| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Accuracy | a description of how close a measurement is to the true value of the quantity measured |
| Conversion factor | a ratio derived from the equality between two different units that can be used to convert from one unit to the other. |
| Data | Information obtained from experiments, sometimes called experimental results. |
| Density | the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance |
| Dependent variable | The part of the experiment that is affected by the independent variable. |
| Derived unit | A unit of measurement that is obtained by combining other units |
| Dimensional analysis | A mathematical technique for studying dimensions of physical quantities. |
| Directly proportional | The relationship between two variables whose ratio is a constant value. |
| Experiment | A set of controlled observations that test the hypothesis. |
| Hypothesis | An explanation that is based on prior scientific research or observations and that can be tested. |
| Independent variable | The part of the experiment that is manipulated or changed by the scientists or person performing the experiment. |
| Inversely proportional | The relationship between two variables whose product is constant. |
| Law | Basic fact that describes the behavior of a natural phenomenon. |
| Model | A pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure of workings of an object, system, or concept. |
| Percentage error | a figure that is calculated by subtracting the accepted value from the experimental value, dividing the difference by the accepted value, and then multiplying by 100 |
| Precision | the exactness of a measurement |
| Qualitative | having to do with the quality or qualities of something |
| Quantitative | relating to the measurement of quantity |
| Quantity | Something that has magnitude, size, or amount. |
| Scientific method | Procedures that scientists use to gather information and answer questions; include observing and hypothesizing, experimenting, and gathering and interpreting results. |
| Scientific notation | a method of expressing a quantity as a number multiplied by 10 to the appropriate number |
| SI | Le Système International d'Unités, or the International System of Units, which is the measurement system that is accepted worldwide |
| Significant figures | a prescribed decimal place that determines the ammount of rounding off to be done based on the precision of the measurment |
| Theory | An explanation for some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. |
| Volume | a measure of the size of a body or region in three-dimensional space |
| Weight | a measure of the gravitational force exerted on an object; its value can change with the location of the object in the universe |
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