physics questions

Describe the difference between a question, generated through observation, and a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a tentative assumption based on what is already known.

Compare and contrast a hypothesis and a scientific theory.

A hypothesis is an educated guess about natural phenomenon, while a scientific theory is an explanation of natural world with experimental support.

How does a scientific law compare to a local law, such as that governing parking at your school, in terms of whether or not laws can be changed, and how universal a law is?

A local law applies only in a specific area, but a scientific law is applicable throughout the universe. Both the local law and the scientific law can change.

In what sense does Einstein's theory of relativity illustrate that physics describes fundamental aspects of our universe?

It describes how speed affects different observers' measurements of time and space.

The free-electron model of metals explains some of the important behaviors of metals by assuming the metal's electrons move freely through the metal without repelling one another. In what sense is the free-electron theory based on a model?

It involves analyzing an imaginary system simpler than the real wire it resembles.

Describe what two topics physicists are trying to unify with relativistic quantum mechanics. How will this unification create a greater understanding of our universe?

Relativistic quantum mechanics unifies quantum mechanics with Einstein's theory of relativity. The unified theory creates a greater understanding of our universe because it can explain objects of all sizes and masses.

Modern physics could best be described as the combination of which theories?

quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of relativity

What would play the most important role in leading to an experiment in the scientific world becoming a scientific law?

Further testing would need to show it is a universally followed rule.

When a large body of experimental evidence supports a hypothesis, what may the hypothesis eventually be considered?

law

Describe how modeling is useful in studying the structure of the atom.

Modeling replaces the real system by something similar but easier to examine.

Which statement best compares and contrasts the aims and topics of natural philosophy had versus physics?

Natural philosophy included all aspects of nature including physics.

Describe the aims of physics.

Physics aims to explain the fundamental aspects of our universe and how these aspects interact with one another.

How could knowledge of physics help you find a faster way to drive from your house to your school?

Physics can explain distances, speed limits on a particular street and help us categorize faster routes.

Which of the following best describes why knowledge of physics is necessary to understand all other sciences?

Physics explains the fundamental aspects of the universe.

How could physics be useful in weather prediction?

Physics helps in predicting dynamics and movement of weather phenomena.

What would be some ways in which physics was involved in building the features of the room you are in right now?

Physics is involved in structural strength, dimensions, etc., of the room.

Which of the following statements is correct about the hypothesis?

The hypothesis must be validated by scientific experiments.