1.1 Introduction: Science and Technology Science: the study of the natural world with the goal of describing, explaining and predicting substance changes.
The purpose of scientific investigations is to create, test, and or use scientific concepts.

Technology: the skills, processes and equipment required to manufacture useful products or to perform useful tasks.

Chemistry: the physical science that deals with composition, properties, and changes in matter.
Chemical change or chemical reaction is a change in which one or more new substances with different properties are formed.
Physical changes, such as water freezing to from ice crystals and boiling to form water vapour, during which NO new substances are formed. ( Physical changes sometimes called phase changes or changes of state)

Observation: a direct form of knowledge obtained by means of one of the five senses - seeing, smelling, tasting, hearing, or feeling. Observation might be obtained with the aid of an instrument such as a balance or a microscope or stop watch.
Qualitative Observation: describes qualities of matter or change in matter; a substances's colour, odour, or physical state
Quantitative Observation: involves the quantity of matter or the degree of change in matter, ALWAYS INCLUDES A NUMBER ; measurement of the length or mass of magnesium ribbon

Interpretation: included in the Analysis section of an investigation report. An Indirect form of knowledge that builds on concept or an experience to further describe or explain an observation. Interpretation can be either empirical or theoretical

Empirical Knowledge: Observations are always empirical; ex. observation of the colour and size of the flame when magnesium burns

Theoretical Knowledge: explains and describes scientific observations in terms of ideas; theoretical knowledge is NOT OBSERVABLE; ex. the idea that "magnesium atoms lose electrons to form magnesium ions, while oxygen atoms gain electrons to form oxide ions

Communicating Empirical Knowledge

- The manipulated variable (independent variable) is on the x-axis while the responding variable (dependent) is on the y-axis

- Empirical Hypothesis: preliminary generalizations that require further testing

- Empirical Definitions: statements that define an object or a process in terms of observable properties; ex. a metal is shiny, flexible solid

- Generalizations: statements that summarize a limited number of empirical results. Usually broader in scope than empirical definitions and often deals with a minor or sub-concept; ex. many metals slowly react with oxygen from the air in a process known as corrosion.

- Scientific Laws: statements of major concepts based on a large body of empirical knowledge. Laws are more important and summarize more empirical knowledge than generalizations; ex. the burning of magnesium, when studied in greater detail, illustrates the law of conservation of mass
Laws must accurately describe and explain current observations and predict future events in a simple manner.

	Created by Anna Romero about 9 years ago

Chem Note on Chemistry 20; Unit 1, created by Anna Romero on 20/09/2015.