CHAPTER 3: THE WORLD OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Section 3.1

Exploring Physical Science

Table of Contents:

1. Section 1 : Exploring Physical Science

2. Section 2 : Scientific Method

3. Section 3 : Scientific Models

4. Section 4 : Tools, Measurement, and Safety

Objectives:

1. Explain that science involves asking questions.

2. Describe the relationship of matter and energy to physical science.

3. Describe the two branches of physical science.

4. Identify three areas of science that use physical science.

That’s Science!

Science is..The process of gathering knowledge about the

natural world.This is done through making observations and

asking questions

Physical science study of matter and energy

Matter is the “stuff” everything is made of.

Energy is the ability to do work.

What is Physical Science?

Learning about matter and energy will help you answer questions such as:1. Why will paper burn but gold will not?

2. Why is it harder to throw a bowling ball than a baseball?

3. How can water turn into steam and back into water?

Branches of Physical Science: Physical science is usually divided into:

Chemistry○ The study of all forms of matter, including how matter

interacts. Physics

○ Looks mostly at energy and how energy affects matter.

Other related sciences: Meteorology

The study of the Earth’s atmosphere, especially weather and climate.

Meteorologists must understand High and Low pressure, motion, and force before they can predict the weather.

Geology The study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth.Geochemists are geologists who apply their

knowledge of heat, force, and chemistry to understand how rocks and soil change over time.

Biology The study of life. Chemistry and physics explain

many things that happen in biology.A chemical reaction explains how animals use sugar

and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water and to release energy.