Science Midterm 2024

What are the key characteristics of science?

1. Physical universe 2. Limited domain 3. Tool 4. Scientific method.

What is a hypothesis?

A prediction or an answer to a scientific question.

Why is a hypothesis not an educated guess?

An educated guess means 'I know but I don't know,' which is incorrect.

What are some examples of scientific method questions?

Examples include: 'How does fertilizer affect plant growth?' and 'Why is my toaster not toasting anything?'

Why should you aim to prove yourself wrong in scientific testing?

To avoid bias; genuine tests assess whether the hypothesis is supported or contradicted.

What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

A theory is a strong idea supported by extensive evidence, while a hypothesis is a new, testable idea.

Why is a theory considered a strong idea?

Because it has been repeatedly tested and has never been disproven.

What is the relationship between theories and laws?

Theories cannot become laws; theories can change but laws cannot, as laws are based on observations.

What is the difference between civil and scientific laws?

Civil laws dictate behavior, while scientific laws describe natural phenomena.

How does mathematical proof differ from scientific proof?

Mathematical proof is absolute and unchallengeable; scientific proof relies on evidence and testing.

What are some lessons from observational science?

1. Never assume, always test. 2. Important observations may be missed if assumptions are made.

What does the term 'domain' mean in science?

Domain refers to the limited area of study in science, derived from Latin 'domini' meaning 'lord'.

What is a Mobius strip?

A twisted loop with one side and one edge.

What is an inference?

An assumption based on an observation.

What is an observation?

The use of your five senses to gather information.

What is wrong with the Baloney System?

1. No pattern. 2. No correlation among different types of measurement. 3. Measurements can produce fractions.

Who created the meter?

Eratosthenes in 250 BC.

What is the SI unit for weight?

Newton (N).

What is the relationship between the SI System and the Baloney System?

1 kg of H2O is equivalent to 2.2 lbs or 9.8 N.

What is accuracy in measurements?

Hitting the target; a yes or no condition.

What is precision?

A measure of how consistent results are; can be 'more' or 'less'.

What are counted numbers?

Numbers that are not measured and have no doubtful digits.

What are defined numbers?

Numbers that have no doubtful digits (e.g., 60 minutes in an hour).

What is temperature?

A measure of atomic motion, related to heat.

Who is Aristotle and what is his contribution to science?

An ancient Greek philosopher known for reasoning but not for testing his theories.

What is Newton's First Law of Motion?

An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion continues in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

What is inertia?

The resistance of an object to changes in its motion.

What is acceleration?

Any change in an object's motion, described mathematically as a = ΔV/t.

What is Newton's Second Law?

Acceleration (a) is equal to force (F) divided by mass (m), or a = F/m.

What is friction?

A force that opposes the motion of objects.

What types of friction exist?

1. Sliding friction 2. Static friction 3. Fluid friction.

What happens during free fall?

An object is falling under the influence of gravity with no friction.

What is terminal velocity?

The constant speed an object reaches when the force of gravity is balanced by the force of air resistance.

What is momentum?

The quantity of motion of a moving object, determined by mass and velocity; calculated as p = mv.

What is the Law of Conservation of Momentum?

In any collision, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.