Chapter 1

CPO ScienceFoundations of Physics

Introduction

1.1 The Science of Physics

1.2 The Development of Scientific Knowledge

1.3 Physics is Useful

Chapter 1: The Science of Physics

Chapter 1 Objectives1. Describe the process of inquiry and the

relationship between inquiry and learning science.

2. Describe the difference between matter and energy.

3. Explain the relationship between a theory, a hypothesis and an experiment.

4. Describe how scientific evidence is used to judge truth.

5. Describe at least three examples of how physics knowledge is used in a career or occupation outside of physics.

Chapter 1 Vocabulary Terms

natural law

process

analysis

inquiry

hypothesis

experiment

theory

energy

matter

scientific evidence

objectivity

repeatability

*Read Chapter One as an introduction.

There is no accompanying investigation.

1.1 The Science of Physics

Three fundamental aspects of Physics:1. Describing the organization of the

universe. matter and energy

2. Understanding the natural laws that govern the universe. belief that all events follow a set of laws that

do not change3. Deducing and applying natural laws.

science as a process

1.1 The Science of Physics

Matter and Energy

*The universe consists of only matter and energy

1.1 The Science of Physics

Inquiry and Observation

*We will explore Physics using inquiry through observation.

1.1 Inquiry

Three valuable things are learned by discovering the natural laws through inquiry:

1. It includes very practical knowledge.2. Once you know how something generally

works, you can often figure out how to make it work for you.

3. You will learn to solve real-life problems.

Using Problem Solving Techniques

Step 1— Determine what the problem asks

you to find out. Step 2

— Identify the information you are given.

Step 3— Identify laws or relationships.

Step 4— Apply the given information and

the relationships.

Foundations of Physics Units

1.2 Development of Scientific KnowledgeModels, Evidence, Analysis and

Theories

1.2 Development of Scientific KnowledgeImportance of Experiments

We use experiments to test and evaluate theories.

1.2 Development of Scientific KnowledgeScientific Evidence

Measurements and data Graphs and chartsImages and sketches

1.2 Development of Scientific KnowledgeScientific Knowledge and the Solar System

Early civilizations believed the Earth was covered by a dome on which the sun, stars and planets moved.

In the Middle Ages, people thought the sun, stars and planets circled the Earth.

Today we know the earth and planets orbit the sun.

1.3 Physics is Useful

Engineering

Medicine and health professions

1.3 Physics is UsefulBusiness and finance

Art, music, and food

1.3 Physics is Useful

The relationship between physics and other fields of science