Set 2: Scientific Method + Albedo

What is the scientific method?

A process of making observations, asking questions, researching, forming hypotheses, testing, analyzing results, drawing conclusions, and communicating results.

What is a hypothesis?

A testable proposed explanation or prediction.

What is a controlled experiment?

An experiment comparing groups that differ only in the variable being tested.

What is a variable?

A factor that can change in an experiment.

What is the independent variable?

The variable deliberately changed or manipulated by the researcher.

What is another name for the independent variable?

Manipulated variable.

What is the dependent variable?

The variable measured in response to the independent variable.

What is another name for the dependent variable?

Responding variable.

What is a control group?

The group that does not receive the factor being tested and provides a baseline for comparison.

What is an experimental group?

The group that receives the factor being tested.

Why is a control group important?

It provides a baseline for determining whether the independent variable caused a difference.

Where does the independent variable go on a graph?

The x-axis.

Where does the dependent variable go on a graph?

The y-axis.

What does MIX mean?

Manipulated, Independent, X-axis.

What does DRY mean?

Dependent, Responding, Y-axis.

What should a scientific graph include?

A descriptive title, labeled axes, units, and a legend or key when necessary.

What is albedo?

The amount of light or radiation reflected by a surface.

What does high albedo mean?

A surface reflects a large amount of incoming radiation.

What does low albedo mean?

A surface reflects a small amount of incoming radiation.

How does high albedo affect absorption?

More radiation is reflected, so less is absorbed.

How does low albedo affect absorption?

Less radiation is reflected, so more is absorbed.

How does surface composition affect albedo?

Different surfaces reflect and absorb different amounts of incoming radiation.

Which generally has higher albedo, a light or dark surface?

A light surface.

Which generally absorbs more radiation, a light or dark surface?

A dark surface.

How does albedo affect surface temperature?

Surfaces that absorb more radiation generally heat more than surfaces that reflect more radiation.