Energy and Scientific Investigation

Vocabulary flashcards covering the scientific method, experimental variables, data analysis, and concepts of kinetic and potential energy.

Energy

The ability to do work or cause change.

Testable Question

An experimental question that shows the cause and effect relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Hypothesis

An educated guess as the outcome of an experiment that serves as a direct answer to the testable question and is written in the "if, then" format.

Independent Variable

The single variable in an experiment that the scientist changes.

Dependent Variable

The variable in an experiment that the scientist measures or observes.

Constant Variable

A variable that scientists keep the same across all trials in an experiment.

Data Table

An organized table where scientists enter and record collected data.

Graph

A visual representation of data featuring a title, labeled axes with units, the independent variable on the x-axis, and the dependent variable on the y-axis.

Claim

A one-sentence statement that answers the testable question based on analyzed data.

Joules

The unit of measurement used for energy.

Work

The transfer of energy by a source moving an object, or the process of moving or changing.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion possessed by any moving object, determined by mass and speed.

Forms of Kinetic Energy

Mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy.

Potential Energy

Stored energy, with its amount determined by mass and height.

Forms of Potential Energy

Gravitational, elastic, and chemical energy.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Energy determined by the position of an object, where a higher position yields more energy and a lower position yields less energy.

Law of Conservation of Energy

The scientific principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Energy Transfer

The movement of the same type of energy from one object to another object.

Energy Conversion

The process that occurs when energy changes from one form into another form.