science chapter 1

• two types of scienti c data that we can collect through observations and experiments as
evidence
-qualitative data -> uses our senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell)
-> describes qualities or characteristics using words or drawings
-> does not involve numerical values
-quantitative data -> uses both our senses and instruments to gather information.
-> consist of numerical information that can be measured or counted
• scienti c inquiry steps
-questions/observations -> it is one of the most important tools for scientists
-> questions or observations lead them to do extensive background
research to collect information about the topics
-construction of hypothesis -> a hypothesis is a possible explanation for why something happens.
it can be an educated guess.
-> a common way of writing a hypothesis: if independent variable
(cause), then dependent variable (effect).
-experimentation -> an experiment is a carefully designed procedure used to validate a
hypothesis.
-> it must be done under controlled conditions
- this means that only one variable being tested is intentionally changed. other
variables that can affect the results of an experiment must be kept constant.
>> a variable is a term that refers to anything (a factor, a trait or a condition)
that is changing or can change in an experiment
-result analysis -> experimental results are a collection of data or information about the
experiment
-> a result analysis is a careful examination of the information, using graphs,
charts, tables, or other visual representations, obtained from the experiments.
-conclusion -> it is the outcome of the experiment that will prove the validity of the hypothesis.
-> the conclusion can support or reject the hypothesis
-reporting results-> it is a form of communication to share the results of the experiments with
other scientists
• theories are explanations that apply to a broad range of phenomena after they have been
supported by experimental evidence. they can be charged when new sets of data are available
to support or reject them.
• a scienti c law remains consistent and true through repeated testing.
• an experiment is a carefully designed procedure that is used to test a hypothesis.
it is important to identify all the variables that can affect the can affect the hypothesis when
writing the procedure for the experiment.
-a procedure is a list of steps that scientists follow to complete an experiment.
as variables are factors or conditions that can affect the results of an experiment, a good
procedure must know the cause-and-effect of the variable being manipulated and the variable
being measured in an experiment.
• the three types of variables in all experiments are:
-independent variable -> it is a factor or condition being manipulated deliberately.
-> it is also called a manipulated variable.
-dependent variable -> it is a factor or condition that changes in response to a change in the
independent variable.
-> it is also called a responding variable
-controlled variables -> it is a factor or condition being kept constant as it is not being studied
but can affect the dependent variable as well
-> it is also called a constant variable
• a fair experiment must only have one independent (or changed) variable. if we have more then
one independent variable, it would be hard for us to gure out which is the actual independent
variable that causes what we observe or measure.
• values, ethics or attitude for practising science
-perseverance -> not giving up and persistently striving for a goal even when faced with
dif culties and setbacks.
-curiosity -> being really interested in understanding how things work and asking lots of
questions to learn more.
-open-mindedness -> being willing to consider new ideas, even if they’re different from what we
know, and being open to changing our thinking based on evidence.
-objectivity -> being fair and impartial in our observations and conclusions by not letting personal
feelings or opinions in uence how we see and interpret them.
-creativity -> using our imagination and thinking in new and unique ways to come up with fresh
ideas and solutions for research and experiments.
-responsibility -> talking care of our work, being accountable for our actions, and making sure we
do things accurately and safely to contribute positively to science and society.
-integrity -> always being honest and truthful in our work, reporting results accurately, and
following ethical principals to maintain the trust and credibility of our research.
-ethics -> making good choices and doing what’s right in our research and interactions with
others by following rules and being fair and honest to ensure our work bene ts both
science and society
• the measurement of the length of an object can be measured with a digital caliper.
-the numerical value represents the quantity measured
-the unit represents a standard of measurement

physical quantities SI unit SI unit symbol other commonly used unit(s)

mass kilogram kg g, mg
length metre m km, cm, mm
time second s day, h, min
electric current ampere a mA
temperature kelvin k C, F
volume cubic metre m3 cm , ml
• accuracy and precision
• precision and accuracy are two important things to consider when taking readings or
measurements from an instrument.
-accuracy is how close a reading or measurement is to the true or accepted value.
-precision is how close readings and measurements of the same object are to each other
• a common way to demonstrate the difference between precision and accuracy is with a
dartboard.

scenario pictorial representation degree of precision degree of accuracy

high high
1
creadings close creadings close
to each other to true value

low high
2
creadings not creadings close
do
each true
fate
low
3 high
creadings close creadings not
to eachother close to the
true value

4 Low low
creadingsnot creadings notclose
each to thetruevalue
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• an error is the difference between the actual value of a quantity and the value obtained in
measurement
• there are two common errors when taking readings from measuring instruments-parallax error
and zero error
-parallax error -> an error when the marking on an instrument is viewed from the wrong angle.
-zero error -> an error occurs when an instrument gives a non-zero reading before a
measurement is made or when the measured quantity should be zero.

• parts of bunsen burner

-barrel -> a place where gas and air are mixed.
-collar -> to adjust the amount of air intake
-air hole -> to allow air to enter the burner
-gas inlet -> to allow gas to enter the burner from a source
-needle valve -> to regulate the amount of gas entering the burner
-base -> to support the burner
• the size of the air hole determines the type of ame produced. the. bunsen burner can
produce two different types of ames
-luminous ame -> also known as the safety ame or luminous yellow ame
-> yellow or orange colour
-> the air hole is fully closed, so gas cannot burn completely due to insuf cient
air. thus, soot is produced.
-> ame appearing ickering, unsteady and quite
-> not used for heating but to show that the bunsen burner is turned on

-non-luminous ame -> the hottest ame

-> also called the roaring blue ame
-> the air hole is fully opened to allow gas to burn completely
-> ame appearing steady
-> ame that makes a noise
-> used for strong heating
• a strike back ame occurs when there is too much air entering the air hole as the air hole is
left fully open during ignition.
-hence, the gas burns near the air hole instead of at nether top of the barrel.
-when a strike-back occurs, the gas supply should be turned off immediately