Investigative Science Notes

Definition: Understanding the core differences between analogue and digital technology.
Key Differences:
- Analogue Technology: Uses continuous signals to represent information.
- Digital Technology: Uses discrete signals, converted into numbers for processing.

Analogue Technology:
- Examples include telescopes and traditional cameras that capture continuous light signals.
- Limitations include lens resolution and light source variability, which might affect fidelity.
- Useful for capturing subtle changes in phenomena over time.
Digital Technology:
- Tools like CCD cameras and digital microscopes provide high sensitivity and greater accuracy.
- May lack the detail of continuous readings, especially in dynamic situations.

Analogue Signals:
- Continuous representations of physical measurements.
- Examples: Human voices, traditional audio devices.
- Prone to degradation and noise interference.
Digital Signals:
- Discrete samples that record data in binary form.
- Examples: Computers, CDs, and DVDs.
- Generally immune to noise but can suffer from sampling errors.

Accuracy Limitations:
- Human error, instrument issues, and environmental changes affect measurement accuracy.
- Digital technology advantages include taking precise measurements; analogue technology excels in capturing more detailed, continuous changes.

Technology	Advantages	Disadvantages
Digital	1. High precision	1. Can be costly
	2. Integrates seamlessly with digital systems	2. Requires more bandwidth to transmit information
Analogue	1. Generally lower cost	1. More susceptible to noise interference
	2. Can provide a more accurate representation in some instances	2. Limited flexibility and prone to observational errors

Types: Gross, Instrumental, Systematic, Environmental, Random, Observational (e.g., Parallax errors).
Examples & Reduction Techniques:
- Gross: Mistakes in readings; reduced by double-checking.
- Instrumental: Faulty devices; recalibration is necessary.
- Environmental: External factors causing fluctuations; careful environmental assessment recommended.

MSDS are vital for understanding chemical handling, safety, and first-aid measures in scientific environments.
Key Components: Chemical properties, safety information, first-aid instructions, and handling requirements.

Using data to simulate geological events helps predict future occurrences but with limited precision.
Techniques involve seismic data, satellite imaging, and historical analysis to estimate potential geological upheavals.

Key Historical Figures: Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen (X-rays), Max von Laue (diffraction), Bragg family (first X-ray spectrometer).
Resulted in advanced imaging techniques for studying molecular structures.

Key Figures: John Dalton, J.J. Thomson, Ernest Rutherford, Niels Bohr, Quantum mechanical model contributors.
Historical Progression: Evolving from indivisible atoms to complex particles and energy levels.

The LHC confirmed the existence of the Higgs boson, a particle essential for explaining mass in the universe.
Helps in understanding fundamental forces between particles and validates the Standard Model of particle physics.

Defined as the direct manipulation of genes; leads to advancements such as gene therapy and DNA sequencing.
Implications: Personalised medicine, forensic applications, and ethical considerations in bioharvesting resources from Indigenous knowledge.

Indigenous communities possess a wealth of knowledge regarding plant-based treatments.
Importance of ethical bioharvesting practices to respect and compensate local communities involved in medicinal discovery.

Analogue vs Digital: Continuous vs discrete representation of data.
Measurement Errors: Understanding types of errors helps improve accuracy and reliability.
Advancements in Science: Technology like LHC and genetic engineering transform medicine and physics.
Cultural Preservation: Ethical considerations around Indigenous knowledge and bioharvesting to ensure fair compensation and recognition of contributions.