Basic Vocabulary Flashcards
Scientific method
A process or way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments
Hypothesis
A reasonable explanation for observations
Independent variable
Variables that are changed intentionally in order to see the affect they have on the dependent
Dependent variable
A variable measured quantitatively and is affected by the dependent variable
Controlled experiment
An experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group with an experimental group
Constant
Is a controlled variable that is not changed during the experiment
Quantitative observation
Uses numbers to describe an observation
Qualitative observation
Uses words to describe an observation
Observation
Uses your senses or a scientific instrument to gain knowledge
Inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
Accuracy
Describes how close you are to the correct value
Precision
Describes how similar or close measurements are to each other
Model
A representation, generally in miniature, used to explain or show the construction or appearance of something.
Frame of reference
A system of coordinates for specifying the precise location of objects in space and time
Speed
Distance traveled divided by time
Velocity
Distance traveled divided by time and must include the direction the object is moving
Instantaneous velocity
An object’s velocity at that very moment
Terminal velocity
The maximum velocity a falling object reaches when the force of air resistance on the object equals the force of gravity on the object
Acceleration
How quickly an object changes velocity
Free fall
The downward movement of an object only under the force of gravity
Dimensional analysis
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
Significant figures
The number of digits in a measurement that are known with a certain degree of reliability
