Physics Chapter 1

Which statement best characterizes the nature of science?

1. The laws and theories of science are based on belief and speculation

2. Science is a living body of knowledge, not a set of unchanging ideas

3. Science has done a poor job of explaining physical phenomena and has failed to improve the quality of human life

4. Science is superior to other aspects of human nature such as religion, art, and music

A scientific law

1. Is seldom based upon experimental evidence since it can never be considered to be absolutely true

2. Usually states a regularity or relationship that describes how nature behaves in a certain specific way

3. Explains why certain phenomena in nature take place

4. Is known to be true beyond a shadow of a doubt

The Ptolemaic system fulfilled the requirements of a scientific theory because

1. Its explanations of celestial motions, based on observations, resulted in testable predictions

2. It was presented openly for public inspection when included in Ptolemy’s Almagest

3. It was believed to represent an accurate view of the universe and solar system by religious leaders and learned scholars of the time

4. It provided a “common sense” explanation concerning the observed motions of heavenly bodies

The principle known as Occam’s razor states that

1. The most complicated scientific explanation for a given phenomenon is likely to be correct

2. A scientific hypothesis that makes common sense is most likely to be correct

3. Scientific inquiry can never lead to a complete understanding of the natural world because it is impossible to precisely measure any physical parameter

4. The simplest scientific explanation for a phenomenon is most likely to be correct

When observable evidence does not agree with a scientific theory

1. The truthfulness of the evidence must be questioned since a theory is never wrong

2. The evidence is ignored and the theory remains valid

3. The theory is reduced in status to a hypothesis

4. The theory must be modified or discarded

T/F

When first proposed, a scientific interpretation is usually called a theory

False

When first proposed, a scientific interpretation is usually called a hypothesis

Radius

An imaginary line joining a planet with the sun is known as its radius vector

Hypothesis

When first proposed, a scientific interpretation is called a hypothesis.

Ptolemaic System

In the Ptolemaic System, the earth is stationary at the center of the universe.

Constellations

Constellations are groups of stars named after objects, animals, people, or mythological beings.

Polaris

Polaris, or the North Star, appears to move very little while the whole night sky appears to revolve around it

Copernican System

The copernican system is supported by observational evidence

Circular

In the copernican system, the orbits of the planets are circular in shape

Kepler’s Laws

Kepler’s laws are regularities that the planets obey as they move around the sun

Planets

The planets are heavenly bodies that shift their positions regularly with respect to the stars

Newton’s law of gravity

Newton’s law of gravity describe(s) the attraction all bodies in the universe have for one another

T/F

The study of physical science includes topics in the world of human events such as politics and economics

False

Physical science investigates the world of nature and covers topics in the fields of physics, chemistry, geology, and astronomy

T/F

Astrology has been used to make consistently accurate predictions about the future

False

There is no evidence that astrology can predict the future

The time it takes a planet to make one complete trip around the sun is called the planet’s

1. Revolution

2. Orbit

3. Rotation

4. Period

The points corresponding to the positions of the tacks are called

1. Epicycles

2. Focuses

3. Planets

4. Orbits

The sun would occupy a position

1. At either point F₁ or F₂

2. At the center of the ellipse

3. At the pencil

4. Somewhere on the circumference of the ellipse

This drawing is a visual representation of

1. Newton’s law of gravity

2. Kepler’s first law of planetary motion

3. Kepler’s second law of planetary motion

4. Kepler’s third law of planetary motion

The modern version of the Copernican system is considered to be correct because

1. Most people believe that the Copernican system is correct, and the majority viewpoint rules

2. Predictions of planetary motions based on the Copernican system proved to be correct

3. There is direct evidence that Earth rotates and the planets revolve around the sun

4. A committee of scientists has certified that the Copernican system is correct