SCIENCE SKILLS

Chapter Two: Science Skills 2.1 Mass and Volume 2.2 Density 2.3 Graphing 2.4 Solving Problems

2.1 Measuring mass Mass describes the amount of matter in an object. The SI unit for mass is the kilogram (kg). The kilogram is too large a unit to be convenient for small masses. One gram (g) is one-thousandth of a kilogram. What is the estimated mass of ONE zinc nut? Bananas = 1000 g Cat = 5000 g Person = 55000 Motorcycle = 200,000

2.1 Matter Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. All matter has mass. Steel, plastic, rubber, and glass are different kinds of matter. A car has a lot more of each kind of matter than a bike. Bananas = 1000 g Cat = 5000 g Person = 55000 Motorcycle = 200,000

2.1 Mass and weight are different We tend to use the terms mass and weight interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Mass is the amount of matter in an object. Weight is a measure of the pulling force of gravity on an object.

2.1 Mass and weight are different A 2.3 kg bag of flour has a mass of 2.3 kilograms no matter where it is in the universe. The weight of the bag of flour is less on the moon. The 5 lb bag of flour on Earth weighs only .8 lbs on the moon!

2.1 Volume Volume is the amount of space an object takes up. The fundamental unit of volume in SI is the cubic meter (m3). More convenient smaller units are cubic centimeters (cc or cm3), liters (L) and milliliters (mL).

2.1 Volume Measuring the volume of liquids is easy. Pour the liquid into a graduated cylinder and read the meniscus at eye level.

2.1 Displacement You can find the volume of an irregular shape using a technique called displacement. Put the irregularly shaped object in water and measuring the amount of water displaced.

2.1 Comparing mass and volume Mass and volume are two different properties of matter. Size does not always indicate an object’s mass! How the matter is packed into space is more important.

2.2 Density Density describes how much mass is in a given volume of a material.

2.2 Density Solids, liquids and gases are matter, so they all have density. The density of water is about one gram per cubic centimeter.

2.2 Density The units used for density depend on whether the substance is solid or liquid. For liquids use units of grams per milliliter (g/mL) For solids use density in units of g/cm3 or kg/m3.

2.2 Density of common materials Density is a property of material independent of quantity or shape.

2.2 Density of common materials Liquids tend to be less dense than solids of the same material. Ex. solder (“sodder)

2.2 Density of common materials Water is an exception to this rule. The density of solid water (ice) is less than the density of liquid water.

2.2 Determining Density To find the density of a material, you need to know the mass and volume of a solid sample of the material. Mass is measured with a balance or scale. Use the displacement method or calculate the volume.

2.2 Density Density changes for different substances because: Atoms have different masses. Atoms may be “packed” tightly or loosely.

Calculating Density Looking for: Given: Relationship: Solution: Solving Problems Calculating Density Looking for: …the density of the candle Given: …mass = 1500 g; volume = 1700 mL Relationship: D = m/V Solution: 1,500 g ÷ 1,700 mL = 0.8823529 g/mL # Sig. fig = .88 g/mL

2.3 Graphing A graph is a visual way to organize data. A scatterplot or XY graph is used to see if two variables are related.

2.3 Graphing A bar graph compares data grouped by a name or category.

2.3 Graphing A pie graph shows the amount each part makes of up of the whole (100%).

2.3 Graphing A “connect-the-dots” line graph is often used to show trends in data over time.

2.3 How to make an XY graph Scatterplots show how a change in one variable influences another variable. The independent variable is the variable you believe might influence another variable. The dependent variable is the variable that you hope will change as a result of the experiment.

2.3 How to make an XY graph Pressure is critical to safe diving. How does an increase in depth affect the pressure? What sort of graph would best show the relationship between pressure and depth?

2.3 How to make an XY graph Choose x and y-axis Make a scale Depth is the independent variable = x axis Pressure is the dependent variable = y axis Make a scale Most graphs use ones, twos, fives or tens OR calculate the value per box Plot your data Create a title * Exception- when time is a variable

2.3 Identifying graph relationships In a direct relationship, when one variable increases, so does the other. The speed and distance variables show a direct relationship.

2.3 Identifying graph relationships When there is no relationship the graph looks like a collection of dots. No pattern appears.

2.3 Identifying graph relationships In an inverse relationship, when one variable increases, the other decreases.

2.3 Reading a graph What is the speed of the car at 50 cm? Find the known value on the x axis Position = 50 cm Draw a line vertically upward from 50 cm until it hits the curve. Draw a line across horizontally to the y- axis from the same place on the curve. Read the speed using the y axis scale. Speed = 76 cm/s

2.4 Solving Problems

Calculate marble’s volume & density Looking for: Givens: Solving Problems Calculate marble’s volume & density Looking for: volume, then density Givens: mass = 6 g , water displaced 30 to 32 mL Relationships: water displaced = marble volume, D = m/V Solution: 32 mL – 30 mL = 2 mL D = 6 g / 2 mL = 3 g/mL

2.4 How to solve design problems Use what you know to design a solution that solves the problem. Unlike “formula problems,” design problems have many correct solutions. The solutions are only limited by your creativity, ingenuity, skill, and patience.

2.4 How to solve design problems What does your design need to accomplish? What constraints do you have? Think of an idea. Follow the design cycle…