Physics 1 questions

Distinguish between a hypothesis and a theory.

A hypothesis is an educated guess, whereas a theory encompasses well tested and verified hypotheses. Hypothesis: supposition not yet verified. Theory: synthesis of a large info body that encompasses well-tested and verified hypothesis of certain aspects of natural world.

What are steps of the scientific method?

Hypothesis, predictions, and experimental findings. Recognize a question/puzzle/unexplained fact. Form a hypothesis. Predict consequences of the hypothesis. Perform experiments or make calculations to test the predictions. Formulate the simplest general rule that organizes the hypothesis, predicted effects, and findings.

Why are students of the arts encouraged to learn about science and science students encouraged to learn about the arts?

Knowing both the arts and sciences makes for a wholeness in the way we view the world.

Must people choose between science and religion?

No, there is no contradiction in being scientific and religious in one's thinking. That would be a shallow understanding or either or both~

Psychological comfort is a benefit of having solid answers to religious questions. What benefit accompanies a position of not knowing the answers?

Not knowing answers opens the mind to a lifetime of exploring. (vs a closed mind with comforting answers)

Briefly, what is science?

Science describes the order in nature and the causes of that order. Science is a way of knowing about the world and making sense of it. Science creates testable laws and theories.

Clearly distinguish between science and technology.

Science gathers (and organizes) the knowledge that technology uses for practical purposes. Technology also provides the tools needed by scientists in their further explanations.

What test can you perform to increase the chance in your own mind that you are right about a particular idea?

See if you can state the objections of your opponents to their satisfaction. Test whether your views are supported by sound knowledge of opposing ideas or by your misconceptions of opposing ideas.

When the Sun was directly overhead in Syene, why wasn't it directly overhead in Alexandria?

The Earth is a sphere.

Why did Aristarchus choose the time of a half Moon to make his measurements for calculating the Earth -Sun distance?

The Earth, Moon, and Sun formed a right triangle at that time. If all angles in a right triangle plus length of any one side are known, can calculate the length of any other side.

How does the Moon's diameter compare with the distance between Earth and the Moon?

The Moon's diameter is 1/110 the distance between Earth and the Moon. The moon's diameter is 1/3.5 that of Earth's. Earth's diameter is 3.5 times the moon's diameter.

Earth, like everything else illuminated by the Sun, casts a shadow. Why does this shadow taper?

The Sun is much larger than the Earth.

How does the Sun's diameter compare with the distance between Earth and the Sun?

The Sun's diameter is 1/110 the distance between Earth and the Sun. Diameter/Distance ratio is same as Sun Diameter/Sun-Earth Distance ratio, 1/110

What is probably being misunderstood by a person who says, "But that's only a scientific theory"?

The person is misusing "theory" as "hypothesis", a supposition not yet verified. In reality, A scientific theory would already be synthesized from a large body of information from well-tested and verified hypotheses about certain aspects of the natural world.

What are the circular spots of light seen on the ground beneath a tree on a sunny day?

These are pinhole images of the Sun.

Which of the following are scientific hypotheses?

Tides are caused by the Moon. Chlorophyll makes grass green. ("Earth rotates about its axis because living things need an alternation of light and darkness." cannot be proved wrong, nor right, thus speculation.)

What is the test for whether a hypothesis is scientific or not?

A hypothesis is scientific if it is possible to prove it wrong. If one cannot be proved wrong, it cannot be proved right, and is then "speculation". Ex.) "The alignment of planets in the sky determines the best time for making decisions."

In daily life, we see many cases of people who are caught misrepresenting things and who soon thereafter are excused and accepted by their contemporaries. How is this different in science?

A scientist who lies in a scientific publication will suffer professional excommunication. There is no second chance in the community of scientists.

Why is physics considered to be the basic science?

Because all other sciences can be shown to be derived from it. Nature of basic things such as motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, atomic structure.

What is the role of equations in this book?

Equations are guides to thinking and show connections between concepts. When expressed in mathematical terms, ideas of science are unambiguous. The equations of science provide compact expressions of relationships between concepts. No multiple confusing meanings!

In daily life, people are often praised for maintaining some particular point of view, for the "courage of their convictions." A change of mind is seen as a sign of weakness. How is this different in science?

When a scientist finds evidence that contradicts a law, then the law must be abandoned. Competent scientists change their mind when confronted with solid evidence forces them to adopt a new point of view. More important than defending beliefs is improving them. Better hypotheses are made bu those who are honest in the face of experimental evidence.

The great philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell had earlier ideas that he rejected in his later years. Do you see this as a sign of weakness or as a sign of strength in Bertrand Russell?

When a scientist finds evidence that contradicts a law, then the law must be abandoned. Competent scientists change their mind when confronted with solid evidence forces them to adopt a new point of view. More important than defending beliefs is improving them. Better hypotheses are made by those who are honest in the face of experimental evidence. Not knowing answers opens the mind to a lifetime of exploring. (vs a closed mind with comforting answers)

Throughout the ages, what has been the general reaction to new ideas about established "truths"?

new ideas are opposed.