Chapter 1 Physics

Outline some steps of the scientific method.

(1) Recognize question or puzzle (2) Make educated guess [hypothesis] (3) Predict consequences of hypothesis (4) Perform experiments to test predictions (5) Formulate simplest general rule that organizes the three

What decides what is correct in science?

Experiments

Fact

Generally a close agreement by competent observers who make a series of observations about the same phenomenon.

Define Law

A general hypothesis or statement about the relationship of natural quantities that has been tested over and over again and has not been contradicted. Also known as a principle.

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

A scientific hypothesis must be testable

Define Fact

A statement about the world that competent observer who have made a series of observations agree on

Scientific Theory

A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about certain aspects of the natural world.

What is the cardinal rule in science?

All hypotheses must be testable. They must be susceptible to being proven wrong.

Scientific Hypothesis

An educated guess that is only presumed to be factual until supported by experiment.

Define Hypothesis

An educated guess; a reasonable explanation of an observation or experimental result that is not full accepted as factual until tested over and over again by experiment.

Define Pseudoscience

Fake science; cant be tested, example: "purple is the best color"

What is the hallmark of Pseudoscience?

It lacks the key ingredients of evidence and having a test for wrongness.

Define Scientific Method

Principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

Clearly distinguish between science and technology.

Science is gathering knowledge and organizing it; technology puts scientific knowledge to practical use and provides the instruments scientists need to conduct their investigations.

Distinguish among a scientific fact, a hypothesis, a law, and a theory

Scientific Fact: Statement about the world that competent observers who have made a series of observations agree on. Hypothesis: Educated guess; reasonable explanation of an observation or experimental result that is not fully accepted as factual until tested over and over again by experiment Law: General hypothesis or statement about the relationship of natural quantities that has been tested over and over again and has not been contradicted; also known as principle Theory: A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well tested and verified hypothesis about certain aspects of the natural world.

What is applied science?

Technology

Define Scientific Attitude

The scientific method inclined toward inquiry, integrity, and humility.

Define Theory

Theory A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about certain aspects of the natural world.

Law or Principle

When a hypothesis has been tested over and over again and has not been contradicted