Basic Vocabulary

Question 1

Scientific method

Answer 1

A process or way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

A reasonable explanation for observations

Question 3

Independent variable

Answer 3

Variables that are changed intentionally in order to see the affect they have on the dependent

Question 4

Dependent variable

Answer 4

A variable measured quantitatively and is affected by the dependent variable

Question 5

Controlled experiment

Answer 5

An experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group with an experimental group

Question 6

Constant

Answer 6

Is a controlled variable that is not changed during the experiment

Question 7

Quantitative observation

Answer 7

Uses numbers to describe an observation

Question 8

Qualitative observation

Answer 8

Uses words to describe an observation

Question 9

Observation

Answer 9

Uses your senses or a scientific instrument to gain knowledge

Question 10

Inference

Answer 10

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Question 11

Accuracy

Answer 11

Describes how close you are to the correct value

Question 12

Precision

Answer 12

Describes how similar or close measurements are to each other

Question 13

Model

Answer 13

A representation, generally in miniature, used to explain or show the construction or appearance of something.

Question 14

Frame of reference

Answer 14

A system of coordinates for specifying the precise location of objects in space and time

Question 15

Speed

Answer 15

Distance traveled divided by time

Question 16

Velocity

Answer 16

Distance traveled divided by time and must include the direction the object is moving

Question 17

Instantaneous velocity

Answer 17

An object’s velocity at that very moment

Question 18

Terminal velocity

Answer 18

The maximum velocity a falling object reaches when the force of air resistance on the object equals the force of gravity on the object

Question 19

Acceleration

Answer 19

How quickly an object changes velocity

Question 20

Free fall

Answer 20

The downward movement of an object only under the force of gravity

Question 21

Dimensional analysis

Answer 21

A problem-solving method that uses the fact that any physical quantity can have its units changed by multiplying it by a ratio that is equal to one

Question 22

Significant figures

Answer 22

The number of digits in a measurement that are known with a certain degree of reliability