Introduction to Scientific Explanation, Models, and Atomic Theory

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture material covering scientific explanation components (claim, evidence, reasoning), scientific models, theories, laws, and atomic structure concepts.

Claim

The target statement or conclusion of a scientific explanation that must be supported by evidence.

Evidence

Data, experimental observations, or scientific principles used to support a claim.

Reasoning

The component of a scientific explanation that connects evidence to a claim by describing the underlying cause or molecular mechanism of a phenomenon.

Scientific Model

A drawing, graph, diagram, equation, physical, or mental representation used to test, make predictions, and explain how a phenomenon occurs.

Scientific Theory

A viable and falsifiable explanation of existing evidence, data, and observations that explains how or why something happens and makes testable predictions.

Scientific Law

A formal statement resulting from repeated experiments that describes a phenomenon and tells what happens without explaining why.

Hypothesis

A proposed prediction that can be tested through experiment.

Temperature

A physical quantity that is directly related to the average kinetic energy of particles or molecules in a system.

Atomic Force Microscopy

A sophisticated microscopy technique that produces computer-generated images allowing scientists to observe individual atoms.

Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

An advanced microscopy technique that provides evidence for the existence of atoms by creating computer-generated visual images of them.

Thompson's Model of the Atom

One of the historical atomic models referenced in lecture as a representation of atomic structure.

Schrodinger's Model of the Atom

A quantum mechanical model of the atom highlighted in lecture as one of several representations used depending on the phenomenon being explained.