Physical Science Fast Facts

Scientific Investigation

1. Constants are the parts of the of the experiment that remian the same.

2. An inference is a proposed explanation for an observation.

3. The manipulative variable is a factor that is intentionally changed in an experiment by the investigator.

• The manipulative variable is also known as the independent variable.
• This is how the experiment is set up.

4. Mass is the amount of matter that makes up an object. It does not change when the location of the object changes.

5. There are two types of observations:

• qualitative - (using your 5 senses) and
• quantitative - (involves measurement and numbers)

6. The responding (dependent) variable is a factor that is affected as a result of changing the manipulative variable.

• This is what is being tested.

7. Volume is the amount of space an object takes up or occupies.

8. ALL scientific measurement is done through the metric system.

• The basic unit of mass is - grams
• The basic unit of volume is - liters
• The basic unit of length is - meter

9. To find the length of an object use a metric ruler.

10. To find the volume of an irregularly shaped object use a graduated cylinder.

11. To find the mass of an object use the triple beam balance.

12. The scientific method is a series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems.

13. Stating the problem is the first step of the scientific method.

• One asks a question that can be answered through scientific investigatio

14. Gathering data is the second step of the scientific method.

• One obeserves and researches to gain information about the problem that is trying to be solved.

15. Forming a hypothesis is the third step of the scientific method.

• A hypothesis is an educated guess, or a proposed answer to your problem.
• One asks a question that can be solved through scientific investigation.
• A hypothesis is worded in an if... then statement.
• If the manipulated (independent) variable is this, then the responding (dependent) variable does this.
• "If I do this thing, then that thing will happen".

16. Conducting an experiment is the fourth step of the scientific method.

• Conducting an experiment is testing the hypothesis.

17. Organizing gathered data and analyzing the data is the fifth step of the scientific method.

• Organizing your data is important in order to analyze your results.
• Your data can be used to make predictions and inferences.
• Use charts, graphs, data tables, and diagrams to organize your data.

18. reporting the results and forming conclusions is the sixt step of the scientific method.

• One must state a conclusion after performing an experiment.
• The conclusion is written in a report form that restates the purpose of the experiment.
• The conclusion describes the results of the experiment
• The conclusion explains whether the hypothesis was or was not supported by the data
• When reporting the results of the experiment, the hypothesis does not need to match the results if the experiment.

19. Classification is a way of organizing by using characteristics.

20. Predictions are things you think will happen in the future based on past observations and experiences.

21. A good experiment should have at least three (3) trials.

22. A control set up is a set up that is as cl;ose to the natural conditions as possible.

23. A control set up is what you compare your experimental set up with.

24. Mental or physical models help explain events or sequences of events that occur.

25. Potential sources of error in the experimental design must be identified.

26. SI (metric) measures, are recognized around the world. They are the standard system of measuremnt used by scientists.

27. Bar graphs, line graphs, and circle graphs are powerful tools for displaying and interpreting data.

28. To communicate the plan of an experiment accurately, the independent variable, dependent variable, and constants must be clearly defined.

29. Controls receive no experimental treatment.

30. The analysis of data from a systematic investigation may provide teh researcher with a basis to reach a reasonable conclusion.

31. Not all systematic investigations are experimental.

32. It is importanat to communicate systematically the design, and the results of an experiment so that questions, procedures, tools, results, and conclusions can be understood.

MATTER

33. All matter has mass, weight, volume, density, and inertia.

34. Matter can be identified by its physical properties such as

• color
• shape
• size
• texture
• odor
• brittleness
• tensile strength
• malleability
• capillarity
• and density.

35. Matter is anything tha has mass and occupies space.

36. Matter is made up of small particles called atoms.

37. Matter can exist as a solid, a liquid, a gas, and a plasma.

38. Equal volumes of different substances usually have different masses.

39. Matter can be described by its chemical properties that include acidity, basicity, combustability, and reactivity.

40. A chemical property indicates whether a substance can undergo change.

41. Atoms of any element are alike but are different from atoms of other elements.

42. The atom is the basic building block of matter and is made of subatomic particles that differ in their location, charge, and relative mass.

43. Atoms and molecules are always in motion.

44. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

45. neutrons have no electrical charge and they are also found in the nucleus of an atom.

46.