Scientific Investigations, Models, and Atomic Theory

Flashcards covering scientific variables, scientific models and their limitations, historical atomic models, and the nature of scientific theories.

In an investigation measuring how far a $1\,\text{kilogram}$ solar-powered toy car travels during a period of time, what is the independent variable?

Time

According to Patrick's science project design, what happens to the volume of sound if a room absorbs many sound waves?

The sound will be quieter.

Which of the following is NOT a use of scientific models?

To directly observe something, such as a newly found tree species.

What are valid uses of scientific models in science?

To study very small objects (such as viruses and cells), study very large objects (such as continents and tectonic plates), and understand past trends and predict future trends (such as climate change).

Gregory built a three-dimensional scale model of the Solar System. What sort of information will his model be unable to explain?

The weather on the planets.

What information can a three-dimensional scale model of the Solar System effectively represent?

The sizes of the planets, the shapes of the planets, and the distance between planets.

Based on the provided diagram of atomic models over time, what has happened to the theory of atomic structure?

It has been updated and modified based on the new data collected.

In the historical progression of atomic theory, what key feature was introduced in Thomson's $1904$ model?

Positive and negative charges

In the historical progression of atomic theory, what structural feature was added in Rutherford's $1911$ model?

The nucleus

In Bohr's $1913$ atomic model, what concept was introduced to describe electron arrangement?

Energy levels

What model of the atom was developed by Schrödinger in $1926$?

The electron cloud model

Which statement best describes the nature of scientific theories?

Scientific theories can change with new evidence.