Section Learning Objectives By the end of this section1 you will be able to do the following2 3 Explain how the methods of science are used to make scientific discoveries 4 Define a scientific model and describe examples of physical and mathematical models used in physics 5 Compare and contrast hypothesis6 theory7 and law

Apuntes

Section Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following: • Explain how the methods of science are used to make scientific discoveries • Define a scientific model and describe examples of physical and mathematical models used in physics • Compare and contrast hypothesis, theory, and law Section Key Terms experiment hypothesis model observation scientific law scientific methods theory universal Scientific Methods Scientists often plan and carry out investigations to answer questions about the universe around us. Such laws are intrinsic to the universe, meaning that humans did not create them and cannot change them. We can only discover and understand them. Their discovery is a very human endeavor, with all the elements of mystery, imagination, struggle, triumph, and disappointment inherent in any creative effort. The cornerstone of discovering natural laws is observation. Science must describe the universe as it is, not as we imagine or wish it to be. We all are curious to some extent. We look around, make generalizations, and try to understand what we see. For example, we look up and wonder whether one type of cloud signals an oncoming storm. As ...