Chapter 1: Review Questions

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

A person who says, "But that's only a scientific theory" has a misunderstanding about the nature of a scientific hypothesis and the nature of a theory. Hypotheses are tested ideas based on knowledge. A theory is a synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses.

How are science and the arts similar?

Both the arts and science tell us what is possible in nature. They both widen our perspective on nature.

What does it mean to say that if a hypothesis is scientific, then there must be a means of proving it wrong?

In order for a hypothesis to be scientific there must be a way of testing it. This is accomplished by setting up a test that can prove that it is wrong. If there is no way of testing the hypothesis for "wrongness," the hypothesis is not scientific.

Contrast your two arguments

In the first case, the argument that life is more complicated is short-sighted, because in many ways life becomes easier and simpler with increases in technology. These increases allow us to do more, to have more, and to replace many of the mundane tasks we have today.

Why is physics the most basic science?

Physics is about the nature of basic things such as motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, and light, along with the composition of atoms.

Make an argument for continuing advances in technology

Technology can solve many problems. It can extend life and make work easier. Through technology we can solve many problems.

Make an argument for halting the advances of technology.

Technology causes our world to become more complicated with each technological advance.

How do science and religion differ?

The domain of science is natural order. The domain of religion is nature's purpose. Religious beliefs involve faith in and worship of a Supreme Being. Science and religion complement each other.

What is meant by the term scientific method?

The scientific method is a way of gaining, organizing, and applying new knowledge. Much of the progress of science has to do with trial and error, experimentation without guessing, and accidental discoveries. The common attitude of scientists, which comprises inquiry, experimentation, and acceptance of facts, is far more important than the "scientific method." The most useful aspects of this common method is in communicating to others through the form of this method the results and ideas of science.

Scientific theories undergo change, is this a strength or a weakness of science? Explain.

A scientific theory is a synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about certain aspects of the physical world. The refinement of theories is the business and strength of science. With new solid experimental evidence, scientists refine theories to make the view of the universe more ordered and enable better predictions.

Why do citizens have a responsibility to have some basic understanding of nature's rules?

Citizens must have a basic understanding of nature's rules so that they may make informed decisions in the political arena and in their personal lives.

Is a scientific fact something that is absolute and unchanging? Explain.

Scientific facts are not absolute and unchanging; they are based on the close agreement of competent observers who make a series of observations on the same phenomenon.

How do science and technology differ?

Science is a method of answering theoretical questions. Technology is a method of solving practical problems.

Why does science tend to be a "self-correcting" way of knowing about things?

Science is a self-correction of one's knowledge, because science is built around making predictions and testing those predictions.

Why is mathematics important to science? Why is the use of mathematics minimized in this book?

When ideas are placed in mathematical terms they are concise and precise. There are no double meanings. Mathematics is minimized in this course because it is based on the basic ideas and concepts of physics, not obscured by the mathematics. When you study a more mathematics-based physics course, you will have the foundation for a deeper understanding.