In Physics, we don’t just guess the relationship between two physical quantities. We use a systematic approach, called the Scientific Method, to discover how the Universe works. Using this approach, we prevent ourselves from believing in misconceptions and creating biased conclusions.
Watch the explanation with visual help from this YouTube video:
There are 8 stages in the Scientific Method. We must do every stage systematically, which means in order.
For example, you notice that when you measure the electric current through the longer wire, the result is less than when you measure it through a shorter wire.
For example, “Does the length of a wire affect the electric current passing through it?”
In this case, the length of the wire and the electric current are measurable.
Limit yourself to two specific quantities that you want to measure.
You may use the “If…, then …” format. For example, “If the wire is longer, then the electric current is lower.”
Or you may say, “The length of the wire is inversely proportional to the electric current.”
Suggest improvements so that next time you can repeat the experiment with better results.
Now that you already learned about the Scientific Method, you can find the relationship between any two physical quantities in the Universe.
Stages of the Scientific Method:
1. Observation
Observation means noticing a pattern.For example, you notice that when you measure the electric current through the longer wire, the result is less than when you measure it through a shorter wire.
2. Questioning
Make one question that is specific and measurable.For example, “Does the length of a wire affect the electric current passing through it?”
In this case, the length of the wire and the electric current are measurable.
Limit yourself to two specific quantities that you want to measure.
3. Literature Study
Collect information from books or scientific journals. It is best to get the information from the latest literature, but make sure that it is relevant to what you are working on.4. Hypothesis
A hypothesis means a prediction. Create a statement that describes your prediction.You may use the “If…, then …” format. For example, “If the wire is longer, then the electric current is lower.”
Or you may say, “The length of the wire is inversely proportional to the electric current.”
The term “directly proportional” or “inversely proportional” will be explained in a different section.
Use the data you gathered to create a graph of the two physical quantities. Draw the line of best fit. More about plotting a graph in a different section.
5. Data Collection
Test your hypothesis by gathering data through an experiment under controlled conditions. Record the results in a table.
6. Data Analysis
Use the data you gathered to create a graph of the two physical quantities. Draw the line of best fit. More about plotting a graph in a different section.
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| Graph Example (Source: www.matrix.edu.au) |
7. Conclusion
From the graph, decide whether your data supports the hypothesis. Be honest and objective. Don’t try to change the result even if your data does not support your hypothesis.8. Evaluation
Identify the limitations of your experiment. Look at the control variables. Is there any limitation on how you keep it constant? For example, in what range of temperature is your experiment done? Do you see the change in temperature when the experiment is ongoing? Will it affect the results?Suggest improvements so that next time you can repeat the experiment with better results.
Now that you already learned about the Scientific Method, you can find the relationship between any two physical quantities in the Universe.
Reference and External Resources:
https://www.matrix.edu.au/the-beginners-guide-to-physics-practical-skills/physics-practical-skills-part-4-how-to-draw-a-line-of-best-fit/
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