/
Earth and Physical Science Foundations
Save to my account
Sign up
Earth and Physical Science Foundations
Earth and Physical Science Foundations
Study
1
Question
How is Earth science broadly defined in terms of system interactions?
Page 1
Answer
The investigation of interactions among the four principal components of the earth system: Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere, and Geosphere.
2
Question
What is the specific focus of the Atmosphere within the Earth system?
Page 1
Answer
The study and presence of air and weather conditions.
3
Question
How is the component known as the Hydrosphere defined?
Page 1
Answer
The part of the Earth system consisting of water and ice.
4
Question
What does the Biosphere encompass within the Earth system?
Page 1
Answer
All living things, specifically plants and animals.
5
Question
What is the Geosphere as defined in Earth science?
Page 1
Answer
The component of the Earth system representing land and rocks.
6
Question
What is the definition of the 'Exosphere' in the context of Earth's assorted features?
Page 1
Answer
The collection of features from space, including the sun and other celestial objects.
7
Question
How is Science defined as a field of study?
Page 1
Answer
The study of the natural world and how it works, focusing on discovering new knowledge through observation and the scientific method.
8
Question
What is the definition of Technology?
Page 1
Answer
The application of knowledge to solve problems, meet human needs, and create useful tools or systems.
9
Question
How do Science and Technology differ in their fundamental roles?
Page 1
Answer
Science provides the knowledge and understanding of the natural world, while technology uses that knowledge to create practical solutions.
10
Question
According to history, when did the 'Ancient & Pre-modern' era occur and what were its key developments?
Page 1
Answer
Prehistory to the 1500s; characterized by the development of stone tools, pottery, metallurgy (Copper/Bronze/Iron Ages), mathematics, astronomy, and agriculture.
11
Question
What defined the Scientific Revolution of the 16th to 18th centuries?
Page 1
Answer
A shift from empirical trial-and-error to structured, evidence-based science, featuring experimentation, Copernican theory, and Newton’s Laws.
12
Question
What was the primary driver of new inventions during the Industrial Revolution & Modern Era (19th-20th Century)?
Page 2
Answer
Scientific discovery began to directly drive new inventions like machines, electricity, and telecommunications.
13
Question
What are the earliest milestones in human history related to tool-making and fire?
Page 2
Answer
3.5 Million Years Ago: First stone tools. 1-2 Million Years Ago: Discovery of fire.
14
Question
Which milestones occurred in Mesopotamia, Sumeria, and China between 3500 BC and 1000 BC?
Page 2
Answer
c. 3500 BC: Invention of the wheel (Mesopotamia); c. 3000 BC: Development of writing (Sumerian); c. 1000 BC: Compasses used in China.
15
Question
Identify the key industrial and scientific milestones from 1440 to 1879.
Page 2
Answer
1440: Gutenberg invents the printing press; 1500s-1700s: Scientific Revolution; 1712: Newcomen invents the steam engine; 1879: Edison popularizes the light bulb.
16
Question
What were the significant milestones in communication and transportation between 1901 and 1903?
Page 2
Answer
1901: Guglielmo Marconi transmits radio signal across the Atlantic. 1903: Wright brothers achieve the first airplane flight.
17
Question
List the 'Modern & Digital Age' milestones from 1947 to 1983.
Page 2
Answer
1947: Transistor; 1957: Sputnik launch; 1969: ARPANET online; 1971: First microprocessor (4004); 1983: Internet (TCP/IP) officially adopted.
18
Question
How is 'Classifying' defined as a science process?
Page 2
Answer
Grouping objects according to their common characteristics or properties.
19
Question
Define the science process of 'Making Inferences'.
Page 2
Answer
Making good and accurate observations or creating an explanation based on those observations.
20
Question
What are the standard tools and units used for measuring length and mass?
Page 2
Answer
Length: Ruler, meterstick, or tape in units called meters. Mass: Weighing scale, platform balance, or spring balance in grams and kilograms.
21
Question
Identify the five steps in the Scientific Method as listed in the notes.
Page 2
Answer
1. Define/State a Problem; 2. Formulate Hypotheses; 3. Collect Data; 4. Test the Hypotheses; 5. Formulate a Conclusion/Generalization.
22
Question
Which two historical figures are credited with codifying inductive and empirical observation in the 17th century?
Page 2
Answer
Francis Bacon (1620) and Rene Descartes (1637).
23
Question
What are two fundamental characteristics of 'Good Science'?
Page 2
Answer
Scientific explanations are tentative (can change) and should be predictable and testable.
24
Question
In scientific measurement, how are 'Precision' and 'Accuracy' defined and distinguished?
Page 3
Answer
Precision is the degree to which a series of measurements match each other. Accuracy is the degree to which measured values match an accepted or known value.
25
Question
What are the core limitations of science regarding technology and human knowledge?
Page 3
Answer
Scientific explanations are limited by available technology, and science cannot answer all questions, particularly those involving ethics or theology.
26
Question
Identify and define the three main branches of science mentioned in the notes.
Page 3
Answer
1. Formal sciences (abstract structures like logic/math); 2. Natural sciences (natural phenomena/universe); 3. Social sciences (human behavior/cultural aspects).
27
Question
Define the terms Astronomy and Meteorology.
Page 3
Answer
Astronomy is the study of heavenly bodies. Meteorology is the study of weather and climate.
28
Question
Define the biological sciences of Botany, Zoology, and Taxonomy.
Page 3
Answer
Botany is the study of plants. Zoology is the study of animals. Taxonomy is the study of classification of plants and animals.
29
Question
What contributions were made by Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton to science?
Page 4
Answer
Einstein developed the theory of relativity and redefined gravity, space, and time. Newton formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation.
30
Question
Define the term 'Polymath' and provide the alternative description used in the notes.
Page 4
Answer
A person with immense, wide-ranging knowledge or expertise across numerous diverse fields; also described as a 'Renaissance person'.