Week 1 Flashcards
Describe the scientific process
Key concepts-> Reproducibility, hypothesis, scientific theories, scientific laws, validity, facts, experiments
REPRODUCTABLE DATA- carefully controlled measurements
DATA can be considered valid if someone else gets the same values
HYPOTHESIS - must be testable
MINDSET for solving problems and proving solutions
Science based on interplay between PHILOSOPHY ( theoretical) and TECHNICAL (factual)
Describe the scientific process further
An IDEA must be supported by experiments
Sometimes experiments DISPROVE ideas
SCIENTIFIC LAWS- a collection of proven hypothesis supported y observation - will always happen
SCIENTIFIC THEORIES- a collection of TENTATIVE and changeable ideas eg. Big Bang
VISUALIZATION of data for scientists
E. G Ball and Stick models for atoms
CORRELATION - cause and effect
E.G ragweed causes allergies through release of pollen
What are the RISKS and BENEFITS in science
A BENEFIT provides a positive aspect or well being to people,society or environment
A RISK is a hazard or negative impact - leads to deterioration
Thru science number of technologies have emerged to provide benefits (nuclear reactors, medicines, pesticides)
All technologies have some risk. The DESIRABILITY QUOTIENT, weighs benefits against risks
What are the limitations of science
Scientists can DISAGREE especially about global events
Problem - determining and controlling VARIABLES
A variable is a parameter that can change
A CONSTANT is a parameter that never changes
DISAGREEMENT occurs because some scientists believe some VARIABLES are more important than others
Why are chemists important?
Branch of science that is focused on studying atoms and molecules
Atoms are the basic building blocks of the universe, so chemists detect and identify materials
Chemists CREATE NEW MATERIALS of benefit or discover how existing compounds/materials pose risk
Why is science important to agriculture
Many scientific disciplines contribute to proper functioning of agriculture
Agriculture = matter = chemistry
EG . Weather forecasting, soil erosion prevention, pest control, horse breeding, water quality , land management
What is matter?
DEFINITION : any object that has MASS.
The force of GRAVITY effects mass - more massive objects attract smaller ones
WEIGHT, is related to LOCATION (local changes in gravity), but mass is constant
(Mass)(Gravity)= weight
Matter can be changed from one form to another. Gasoline are converted into plastics or Burt as exhaust
A PROPERTY is a unique or distinguishing feature we give matter
COLOUR IS A PROPERTY OF MATTER
