High School Chemistry & Physics Key Terms: Chapter 1 & 2

Applied research

Research undertaken to solve a specific problem.

Chemistry

Study of matter and the changes it undergoes.

Conclusion

Judgment based on the information obtained.

Control

A standard for comparison.

Dependent variable

Its values change in response to a change in the independent variable.

Experiment

Set of controlled observations that test the hypothesis.

Accuracy

How close a measured value is to an accepted value.

Base unit

Defined unit system of measurement based on an object or event in the physical world.

Conversion factor

Ratio of equivalent values used to express the same quantity in different units.

Density

Ratio that compares the mass of an object to its volume.

Derived unit

A unit that is defined by a combination of base units.

Dimensional analysis

Method of problem solving that focuses on the units used to describe matter.

Hypothesis

Tentative explanation for what has been observed.

Independent variable

Variable you plan to change.

Mass

Measurement that reflects the amount of matter.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Model

A visual, verbal, & mathematical explanation of experimental data.

Pure research

Seeks to gain knowledge for the sake of knowledge itself.

Graph

Visual display of data.

Kelvin

SI base unit of temperature.

Kilogram

SI base unit for mass.

Liter

The metric unit for volume equal to one cubic decimeter.

Meter

The SI base unit for length.

Percent error

Ratio of an error to an accepted value.

Qualitative data

Information that describes color, odor, shape, or some other physical characteristics.

Quantitative data

Numerical information that tells you how much, how little, how big, or how fast.

Scientific law

Relationship in nature that is supported by many experiments.

Technology

Practical use of scientific information concerned with making improvements in human life.

Theory

Explanation supported by many experiments.

Weight

Measure of amount of matter & effect of Earth's pull on that matter.

Precision

How close a series of measurements are to one another.

Scientific notation

Expresses numbers as a multiple of two factors.

Second

SI base unit for time.

Significant figure

All known digits plus one estimated digit.

Slope of graph

Rate of change.

Convert between °C and K

C° + 273 = K.