The kinetic theory of gases, on the other hand, is a model in which a gas is viewed as being composed of atomsĪnd molecules. Theory of gravity, for example, does not require a model or mental image, because we can observe the objects directly with our own senses. Some theories include models to help visualize phenomena, whereas others do not. A theory is an explanation for patterns in nature that is supported by scientific evidence and verified multiple times by various groups of researchers. For example, models can help physicists analyze a scenario and perform a calculation, or they can be used to represent a situation in the form of a computer ![]() Physicists use models for a variety of purposes. Of light from hot gases (atomic spectra). We cannot observe electron orbits directly, but the mental image helps explain the observations we can make, such as the emission Which electrons are pictured as orbiting the nucleus, analogous to the way planets orbit the Sun. ![]() An example is the planetary model of the atom in While a model is justified with experimental proof, it is only accurate under limited situations. On the data we have collected and analyzed to generalize and communicate the results of these experiments.Ī model is a representation of something that is often too difficult (or impossible) to display directly. We then formulate models, theories, and laws based We attempt greater precision, perform controlled experiments (if we can), and write down ideas about how the data may be organized and unified. Organized and formal in collecting and analyzing data. As we become serious about exploring nature, we become more 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. One of her daughters also won a Nobel Prize. ![]() She is the only person to win Nobel prizes in both physics and chemistry. He took this post seriously, inventing reeding (or creating ridges) on the edge of coins to prevent unscrupulous people from trimming the silver off of them before using them as currency.įigure 1.9 Marie Curie (1867–1934) sacrificed monetary assets to help finance her early research and damaged her physical well-being with radiation exposure. In his later years, he stepped down from his academic post and became exchequer of the Royal Mint. Of discovering natural laws is observation science must describe the universe as it is, not as we may imagine it to be.įigure 1.8 Isaac Newton (1642–1727) was very reluctant to publish his revolutionary work and had to be convinced to do so. Their discovery is a very human endeavor, with all the elements of mystery, imagination, struggle, triumph, and disappointment inherent in any creative effort. We can only discover and understand them. Such laws are intrinsic to the universe humans did not create them and so cannot change The laws of nature are concise descriptions of the universe around us they are human statements of the underlying laws or rules that all natural processes follow.
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