Physical Science Chapter 1 Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from Physical Science Chapter 1, including atomic models, SI prefixes, variables, scientific laws/theories, sig fig rules, graph relationships, and CER.

Physical Science

The study of matter and energy, how things interact, and how they exchange energy.

Chemistry

The branch of physical science that studies matter and what makes up matter.

Physics

The branch of physical science that studies motion, forces, energy, and related concepts.

Newton's Cradle

A device that demonstrates the conservation of momentum and energy.

Scientific Method

A pattern of thinking followed to investigate phenomena, consisting of 5 steps: ask question/make observation, formulate hypothesis, test hypothesis and collect data, analyze data, and draw conclusion.

Independent Variable

The manipulated variable in an experiment that represents the cause.

Dependent Variable

The measured variable in an experiment that represents the effect.

Model

A simplified representation of an object, system, or idea that helps to explain or predict how something works.

Solid Sphere Model

An atomic model proposed by John Dalton in 1803 stating that atoms are indivisible, atoms of a given element are identical, and compounds are combinations of different types of atoms.

Plum Pudding Model

An atomic model proposed by J.J. Thomson in 1904 depicting the atom as composed of electrons scattered throughout a spherical cloud of positive charge.

Nuclear Model

An atomic model proposed by Ernest Rutherford in 1911 demonstrating that the atom is mostly empty space with positive charge concentrated in the central nucleus.

Planetary Model

An atomic model proposed by Niels Bohr in 1913 stating that electrons move around the nucleus in orbits of fixed sizes and quantised energies.

Quantum Model

An atomic model proposed by Erwin Schrödinger in 1926 stating that electrons move in waves and occupy 'clouds of probability' called orbitals.

Scientific Law

A descriptive statement based primarily on observations that holds for specific conditions and answers 'what happens?'

Scientific Theory

An explanatory statement based on evidence and inferences that answers 'How does it happen?' and can change with new evidence.

SI Units

A regulated, metric system of measurement that maintains a standard.

kilo-

An SI prefix representing a value of $10^3$.

hecto-

An SI prefix representing a value of $10^2$.

deka-

An SI prefix representing a value of $10^1$.

deci-

An SI prefix representing a value of $10^{-1}$.

centi-

An SI prefix representing a value of $10^{-2}$.

milli-

An SI prefix representing a value of $10^{-3}$.

micro-

An SI prefix representing a value of $10^{-6}$.

nano-

An SI prefix representing a value of $10^{-9}$.

Dimensional Analysis

A technique used to convert one unit to another using conversion factors.

Non-zero Digits

Significant figure rule stating that all non-zero numbers always count as significant.

Captive Zeros

Significant figure rule stating that zeros between non-zero digits always count as significant.

Leading Zeros

Significant figure rule stating that zeros before the first non-zero digit never count as significant and serve only as placeholders.

Trailing Zeros

Significant figure rule stating that zeros at the end of a number count as significant only if a decimal point is present.

Linear Relationship

A proportional relationship represented by the equation $y = cx$.

Quadratic Relationship

A proportional relationship represented by the equation $y = cx^2$.

Inverse Relationship

A proportional relationship represented by the equation $y = c \frac{1}{x}$.

Inverse-Square Relationship

A proportional relationship represented by the equation $y = c \frac{1}{x^2}$.

Claim

A statement that answers the question in the CER framework.

Evidence

Observations, scientific data, and research that support the claim in the CER framework.

Reasoning

A scientific principle that shows how the evidence supports the claim in the CER framework.