Physics: Concepts and Connections, 4th ed Physics: Concepts and Connections, 4th ed., Art Hobson Chapter 1 – The Nature of Science

Which of the following is not one of the four general themes or "story lines" that underlie this course? A) energy B) how we know what we know in science C) the social context of physics D) comparisons and contrasts between Newtonian and contemporary physics E) practical "household" science that you can use around your home, your car, etc. Answer: E Page Ref: Preface of book

Physics could best be described as the study of A) forces B) energy C) matter and atoms in motion D) the general principles underlying natural phenomena E) the laws, or absolute truths, of the natural world Answer: D Page Ref: Section 1.1

A primary reason for you to learn science, according to the textbook's opening section is: A) it might help you earn a living B) science is intrinsically interesting C) the world needs your help in dealing with today's science-related social issues D) so that you can understand how the practical devices around you, such as kitchen appliances, work E) to improve your ability to reason properly Answer: C Page Ref: Section 1.1

Our primary reason for studying the theories of Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Kepler in this course is: A) to learn some history of physics and astronomy B) to learn about the methods and the validity of science C) a foundation for our later study of Newtonian physics D) to see how these early theories of atomic physics compare with more recent studies E) so that we can understand the structure of our solar system Answer: B Page Ref: Section 1.2

How did ancient Greeks such as Aristotle know that Earth is round? A) by noting that ships drop below the horizon as they go out to sea B) travelers reported that, in northern lands, the noontime sun is lower in the sky C) the shadow cast by Earth on the moon during an eclipse is the shape that would be expected if both Earth and the moon were spherical. D) all of the above. E) Actually, the ancient Greeks thought that Earth is flat. Answer: D Page Ref: Section 1.3

Regarding the validity of Ptolemy's and Copernicus' theories: A) Ptolemy was proven wrong and Copernicus was proven right. B) The experimental facts known in Copernicus' time tended to support Copernicus' theory over Ptolemy's. C) They were both good theories, but Copernicus' point of view ultimately turned out to be more useful. D) They were both good theories, but Ptolemy's point of view ultimately turned out to be more useful. E) They were both wrong and useless theories. Answer: C Page Ref: Section 1.6

Of the many different features of the scientific method, one feature is the most important. Without it, we should not call a field a "science." This feature is A) the use of mathematics B) the use of quantitative measurements C) the use of only those theories that are known, for certain, to be true D) the interaction between theory and observation E) that the results should lead to some useful technological application [for example, a useful medical treatment] Answer: D Page Ref: Section 1.6

Is it possible to prove, for certain, that a scientific theory is true? A) Yes, by means of a single confirmed experiment that verifies the theory. B) Yes, by carrying out a sufficient number of experimental observations. C) Yes, by deducing it logically from other scientific theories that are known to be true. D) No, because it is always possible that a future experiment will disagree with the theory. E) No, because of the experimental error, or uncertainty, that is always present in any experimental result. Answer: D Page Ref: Section 1.6

Is it possible to prove, for certain, that a scientific theory is false? A) Yes, by means of a single confirmed experiment that contradicts the theory. B) Yes, by taking a vote among all of the scientists who are experts concerning that theory. C) Yes, by performing a large number of experiments and finding that the outcomes that dispute the theory outnumber the outcomes that support the theory. D) No, because it is always possible that future experiments will agree with the theory. E) No, because science can never be certain of anything. Answer: A Page Ref: Section 1.6