Physical Science - Chapter 1

1. Define physics.

1. Define physics.

the study of matter and energy and the interactions between them. (p. 5)

2. Define physical science.

the branch of natural science that investigates nonliving matter and energy.

3. Describe a way that scientists imitate the order in nature.

Scientists imitate the order in nature when they categorize things and when they design objects.

4. What principle is the basis for expecting events to happen tomorrow the same as they happened today?

the principle of uniformity (p. 6)

5. How do universal principles of cause and effect and uniformity support the Christian worldview?

The principle of cause and effect states that every effect has an identifiable cause and every cause has a predictable effect. The existence of the world requires a cause that is not a part of an aspect of the order that was the world. God was that cause. The principle of uniformity is created into the world. It is reasonable that a God of order would create a world that is predictable. (p. 6–7)

6. List evidences of order in nature.

any elements of design, cyclical processes, or patterns. (p. 6)

7. What is the source of order in the universe?

God created order when He created the universe. (p. 7)

8. Give two reasons for us to do science.

We do science to glorify God, to exercise dominion, and to help others. (Accept any two.) (p. 7)

9. What is the Creation Mandate?

The Creation Mandate is the command given in Genesis 1:26–28 to fill and subdue the earth.

3 questions that lead you through ethical decision-making from a Christian perspective.

What does God’s Word say? What results are right? How can I grow through this decision?

11. Summarize the three aspects of biblical motivations.

Biblical motivations involve how a particular decision will help us grow in our faith in God, our hope in God’s promises, and our love for God and others. (p. 10)

23. How does physical science relate to other sciences?

Physical science is a branch of natural science and includes chemistry and physics. It overlaps life science in areas such as biochemistry, biophysics, nutrition, and medicine. Physical science overlaps earth and space science in fields such as mineralogy, geophysics, and rocket science.

24. Why is order in nature important?

Order in nature allows us to do science. It allows us to recognize patterns and make predictions. Order was created by God and we imitate Him when we create models of the natural world.

31. Why do we need a process to study science?

The universe is an orderly place; to study it we need an orderly process. Also, one purpose for studying science is to help others, and an orderly method is the most efficient. (pp. 12–13)

25. Why is studying science a worthwhile activity for a Christian?

We can fulfill the Creation Mandate through science and can glorify God by studying His Creation. We imitate the creative work of God when we make models and invent things. We help others when we use what we learn through science. (p. 7)

30. What does it mean to say that a model is workable?

A model is workable to the degree that it explains or describes observations and makes accurate predictions. (p. 12)

29. Compare hypotheses, theories, and laws.

Hypotheses, theories, and laws are all scientific models. Hypotheses and theories explain, while laws describe. Hypotheses are initial, testable explanations used to guide scientific investigations. (pp. 11, 13)

15. What do we call the initial, testable explanation for a phenomenon used by scientists to guide their investigation?

a hypothesis

26. How are science and ethics related?

Science cannot answer ethical questions, but there are many areas in which we have to decide ethical issues in the work of science. (p. 9)

14. What activity is central to scientific inquiry?

observation

13. Name two models used in physical science.

atomic models, the periodic table of the elements, gas laws, wave models, laws of motion, the heliocentric model, and the kinetic-molecular theory. (pp. 11–12)

27. Explain how Christians should make ethical decisions.

Christians make ethical decisions by applying the biblical principles to achieve biblical outcomes, guided by biblical motives. (pp. 9–10)

What is a scientific law?

A scientific law is a model that describes phenomena under certain conditions. (p. 11)

16. Through what process is scientific inquiry assessed?

peer review

Color, texture, and shape are all examples of what type of data?

qualitative data

18. What system of units do scientists use?

SI

19. What is the SI fundamental unit for electric current?

ampere (A)

20. What unit would be best to measure the distance from New York to San Francisco?

kilometer

21. What describes the exactness of a measurement?

precision