Physical Science Vocabulary Chapter 1

Front 1

Constant

Back 1

in an experiment, a factor that doesn't change.

Front 2

Control

Back 2

in an experiment, a standard for comparison that is often needed to draw a meanful conclusion

Front 3

dependent variable

Back 3

in an experiment, the factor whose value canges because of a change in the independent variable.

Front 4

experiment

Back 4

an organized procedure for testing a hypothesis, an experiment typically has control and dependent and independent variables.

Front 5

Mass

Back 5

the measure of the amount of matter in an object

Front 6

hypothesis

Back 6

a testable prediction used to see how something works or to solve a problem

Front 7

independent variable

Back 7

in an experiment, the factor adjusted to a different value by the experimenter to see what effect it will have on the dependent variable

Front 8

model

Back 8

a symbolic representation of an idea, system, or structure to make something understandable

Front 9

volume

Back 9

the amount of space an object occupies

Front 10

observation

Back 10

using your senses to gather information.

Front 11

physical science

Back 11

the study of matter and energy; topics for study include chemistry and physics

Front 12

scientific law

Back 12

a rule that describes, but doesn't explain, a pattern in nature and predicts what will happen under specific conditions

Front 13

technology

Back 13

the practicle use of scientific information to improve the quality of human life

Front 14

theory

Back 14

the most logical explanation of why thing work the way they do. A theory is a former hypothesis that has been tested with repeated experiments and observations and found to always work.