WGU - Integrated Physical Sciences

WGU - Integrated Physical Sciences (4 reviews) Terms in this set (137) Save PhysicsThe study of forces and energy.ChemistryThe study of atoms and molecules, their structures, and their interactions to form various substances.Earth scienceThis field focuses on Earth's structures and composition, as well as the processes that change Earth, such as volcanic and seismic activity. Modern Earth science also includes the studies of other planets.Independent variableIn general, this is the variable that is changed by the experimenter.Dependent variableThe dependent variable is the one that changes because of the independent variable.Physical modelA physical model is a smaller or larger physical copy of an object. You can interact with this model.Conceptual modelThese can be used to visualize things that cannot be seen, such as atoms.

Mathematical modelThese models treat physical objects or phenomena using mathematical methods. In these models, pertinent physical characteristics are represented using formulas, graphs, or other mathematical means.Computer modelComputer models are becoming increasingly important in explaining and predicting natural phenomena, such as weather patterns and the detailed movements of objects in the solar system.Principle of falsificationThis principle states that only falsifiable statements can be subject to scientific inquiry. A statement such as "a rock falls because invisible demons pull it down" is not falsifiable, because no conceivable experiment or observation could prove that invisible demons are not pulling it.HypothesisA hypothesis is a testable statement about how something in nature works.LawIn science, a law is a concise statement that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments and describes a widespread pattern in nature. Laws are intended to be universal. A scientific law describes a pattern that is observed in nature.TheoryA theory is a statement that explains a wide range of observations and that is supported by a large body of scientific evidence. It explains how and why things happen. A scientific theory is a well developed explanation that has been thoroughly tested.

Laws compared to theories A law and a theory are both statements that are already well supported by all available data. A law describes something specific that happens in nature, while a theory explains why or how it and a lot else happens.Some base physical quantities, units, and symbols The meter is the base unit of length, and is represented by the letter m.The kilogram is the base unit of mass, and is represented by the letter kg.The second is the base unit of time, and is represented by the letter s.The kelvin is the base unit of temperature, and is represented by the letter K.Metric prefixesPrefixes: Symbols: Multipliers: mega M 1,000,000 kilo k 1,000 deci d 0.1 centi c 0.01 milli m 0.001 micro μ 0.000001 nano n 0.000000001 Derived quantitiesQuantity: Unit: Symbol: speed meter per second m/s area square meter m^2 volume cubic meter m^3 density kilograms per cubic meter kg/m^3 SpeedSpeed is defined as the distance traveled per time interval.

VolumeVolume is the amount of space an object occupies.DensityDensity depends on the material itself, not on the object's size or mass. As you have probably experienced, some materials are much more dense than others. A fist-sized rock, for example, has much more mass than a handful of cotton balls.This is because the rock is more dense than the cotton.Equation for densityDensity is equal to mass divided by volume.Direct relationshipA direct relationship between two variables exists when an increase of one variable results in an increase of the other, or a decrease of one results in the decrease of the other. For example, assuming you maintain a constant speed, the distance your car travels is directly related to the time of travel.Inverse relationshipAn inverse relationship between two variables is when one increases and the other decreases, or when one decreases and the other increases. For example, the time needed to travel to your destination is inversely related to the speed of your

car: the greater the speed, the less time you need.

VelocityAn object's velocity is its speed and direction.ForceIn physics, a force is a push or a pull.Balanced forcesThese are forces that combine to product a net force of zero. Balanced forces cannot cause an object to accelerate.