Physical Science Study Guide 2013
Chapter 1
Section 1.1 The Nature of Matter
1. Describe the main branches of natural science and relate
them to each other.
2. Describe the relationship between science and technology.
3. Distinguish among facts, theories, and laws.
4. Explain the roles of models and mathematics in scientific
theories and laws.
Section 1.2 The Way Science Works
1. Understand how to use critical thinking skills to solve problems.
2. Describe the steps of the scientific method.
3. Know some of the tools scientists use to investigate nature.
4. Explain the objectives of a consistent system of units, and
identify the SI units for length, mass, and time.
5. Identify what each common SI prefix represents, and convert
measurements.
Section 1.3 Organizing Data
1. Interpret line graphs, bar graphs, and pie graphs.
2. Identify the significant figures in calculations.
3. Use scientific notation and significant figures in problem
solving.
4. Understand the difference between precision and accuracy.
Chapter 2: Matter
Section 2.1 What is Matter?
1. Explain the relationship between matter, atoms, and elements.
2. Distinguish between elements and compounds.
3. Interpret and write some common chemical formulas.
4. Categorize materials as pure substances or mixtures.
Section 2.2 Matter and Energy
1. Use the kinetic theory to describe the properties and structures
of the different states of matter.
2. Describe the energy transfers involved in changes of state.
3. Describe the laws of conservation of mass and conservation
of energy, and explain how they apply to changes of state.
Section 2.3 Properties of Matter
1. Distinguish between chemical and physical properties of matter.
2. Perform calculations involving density.
3. Distinguish between chemical and physical changes in matter.
4. Apply the laws of conservation of mass and conservation of
energy to chemical and
physical changes.
5. Evaluate materials and their properties for different uses.
Chapter 3 Atoms and the Periodic Table
Section 3.1 Atomic Structure
1. Explain Dalton's atomic theory and describe why it was more
successful than Democritus's theory.
2. State the charge, mass, and location of each part of an atom
according to the modern model of the atom.
3. Compare and contrast Bohr's model with the modern model of
the atom.
Section 3.2 A Guided Tour of the Periodic Table
1. Relate the organization of the periodic table to the arrangement
of electrons within an atom.
2. Explain why some atoms gain or lose electrons to form ions.
3. Determine how many protons, neutrons, and electrons an isotope
has, given its symbol, atomic number, and mass number.
4. Describe how the abundance of isotopes affects an element's
average atomic mass.
Section 3.3 Families of Elements
1. Locate alkali metals, alkaline-earth metals, and transition
metals in the periodic table.
2. Locate semiconductors, halogens, and noble gases in the periodic
table.
3. Relate an element's chemical properties to the electron arrangement
of its atoms.
Chapter 4 The Structure of Matter
Section 4.1
1. Distinguish between compounds and mixtures.
2. Relate the chemical formula of a compound to the relative
numbers of atoms or ions present in the compound.
3. Use models to visualize a compound's chemical structure.
4. Describe how the chemical structure of a compound affects
its properties.
Section 4.2 Ionic and Covalent Bonding
1. Explain why atoms sometimes join to form bonds.
2. Explain why some atoms transfer their valence electrons to
form ionic bonds, while other atoms share valence electrons
to form covalent bonds.
3. Differentiate between ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.
4. Compare the properties of substances with different types
of bonds.
Section 4.3 Compound Names and Formulas
1. Name simple ionic and covalent compounds.
2. Predict the charge of a transition metal cation in an ionic
compound.
3. Write chemical formulas for simple ionic compounds.
4. Distinguish a covalent compound's empirical formula from
its molecular formula.
Section 4.4 Organic and Biochemical Compounds—Integrating
Technology and Society
1. Describe how carbon atoms bond covalently to form organic
compounds.
2. Identify the names and structures of groups of simple organic
compounds and polymers.
3. Identify what the polymers essential for life are made of.
Chapter 5 Chemical Reactions
Section 5.1 The Nature of Chemical Reactions
1. Recognize some signs that a chemical reaction is taking place.
2. Explain chemical changes in terms of the structure and motion
of atoms and molecules.
