Chapter 7

Question 1

caloric theory

Answer 1

the now discarded theory that heat is a weightless gas inside hot objects that flows into cooler objects when released, as in a fire.

Question 2

Cycle of Scientific Enterprise

Answer 2

the process of forming a theory to account for a body of facts, then forming a testable hypothesis from the theory, then testing the hypothesis experimentally and analyzing the results. if a hypothesis is confirmed the theory is strengthened, other wise the theory is weakened.

Question 3

experiment

Answer 3

a scientific test of a hypothesis.

Question 4

hypothesis

Answer 4

a testable, informed prediction based on a theory, of what will happen in certain circumstances.

Question 5

mental model

Answer 5

a theory.

Question 6

science

Answer 6

the process of using experiment, observation and reasoning to develop mental modes (theories) of the natural world.

Question 7

scientific fact

Answer 7

a scientific statement supported by a great deal of evidence, which is correct as far as we know.

Question 8

theory

Answer 8

a model, representation, or explanation that seeks to account for the related facts to provide means for producing a new hypothesis.

Question 9

truth

Answer 9

the way things really are; revealed to us by God through his word and through nature, or known to us by the direct and immediate testimony of our senses, or discovered by valid logic based on true premises; not a part of the language of scientific claims.