Physical Science Chapter 1 Study Guide The Nature of Science
*Study the following concepts to better prepare for the upcoming test on chapter 1. You may access the Powerpoint notes from Mr. Dixon's website at You should also review and chapter worksheets, activities, and homework assignments you have received before the test. This study guide does not have to be turned in.
1. A measurement standard is an exact quantity that people agree to use for comparison.
2. The SI unit used to measure temperature is Kelvin. The SI unit used to measure mass is the kilogram. The SI unit used to measure time is the second. The SI unit used to measure length is the meter.
3. The variable plotted on the vertical axis of a graph is called the dependent variable. You would find the independent variable on the horizontal axis.
4. Change 4, 656 cm to meters. Show your work. You may use your "help sheet".
5. Look up the graph on page on page 23 of your text on classroom temperature. What does temperature on the graph represent? *Remember to think about the X and Y axis.
6. The circle graph is best used when trying to show how some fixed quantity is broken down into parts.
7. The SI system of measurement is based on multiples of ten.
8. The cubic centimeter is the derived unit of volume.
9. The prefix centi- means 0.01.
10. The kilogram is the SI unit of mass.
11. The vertical axis on a graph is also called the Y axis.
12. The prefix Kilo- means 1000.
13. The SI system is a worldwide system of measurement.
14. The prefix milli- means 0.001.
15. Mass is the amount of material in an object.
16. Convert 0.78 L of a liquid to milliliters. Show your work. You may use your "help" sheet.
17. The formula for computing volume is length X width X height or lwh. A sink measures 89 cm long, 52 cm wide, and 34 cm deep. How many cubic centimeters of water can it hold? Show all your work.
18. Applied science is called technology.
19. Gathering information from the environment through the senses is called observation.
20. A scientific law is a rule or principle that describes what happens in nature.
21. A theory is an explanation of an event that is based on repeated observations and experiments.
22. A model is an idea, event, or object that helps people understand a concept in science.
23. A control is a standard for comparison that helps to ensure that the experimental result is caused by the condition being tested.
24. Technology is the application of knowledge to help people.
25. Use your book and other sources to practice reading line, circle, and bar graphs. There will be one of each on the test that you will be required to interpret. You can find graphs of each type on pages 23, 25, and 26 in the text.