Physical Ch1: Introduction

Question 1

inferring

Answer 1

The process of making an inference, an interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge

Question 2

observing

Answer 2

The process of using one or more of your senses to gather information

Question 3

qualitative observation

Answer 3

An observation that deals with characteristics that are not expressed in numbers

Question 4

quantitative observation

Answer 4

An observation that deals with a number or amount

Question 5

science

Answer 5

A way of learning about the natural world through observations and logical reasoning; leads to a body of knowledge

Question 6

chemistry

Answer 6

The study of the properties of matter and how matter changes

Question 7

physics

Answer 7

The study of matter and energy and how they interact

Question 8

predicting

Answer 8

The process of forecasting what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence

Question 9

scientific inquiry

Answer 9

The ongoing process of discovery in science

Question 10

hypothesis

Answer 10

A possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question

Question 11

controlled experiment

Answer 11

An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time

Question 12

manipulated variable

Answer 12

The one factor that a scientist changes during an experiment

Question 13

responding variable

Answer 13

The factor that changes as a result of changes to the manipulated or independent variable in an experiment

Question 14

variable

Answer 14

A group of related parts that work together

Question 15

data

Answer 15

Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations

Question 16

communicating

Answer 16

The process of sharing ideas with others through writing and speaking

Question 17

scientific law

Answer 17

A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions

Question 18

scientific theory

Answer 18

A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results

Question 19

engineer

Answer 19

A person who is trained to use both technological and scientific knowledge to solve practical problems

Question 20

brainstorming

Answer 20

A process in which group members freely suggest any creative solutions that come to mind

Question 21

constraint

Answer 21

Any factor that limits or restricts a design

Question 22

Trade-off

Answer 22

An exchange in which one benefit is given up in order to obtain another

Question 23

prototype

Answer 23

A working model used to test a design

Question 24

troubleshooting

Answer 24

The process of analyzing a design problem and finding a way to fix it

Question 25

system

Answer 25

A group of related parts that work together