: Variables change in the same proportion.
- Inverse Relationship: One variable increases as the other decreases.
- Power Relationship: One variable changes with the other raised to a power.
- Inverse Power Relationship: One variable's change is inversely proportional to another raised to a power.

Fundamental Quantities

Basic physical measurements determined through devices:
- Length: Distance between two points.
- Mass: Quantity of matter in an object.
- Time: Duration between events.
- Temperature: Measure of heat present.
- Amount of Substance: Quantity of entities in a sample.
- Electric Current: Flow of electric charge.
- Luminous Intensity: Emission rate of light.

Units of Measurements

Standardized expressions for dimensions or quantities.
- English System: Traditional units such as feet, pounds.
- Metric System: Decimal-based units including meters, grams.

Conversion of Units

Formula: Original Value × (Desired Unit / Given Unit) = Equivalent Value.
Prefixes indicate powers of ten:
- Giga (10^9), Mega (10^6), Kilo (10^3), Hecto (10^2), Deka (10^1),
- Deci (10^-1), Centi (10^-2), Milli (10^-3), Micro (10^-6), Nano (10^-9).

Geology

Focuses on Earth's physical composition, history, and dynamics.
Parts of the Earth:
- Lithosphere: Solid outer layer of Earth.
- Hydrosphere: Total mass of water on Earth.
- Atmosphere: Layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Layers of the Earth

Crust: Outermost layer, extends up to 100 km deep.
- Continental Crust (Sial): Land portions not submerged.
- Oceanic Crust (Sima): Parts located under oceans.
Transition Zones:
- Lithosphere: Composed of solid rocks.
- Asthenosphere: Contains semi-solid materials, allowing for tectonic movement.

Description

Test your knowledge on the different branches of science in this quiz. Explore the fields of physical, biological, and social sciences, along with their sub-disciplines. Perfect for students looking to review key concepts and enhance their understanding of the scientific world.