Ch. 1: “Introduction to Science”

Section 1.2: “The Way Science Works”

1. List three examples each of things that are commonly measured by mass, by volume, and by length.

Mass: solid food items, people, & mail

Volume: liquid food items, gasoline, & air flow (exhaust fans & ac units)

Length: rope, distance, & height

2. Explain why the scientific method is said to be very similar to critical thinking.

Both involve thinking about a problem and checking details.

3. Describe a hypothesis and how it is used. Give an example of a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a possible answer to a question that can be tested.Ex: a question, "Does time spent studying affect test scores?" Ex: a conditional statement, “Study time may affect test scores." Ex: an If, then statement, "If time spent studying is related to test scores, then increasing study time will increase test scores.

4. Explain why no experiment should be called a failure.

No experiment should be called a failure because an experiment that has unexpected results provides a chance to learn something new.

5. Relate the discussion of scientists’ tools to how science and technology depend on each other.

Even now, there are scientific theories which have not been verified. In some cases these theories cannot be tested because the tools do not yet exist.

6. Explain the difference between SI base units and derived units. Give an example of each.

An SI base unit is a single unit while a derived unit is a combination of the base units.

Base units include: seconds, meters, kilograms, Kelvin, amperes, moles, & candelas.

Examples of derived units are meters cubed (m3) or the Newton (N), which is a kg•m/s2.

7. Critical Thinking: Why do you think it is wise to limit an experiment to test only one factor at a time?

It is much easier to determine which factor your experiment depends on if you only check one factor at a time. If you change more than one thing and something unexpected happens, you will not know what caused the result.