Physics Unit 0 Test

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Experimental Task framework, the density measurement example, and common sources of error.

Independent Variable

The variable intentionally changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the outcome (e.g., mass in the density measurement).

Dependent Variable

The variable measured in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable (e.g., volume via water displacement).

Controlled Variable

Variables kept constant to ensure a fair test (e.g., same balance, same cylinder, same liquid, constant temperature).

Density

Mass per unit volume; formula Density = Mass / Volume; in this context, the slope of a Mass vs. Volume graph, with units g/mL.

Mass

Amount of matter in an object; typically measured in grams using a balance.

Volume

Amount of space an object occupies; measured in mL (or cm^3) and in this experiment determined by water displacement.

Water Displacement

A method to measure the volume of an irregular solid by observing the change in water level when the object is submerged.

Balance

Instrument used to measure mass with precision.

Graduated Cylinder

A container with marked volume measurements used to read liquid volume and, in this experiment, to aid volume readings.

Raw Data

Sample data collected from trials, including measurements and units, before analysis.

Trials

Individual experimental runs with different masses/objects used to collect data.

Measurements

Recorded values for mass and volume obtained during the experiment.

Units

Standard measurements used (e.g., grams for mass, milliliters for volume).

Graph

A plotted representation of data with axes labeled to show relationships between variables.

Slope

The rate of change of the dependent variable with respect to the independent variable; in this experiment, equals density with units g/mL.

Intercept

The value where the graph crosses the axis; in linear relations, the y-intercept or x-intercept depending on axis orientation, indicating potential offset.

Best-fit Line

The line that most closely represents the trend of the data on a scatter plot.

Linear Relationship

A straight-line relationship between two variables, such as mass vs. volume for a constant-density material.

Systematic Error

A consistent bias in measurements often due to miscalibration or faulty equipment affecting slope or offset.

Random Error

Unpredictable fluctuations in measurements causing scatter around the trend.

Parallax Error

Reading error caused by viewing measurements from an angle rather than straight-on.

Final Calculation

The derived result after analysis, such as Density = slope, used to report the experiment’s outcome.

Independent Variable

The variable intentionally changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the outcome (e.g., mass in the density measurement).

Dependent Variable

The variable measured in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable (e.g., volume via water displacement).

Controlled Variable

Variables kept constant to ensure a fair test (e.g., same balance, same cylinder, same liquid, constant temperature).

Density

Mass per unit volume; formula Density = Mass / Volume; in this context, the slope of a Mass vs. Volume graph, with units g/mL.

Mass

Amount of matter in an object; typically measured in grams using a balance.

Volume

Amount of space an object occupies; measured in mL (or cm^3) and in this experiment determined by water displacement.

Water Displacement

A method to measure the volume of an irregular solid by observing the change in water level when the object is submerged.

Balance

Instrument used to measure mass with precision.

Graduated Cylinder

A container with marked volume measurements used to read liquid volume and, in this experiment, to aid volume readings.

Raw Data

Sample data collected from trials, including measurements and units, before analysis.

Trials

Individual experimental runs with different masses/objects used to collect data.

Measurements

Recorded values for mass and volume obtained during the experiment.

Units

Standard measurements used (e.g., grams for mass, milliliters for volume).

Graph

A plotted representation of data with axes labeled to show relationships between variables.

Slope

The rate of change of the dependent variable with respect to the independent variable; in this experiment, equals density with units g/mL.

Intercept

The value where the graph crosses the axis; in linear relations, the y-intercept or x-intercept depending on axis orientation, indicating potential offset.

Best-fit Line

The line that most closely represents the trend of the data on a scatter plot.

Linear Relationship

A straight-line relationship between two variables, such as mass vs. volume for a constant-density material.

Systematic Error

A consistent bias in measurements often due to miscalibration or faulty equipment affecting slope or offset.

Random Error

Unpredictable fluctuations in measurements causing scatter around the trend.

Parallax Error

Reading error caused by viewing measurements from an angle rather than straight-on.

Final Calculation

The derived result after analysis, such as Density = slope, used to report the experiment
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Experimental Task Framework

A structured approach to scientific investigation, typically involving these stages: Procedure, Theoretical Analysis, Raw Data Collection, Data Analysis, and Summary.

Procedure (Experimental Task Framework)

The detailed, step-by-step instructions for conducting an experiment, ensuring reproducibility and consistency (e.g., measuring mass with a balance, volume via water displacement of an irregular object).

Theoretical Analysis (Experimental Task Framework)

The scientific principles and mathematical relations underpinning an experiment, often including formulas and expected outcomes (e.g., \text{Density} = \text{Mass} / \text{Volume} ; anticipating a linear relationship between mass and volume for a given material).

Raw Data Collection (Experimental Task Framework)

The systematic recording of all initial measurements, observations, and relevant conditions during the experiment, usually in a table with proper units (e.g., object mass, initial/final water volume readings for each trial).

Sample Data Table (Density Experiment)

A structured table for recording raw data in a density experiment, typically including columns for: Trial Number, Object Mass (g), Initial Water Volume (mL), Final Water Volume (mL), and Object Volume (mL).

Data Analysis (Experimental Task Framework)

The process of organizing, processing, and interpreting raw data to identify trends, calculate results, and evaluate relationships (e.g., plotting a Mass vs. Volume graph, calculating the slope to determine density).

Graph Interpretation (Mass vs. Volume)

On a Mass vs. Volume graph, the slope of the best-fit line directly represents the density of the material ( \text{Density} = \text{Slope} ), provided the y-intercept is close to zero, consistent with the principle that zero mass implies zero volume.

Summary (Experimental Task Framework)

The concluding section of an experiment report, which presents the main findings, discusses sources of error (systematic and random), calculates final results, and relates them to the theoretical analysis.

Error Discussion (Experimental Report)

A critical section in an experimental summary that identifies potential sources of uncertainty, classifies them as systematic or random, explains their impact on results, and suggests ways to minimize them for improved accuracy and precision.