Chapter 1 About Science

Technology

Uses scientific knowledge and applies it, also provides instruments to scientists.

Science

is concentrated in gathering information "why"

Scientific Methods Common Steps

1. Recognize a question, a puzzle, or an unexplained fact. 2. Make a hypothesis (educated guess) to resolve the puzzle. 3. Predict consequences of the hypothesis. 4. Perform experiments or make calculations to test the predictions. 5. Formulate the simplest general rule that organizes the three main steps(Probably an equation involve).

Fact

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

Theory

A compilation of accepted laws and principles

Law or Principle

A hypothesis that has been tested repeatedly and has not been contradicted. It helps explains a natural phenomena and is usually accompanied by an equation to help predict the actions/reactions of such phenomena.

Which of these is a scientific hypothesis? a. The Moon is made of green cheese. b. Atomic nuclei are the smallest particles in nature. c. A magnet will pick up a copper penny. d. Cosmic rays cannot penetrate the thickness of your conceptual Physics textbook.

All are scientific hypotheses, because all have tests for proving wrongness, so they pass the test of being a scientific hypothesis.

Hypothesis

An educated guess about how something that is observed occurs.

Facts and Theories

Both can change over time with further information, as we learn new information, we refine our ideas; likewise in science.

Which of these is NOT a scientific hypothesis? a. Protons carry an electric charge. b. Undetectable particles are some of nature's secrets. c. Charged particles bend when in a magnetic field. d. All of the above are scientific hypotheses.

Choice b, "undetectable particles are some of nature's secrets", has no test for wrongness, so it is NOT a scientific hypothesis.

Scientific Methods

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

What makes a hypothesis scientific?

When it is an educated guess that is only presumed to be factual until supported by experiment.