Physical Science - Chapter 1

the study of matter and energy and the interactions between them. (p. 5)

the branch of natural science that investigates nonliving matter and energy.

Scientists imitate the order in nature when they categorize things and when they design objects.

the principle of uniformity (p. 6)

The principle of cause and effect states that every effect has an identifiable cause and every cause has a predictable effect. The existence of the world requires a cause that is not a part of an aspect of the order that was the world. God was that cause. The principle of uniformity is created into the world. It is reasonable that a God of order would create a world that is predictable. (p. 6–7)

any elements of design, cyclical processes, or patterns. (p. 6)

God created order when He created the universe. (p. 7)

We do science to glorify God, to exercise dominion, and to help others. (Accept any two.) (p. 7)

The Creation Mandate is the command given in Genesis 1:26–28 to fill and subdue the earth.

What does God’s Word say? What results are right? How can I grow through this decision?

Biblical motivations involve how a particular decision will help us grow in our faith in God, our hope in God’s promises, and our love for God and others. (p. 10)

Physical science is a branch of natural science and includes chemistry and physics. It overlaps life science in areas such as biochemistry, biophysics, nutrition, and medicine. Physical science overlaps earth and space science in fields such as mineralogy, geophysics, and rocket science.

Order in nature allows us to do science. It allows us to recognize patterns and make predictions. Order was created by God and we imitate Him when we create models of the natural world.

The universe is an orderly place; to study it we need an orderly process. Also, one purpose for studying science is to help others, and an orderly method is the most efficient. (pp. 12–13)

We can fulfill the Creation Mandate through science and can glorify God by studying His Creation. We imitate the creative work of God when we make models and invent things. We help others when we use what we learn through science. (p. 7)

A model is workable to the degree that it explains or describes observations and makes accurate predictions. (p. 12)

Hypotheses, theories, and laws are all scientific models. Hypotheses and theories explain, while laws describe. Hypotheses are initial, testable explanations used to guide scientific investigations. (pp. 11, 13)

a hypothesis

Science cannot answer ethical questions, but there are many areas in which we have to decide ethical issues in the work of science. (p. 9)

observation

atomic models, the periodic table of the elements, gas laws, wave models, laws of motion, the heliocentric model, and the kinetic-molecular theory. (pp. 11–12)

Christians make ethical decisions by applying the biblical principles to achieve biblical outcomes, guided by biblical motives. (pp. 9–10)

A scientific law is a model that describes phenomena under certain conditions. (p. 11)

peer review

qualitative data

SI

ampere (A)

kilometer

precision