Chapter 2 Flashcards
Observation
is the use of the senses to obtain information by taking measurement and collecting data.
Qualitative
data that is descriptive
Quantitative
data that is numerical
Hypothesis
when scientists use generalizations about the data to formulate a testable statement
you make predictions
it is written as an “if-then” statement
System
is a specific portion of matter in a given region of space that has been selected for study during an experiment/observation.
EX. when observing a reaction in a test tube, the test tube and its contents is a system
Variable
any condition that changes
any change observed is due to a variable
Constant
the things in the experiment that stays the same for every group.
Control
the experimental support or conditions that remain constant
Independent variable
what you are looking at for changes; constantly changes(x-value)
Dependent variable
the outcome/result of the independent variable. (y-value) depends on the x-value
Theory
a broad generalization that explains a body of facts or phenomena
usually successful in predicting
EX. gravity theory
Model
In science, it is more than a physical object but an explanation of how phenomena occur and how data is related
Can be used verbally, visually, or mathematically
EX. atomic model of matter
Derived units
a measurement calculated by using 2 or more simple measurements
EX. volume, area, density, and speed
Accuracy
how close your measurements are to what you should have got
use percent error to check for accuracy
Precision
how close your measurements are to each other
Percentage error
the percentage in what you were of in an experiment using the actual value and experimental value.
Human Error: reading numbers wrong or using wrong units on accident.
Instrument Error: problem with the equipment itself or causing uncertainty with exactness of measurements.
Scientific notation
a way of expressing really small or really large mathematical values in a workable way
Format: M x 10n
Variable M: CAN’T go over or be equal to 10
Variable n: must be an integer
EX. 1,000 in scientific notation is 1 x 103
Density
how compact or squished a substance is; mass per unit of volume
Formula: mass/volume
Mass
how much something is made of: molecules, protons, etc…
Measure using a balance(grams)
Volume
the space something takes up
Measure using a graduated cylinder(liters), displacement, or LxWxH(mL)
Scientific method
This is a logical approach to solving problems by observing/collecting data, formulating hypotheses, testing hypotheses, and formulating theories that are supported by data.
When you test a hypothesis and it is not supported, you go back to formulating hypotheses and reject or remake a hypothesis.
Experimental design
This involves carrying out a procedure under controlled conditions to make observations and collect data. It allows us to learn more about chemistry, matter, and more.
Types of scientific models
Visual, verbal, or mathematical scientific models.
How to use SI units (base and prefixes)
Use the SI units prefixes when you are taking measurements and when solving problems. Use SI unit bases with dimensional analysis to help convert them from one to another