3. Describe the differences between endothermic and exothermic
reactions.
4. Identify situations involving chemical energy.
Section 5.2 Reaction Types
1. Distinguish among five general types of chemical reactions.
2. Predict the products of some reactions based on the reaction
type.
3. Describe reactions that transfer or share electrons between
molecules, atoms, or ions.
Section 5.3 Balancing Chemical Equations
1. Demonstrate how to balance chemical equations.
2. Interpret chemical equations to determine the relative number
of moles of reactants needed and moles of products formed.
3. Explain how the law of definite proportions allows for predictions
about reaction amounts.
4. Identify mole ratios in a balanced chemical equation.
5. Calculate the relative masses of reactants and products from
a chemical equation.
Section 5.4 Rates of Change
1. Describe the factors affecting reaction rates.
2. Explain the effect a catalyst has on a chemical reaction.
3. Explain chemical equilibrium in terms of equal forward and
reverse reaction rates.
4. Apply Le Châtelier's principle to predict the effect
of changes in concentration, temperature, and pressure in an
equilibrium process.
Chapter 6 Solutions, Acids, and Bases
Section 6.1 Solutions and Other Mixtures
1. Distinguish between homogeneous mixtures and heterogeneous
mixtures.
2. Compare and contrast the properties of solutions, colloids,
and suspensions.
3. Identify ways to separate different kinds of mixtures.
Section 6.2 Dissolving and Solubility
1. Describe how a substance dissolves in terms of its solubility,
molecular motion, and solute solvent interactions.
2. Identify several factors that affect the rate at which a
substance dissolves.
3. Relate the structure of water to its ability to dissolve
many different substances.
4. Distinguish between saturated, unsaturated, and supersaturated
solutions.
Section 6.3 Acids, Bases, and pH
1. Compare and contrast acids and bases.
2. Relate the pH of a solution to the concentration and strength
of a dissolved acid or base.
3. Identify the products of neutralization reactions.
Section 6.4 Acids and Bases in the Home—Integrating
Technology and Society
1. Recognize several acidic and basic substances commonly found
in homes.
2. Explain how soap is made and why it can remove dirt and grease.
3. Describe the acidic or basic characteristics of other household
items.
Chapter 7
Chapter 8 MOTION AND FORCES
8.1.1 Relate speed to distance and time.
8.1.2 Distinguish between speed and velocity.
8.1.3 Recognize that all moving objects have momentum..
8.1.4 Solve problems involving time, distance, velocity, and
momentum.
8.2.1 Calculate the acceleration of an object.
8.2.2 Describe how force affects the motion of an object.
8.2.3 Distinguish between balanced and unbalanced forces.
8.2.4 Explain how friction affects the motion of an object.
8.3.1 State Newton's three laws of motion, and apply them to
physical situations.
8.3.2 Calculate force, mass, and acceleration with Newton's
second law.
8.3.3 Recognize that the free-fall acceleration near Earth's
surface is independent of the
mass of the falling object.
8.3.4 Explain the difference between mass and weight.
8.3.5 Identify paired forces on interacting objects.
Chapter 8 KEY TERMS
Acceleration
Balanced Forces
Free Fall
Friction
Gravity
Inertia
Momentum
Speed
Terminal Velocity
Unbalanced Forces
Velocity
Chapter 9 WORK AND ENERGY
9.1.1 Define work and power.
9.1.2 Calculate the work done on and object and the rate at
which work is done.
9.1.3 Use the concept of mechanical advantage to explain how
machines make doing work
easier.
9.1.4 Calculate the mechanical advantage of various machines.
9.2.1 Name and describe the six types of simple machines.
9.2.2 Discuss the mechanical advantage of different types of
simple machines.
