Physics and Science Sections 1.4 to 1.6

The Scientific Attitude - Terms A fact is agreement by competent observers of observations of a phenomenon. A hypothesis that is tested over and over and never contradicted becomes a law or principle 2

The Scientific Attitude Just like with a hypothesis, if evidence is discovered that contradicts a law or principle, it must be revised or abandoned. Scientists must accept experimental findings even if they are contradictory to the findings they had hoped to find. 3

The Scientific Attitude A theory in science is the compilation of a massive amount of experimental evidence and well tested hypotheses about the natural world. In common vernacular a theory is essentially the same as a hypothesis. 4

The Scientific Attitude Theories are also subject to revision, as new information becomes available. A good example is the atomic theory: ▫Plum Pudding Model (chocolate chip cookie) ▫The Rutherford Model ▫The Bohr Model ▫The Quantum Mechanical Model 5

The Scientific Attitude The ability to refine laws, principles and theories is a strength of science. Although changing your mind is often viewed as a sign of weakness, in science it is a sign of progress. Scientists must be experts at changing their mind, and must feel the freedom to do so. 6

The Scientific Attitude A scientist is always searching for: ▫Order ▫Uniformities ▫Lawful relationships among events Which allow us to understand the world, nature and better control our destinies. 7

The Testable Hypothesis In order for a hypothesis to be of any use to a scientist, it must be testable. It is more important to be able to test to see if a hypothesis is wrong than to test that it is correct. “No number of experiments can prove me right; a single experiment can prove me wrong.” Albert Einstein 8

The Testable Hypothesis Hypothesis: Intelligent life exists on other planets somewhere in the universe. Is this a scientific hypothesis? 9

The Testable Hypothesis Which of these is a scientific hypothesis? ▫Atoms are the smallest particles of matter. ▫The universe is surrounded by a second universe, the existence of which cannot be detected by scientists. ▫Albert Einstein is the greatest physicist of the twentieth century. 10

The Testable Hypothesis Which of these is a scientific hypothesis? ▫Most people stop for red lights. ▫No material can travel faster than the speed of light. 11

Science and Technology Science – a method of answering theoretical questions. A way of discovering facts and relationships between phenomena in nature and organizing and making sense of these relationships Technology – a method of solving practical problems. Technology involves tools, techniques and procedures for putting science to practical use. 12

Science and Technology Scientists are often driven by their own curiosity, or motivated to help people or to serve their nation. Some discoveries cause controversy – The Theory of Evolution. Technologists specifically set out to design or create something for either the use or enjoyment of humans, often making human life better. Sometimes technology has adverse effects. 13

Science and Technology With science and technology comes the ability to effect the balance of nature. Humans have disrupted the balance andmust now work to reestablish it. You as citizens must be knowledgeable about and be prepared to make decisions topics such as: ▫Acid rain ▫Global Warming ▫Toxic Wastes 14