The Nature of Science

Introduction to Chemistry -- Chemistry and Applications-- The study of the composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes 5 Major areas of chemistry Field of chemistry Definition of field of chemistry Organic chemistry Study of essentially all substances containing carbon Inorganic chemistry Study of essentially all substances NOT containing carbon Analytical chemistry Study of the composition of substances (by percent, quantity, etc.) Physical chemistry Study of chemistry from a standpoint of mathematics and physics Biochemistry Study of the chemistry of living organisms

The Methods of Science Science is a process that uses observations and investigation to gain knowledge about events in the natural world. The investigations that scientists use often follow a general pattern known as the scientific method.

The Methods of Science Scientific Method – an organized set of procedures used to solve scientific problems Steps of the Scientific Method Observation Using your senses to obtain direct information about something example: my car will not start

The Methods of Science Scientific Method – an organized set of procedures used to solve scientific problems Steps of the Scientific Method Form a Hypothesis -a hypothesis is a possible explanation for a problem using what you know and what you observe These are often in the form of “if-then” statements example: If my car won’t start, then my battery is dead What are some other reasons your car may not start?

The Methods of Science Scientific Method – an organized set of procedures used to solve scientific problems Steps of the Scientific Method Develop an Experiment A step-wise procedure used to test your hypothesis. Example: Find a friend with jumper cables Have your friend jump your car Or, Replace the battery in your car Try starting the car

The Methods of Science Scientific Method – an organized set of procedures used to solve scientific problems Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Data Analysis - data is put in easy-to-read tables and graphs for analysis example: displaying different car battery charges and its effect on starting the car

The Methods of Science Scientific Method – an organized set of procedures used to solve scientific problems Steps of the Scientific Method 5. Conclusion – A statement and/or explanation about whether the hypothesis is supported or not supported based on the data you collected from your experiment example: the battery was charged and that allowed the car to start

The Methods of Science Theory vs. Law Theory – an explanation of something based on knowledge and results obtained from SEVERAL observations and experiments **it explains WHY** Can NEVER be proven because it is always possible a new experiment may disprove it Example: Atomic theory This theory changed over time as new experiments provided scientists with more information about the atom

The Methods of Science Theory vs. Law Law – a fact of nature that is observed so often that it becomes accepted as truth **it DOES NOT explain why** Is commonly associated with mathematical equations Example 1+1 = 2 The sun rises in the east each morning