9.2.3 Recognize simple machines within compound machines.
9.3.1 Explain the relationship between work and energy.
9.3.2 Define potential energy and kinetic energy.
9.3.3 Calculate kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy.
9.3.4 Distinguish between mechanical and nonmechanical energy.
9.3.5 Identify nonmechanical forms of energy.
9.4.1 Identify and describe transformations of energy
9.4.2 Explain the law of conservation of energy
9.4.3 Discuss where energy goes when it seems to disappear
9.4.4 Analyze the efficiency of machines
Chapter 9 KEY TERMS
Compound Machines
Efficiency
Energy Transformations
Kinetic Energy
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical Advantage
Potential Energy
Power
Simple Machines
Work
Chapter 10 HEAT AND TEMPERATURE
10.1.1 Define temperature in terms of the average kinetic energy
of atoms or molecules.
10.1.2 Convert temperature reading between the Fahrenheit, Celsius,
and Kelvin scales.
10.1.3 Describe heat as a form of energy transfer.
10.2.1 Investigate and demonstrate how energy is transferred
by conduction , convection, and
radiation
10.2.2 Identify and distinguish between conductors and insulators
10.2.3 Solve problems involving specific heat
10.3.1 Describe the mechanisms of different heating and cooling
systems, and discuss their
advantages and drawbacks.
10.3.2 Compare different heating and cooling systems in terms
of how they decrease the amount
of usable energy.
Chapter 10 KEY TERMS
Absolute Zero
Conduction
Conductor
Convection
Convection
Cooling System
Heat
Heating System
Insulator
Radiation
Refrigerant
Specific Heat
Temperature
Thermometer
Chapter 11 WAVES
11.1.1 Recognize that waves transfer energy.
11.1.2 Distinguish between mechanical waves and electromagnetic
waves.
11.1.3 Explain the relationship between particle vibration and
wave motion.
11.1.4 Distinguish between transverse waves and longitudinal
waves.
11.2.1 Identify the crest, trough, amplitude, and wavelength
of a wave
11.2.2 Define the germs frequency and period
11.2.3 Solve problems involving wave speed, freq and wavelength
11.2.4 Describe Doppler effect
Chapter 11 KEY TERMS
Amplitude
Crest
Doppler Effect
Electromagnetic Wave
Frequency
Longitudinal Wave
Mechanical Wave
Medium
Period
Transverse Wave
Trough
Wave
Wave Speed
Wavelength
Chapter 13 ELECTRICITY
13.1.1 Indicate which pairs of charges will repel and which
will attract
13.1.2 Explain what factors affect the strength of the electric
force
13.1.3 Describe the characteristics of the electric field due
to a charge
13.2.1 Describe how batteries are sources of voltage
13.2.2 Explain how a potential difference produces a current
in a conductor
13.2.3 Define resistance
13.2.1 Calculate the resistance, current or voltage, given the
other two quantities
13.2.5 Distinguish between conductors, superconductors, semiconductors,
and insulators
13.3.1 Use schematic diagrams to represent circuits
13.3.2 Distinguish between series and parallel circuits
13.3.3 Calculate electric power using voltage and current
13.3.4 Explain how fuses and circuit breakers are used to prevent
circuit overload
KEY TERMS Chapter 13
Cell
Conductor
Current Resistance
Electric Charge
Electric Force
Electric Field
Electrical Potential Energy
Insulator
Potential Difference
Electric Circuit
Schematic diagram
Series
Parallel
Electrical Energy
Fuse
Circuit Breaker
Chapter 14 MAGNETISM
14.1.1 Recognize that like magnetic poles repel and unlike poles
attract
14.1.2 Describe the magnet field around a permanent magnet
14.1.3 Explain how compasses work
14.1.4 Describe the orientation of Earth's magnetic field
14.2.1 Describe how magnetism is produced by electric currents
14.2.2 Interpret the magnetic field of a solenoid and of an
electromagnet
14.2.3 Explain the magnetic properties of a material in terms
of magnetic domains
14.2.4 Explain how galvanometers and electric motors work
14.3.1 Describe the conditions required for electromagnetic
induction
14.3.2 Apply the concept of electromagnetic induction to generators
14.3.3 Explain how transformers increase or decrease voltage
across power lines
Chapter 14 KEY TERMS
Alternating Current
Domain
Electric Motor
Electromagnet
Electromagnetic Induction
Galvanometer
Generator
Magnetic Field
Magnetic Pole
Solenoid
Transformer
