Exam 1 Vocab Flashcards
Experiment
A test of a hypothesis, in which variables are controlled or observe
Definition of Variable
Anything in an experiment which may impact the outcome
Definition of Fact
close agreement by competent observers who make a series of observations about the same phenomenon
Definition of Hypothesis
An educated guess that is only presumed to be factual until supported by an experiment
Definition of Theory
A well-supported explanation of many verified hypothesis, which can be used to predict future outcomes
Definition of Law
A statement which is supported by numerous theories and experiments showing how a phenomenon behaves
What is the scope of science?
Can only describe the physical world; religion and science do overlap
Definition of Materialism
everything that exists can be described by material causes (matter and energy) -> gives no basis for human thought
Definition of Positivism
continuous elevation of humanity by secular means -> misses our sin nature
3 key components of measurements
- value/number
- Unit
- Object (thing being measured)
Definition of Accuracy
the closeness of a measurement to the true value
Definition of Precision
the degree of repeatability in a measurement (good or poor)
Definition of Systematic Error
consistently cause incorrect measurement in the same way
Definition of Random Error
error that occurs by chance
Definition of Inertia
the tendency of an object to resist changes to its motion
Aristotle’s 2 wrong conclusions
- objects must be continually acted on with a force
- objects will fall at a rate proportional to their weight
Definition of Mass (and relationship to inertia)
amount of matter in an object;
more mass, more inertia
Definition of Volume
amount of space an object takes up
Definition of Weight (relationship to mass)
the force experienced by an object due to gravity; directly proportional
Definition of Net Force
sum of all the forces
3 types of equilibrium
- Mechanical: all forces equal 0
- Dynamic: in motion (constant speed and direction)
- Static: no motion
Definition of Support Force
The force pushing up against gravity
Definition of Velocity
speed and direction
Definition of Acceleration
change in velocity over time
Newton’s 1st Law of Motion
Inertia: every object continues in rest or motion unless acted on by a nonzero force
Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion
3 parts:
1. object moves how you push it
2. Acceleration is directly proportional to net force
2. Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass
Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion
every action has an equal and opposite reaction
Definition of terminal velocity
when air resistance is equal to gravity; faster for smaller, heavier objects
___ increases as velocity increases
air resistance increases as velocity increases
What is a system?
The set of objects which we are investigating
Definition of Momentum
mass and velocity
Definition of Impulse
force to be applied over time
What are the two types of collisions?
Elastic: no lasting deformation or generating of heat
Inelastic: involves permanent deformation ad/or heat generation
(Total- they stick together)
Definition of Work
product of force and distance over which it is applied
What is power?
work over time
What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?
energy cannot be created nor destroyed; only changes form
What is the work-energy theorem?
Work on an object is equal to change in kinetic energy
