Science Investigation Flashcards

What is the scientific method?

Answer: A systematic process for investigating phenomena through observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis

The scientific method is the structured approach scientists use: observe, question, hypothesize, experiment, analyze data, and draw conclusions.

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

Answer: A hypothesis is a testable prediction; a theory is a well-supported explanation

A hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested, while a theory is a broad explanation supported by extensive evidence from multiple experiments.

What is a controlled variable in an experiment?

Answer: A factor kept constant to ensure a fair test

Controlled variables are kept the same throughout the experiment so that any changes in the dependent variable can be attributed to the independent variable.

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Answer: Mass is the amount of matter; weight is the gravitational force on that matter

Mass is constant regardless of location and measures the amount of matter. Weight varies with gravity and is a measure of gravitational force.

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Answer: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed

The law of conservation of energy states that the total energy in a closed system remains constant — it can change forms but cannot be created or destroyed.

What is the difference between an element and a compound?

Answer: An element is a pure substance; a compound is two or more elements chemically combined

Elements consist of one type of atom (e.g., oxygen), while compounds are substances formed by chemical combination of two or more different elements (e.g., water = H₂O).