CPO Science

Foundations of
Physics

Chapter 1
 Introduction
Chapter 1: The Science of Physics

1.1 The Science of Physics

1.2 The Development of

Scientific Knowledge

1.3 Physics is Useful

 Chapter 1 Objectives
1. Describe the process of inquiry and the
relationship between inquiry and
learning science.
2. Describe the difference between matter
and energy.
3. Explain the relationship between a
theory, a hypothesis and an experiment.
4. Describe how scientific evidence is used
to judge truth.
5. Describe at least three examples of how
physics knowledge is used in a career or
occupation outside of physics.
Chapter 1 Vocabulary Terms
natural law theory
process energy
analysis matter
inquiry scientific evidence
hypothesis objectivity

experiment repeatability
*Read Chapter One as an introduction.
There is no accompanying
 1.1 The Science of Physics
Three fundamental aspects of Physics:
1. Describing the organization of the universe.
matter and energy
2. Understanding the natural laws that govern
the universe.
belief that all events follow a set of laws that
do not change
3. Deducing and applying natural laws.
science as a process
1.1 The Science of Physics
Matter and Energy

*The universe consists of only matter

and energy
1.1 The Science of Physics
Inquiry and Observation

*We will explore Physics using inquiry

through observation.
 1.1 Inquiry
Three valuable things are learned
by discovering the natural laws
through inquiry:
1. It includes very practical knowledge.
2. Once you know how something
generally works, you can often figure
out how to make it work for you.
3. You will learn to solve real-life problems.
Using Problem Solving
Techniques
Step 1
Determine what the problem asks
you to find out.
Step 2
Identify the information you are
given.
Step 3
Identify laws or relationships.
Step 4
Apply the given information and
the relationships.
Foundations of Physics Units
1.2 Development of Scientific
Knowledge
Models, Evidence, Analysis and
Theories
1.2 Development of Scientific
Knowledge
Importance of Experiments
We use experiments to test and evaluate theories .
1.2 Development of Scientific
Knowledge
Scientific Evidence

Images and sketches Measurements and data Graphs and charts

1.2 Development of Scientific
Knowledge
Scientific Knowledge and the Solar System

Early civilizations In the Middle Ages, Today we know the

believed the Earth people thought the earth and planets
was covered by a sun, stars and orbit the sun.
dome on which the planets circled the
sun, stars and Earth.
planets moved.
 1.3 Physics is Useful

Engineering

Medicine and health

professions
 1.3 Physics is Useful
Business and
finance

Art, music, and food

 1.3 Physics is Useful

The relationship
between physics and
other fields of science