PHYSICAL SCIENCE A NOTES

BASIC DEFINITIONS

What is physical science?  Physical Science is the study of matter and energy.

  • NOT LIVING THINGS!!
    Some examples of sciences that are considered "physical" sciences are:
    • physics
    • chemistry
    • earth science
    • astronomy
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
  • Examples of matter include: desks, people, the sun, and air
Energy is the ability to do work or cause change; it has no mass and takes up no space.
  • Examples of energy include: heat, light, and electricity
In this class, we will learn a lot about chemicals.  A chemical is anything you can taste, touch, or breathe.
  • Examples of chemicals include: oxygen, water, and paper
Chemical reactions can generate (give off) energy. Energy is NOT a chemical.

What is another word that means chemicals?  MATTER!

TWO KINDS OF SCIENCE

There are two kinds of science, "pure" science and technology.

"Pure" science is the studying of problems for the advancement of scientific knowledge.

    In "pure" science, scientists
     
    • attempt to solve problems just to discover the answer (goal is more knowledge)
    • usually aren't attempting to sell what they discover
    • aren't trying to make people's lives better or easier
    • try to figure out more knowledge just so more is known
    • usually have a strong interest for their subject of study (they just love learning about it!)
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to practical, everyday problems.
In technology, engineers and inventors
  • attempt to solve problems in order to make someone's life better/easier
  • are often trying to solve problems in order to make money off their answers
  • often base their work on the knowledge discovered by the "pure" sciences
Technology is also called "applied" science.