Scientific Terminology

What is a Scientific Fact?

• An observation repeatedly confirmed and accepted as true

• A descriptive generalization about the natural world

• A well-substantiated explanation of natural phenomena

• A mathematical equation describing natural behavior

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Remembering

Which of the following is an example of a Scientific Law?

• Law of Conservation of Mass

• Theory of Plate Tectonics

• Newton's Theory of Universal Gravitation

• Einstein's General Theory of Relativity

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Remembering

What distinguishes a Scientific Theory from a Scientific Law?

• A theory explains 'why' phenomena occur, while a law describes 'what' happens

• A law is based on evidence, while a theory is a guess

• A theory is always mathematical, while a law is descriptive

• A law can be modified, but a theory cannot

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Understanding

Fill in the blank: The Law of Conservation of ___ states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

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Remembering

How does the Theory of Plate Tectonics explain earthquakes?

• By describing the movement of Earth's crustal plates

• By stating that matter cannot be created or destroyed

• By explaining the elliptical orbits of planets

• By detailing the forces of gravity and inertia

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Understanding

Which scientific concept explains 'why' planets rotate and revolve?

• Newton's Theory of Universal Gravitation

• Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion

• Law of Conservation of Mass

• Theory of Plate Tectonics

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Applying

Fill in the blank: Kepler's Laws describe the ___ orbits of planets.

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Applying

Earth spinning on its axis is known as....

• revolution
• rotation
• orbit
• spin

Earth orbiting the sun is known as....

• Rotation
• Translation
• Revolution
• Circumference

Which Scientific Law tells us about how the planets in our solar system move?

• Newton's Laws of Motion
• Einstein's Theory of Relativity
• Hubble's Law of Cosmic Expansion
• Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion