Core Science Concepts: Physics, Biology, Chemistry Review
Physics Concepts and Kinematics
Fundamental Physics Concepts
- Force: A push or pull that changes the motion of an object.
- Unit: Newton (N).
- Example: Pushing a shopping cart.
- Velocity: Speed in a given direction.
- Formula: v = d/t.
- Example: 20 m/s east.
- Speed vs. Velocity:
- Speed: How fast (scalar quantity, no direction).
- Velocity: Speed with direction (vector quantity).
- Example: Speed = 60 km/h, Velocity = 60 km/h north.
- Displacement: The straight-line distance and direction from start to finish.
- Example: Walk
Fundamental Scientific Techniques for Laboratory Success
Microscope Components and Functions
To effectively use a microscope, it’s essential to know its various parts and their roles:
- Eyepiece Lens: The lens at the top that you look through. They are usually 10X or 15X power.
- Tube: Connects the eyepiece to the objective lenses.
- Arm: Supports the tube and connects it to the base.
- Base: The bottom of the microscope, used for support.
- Illuminator: A steady light source used in place of a mirror. If your microscope has a mirror, it reflects light from an external
Essential Biology Laboratory Investigations
Cell Observation with a Microscope
Experiment Aim
To observe, draw, and label cells using a microscope, such as onion epidermal cells or cheek cells.
Required Equipment
- Light Microscope
- Glass Slide
- Cover Slip
- Specimen (Onion or Cheek cells)
- Iodine Solution
- Pipette
- Tweezers
- Paper Towel
Experimental Procedure
- Peel a thin layer of onion skin and place it on a clean slide.
- Add a few drops of iodine stain (to make the structures visible).
- Carefully place a cover slip on top, avoiding air bubbles.
- Place the slide on
Matter, Atoms, and Biomolecules: Foundations of Biology
Fundamentals of Matter and Atoms
Matter
Matter is defined as the amount of mass that occupies a space.
The Atom and Its Subatomic Particles
An atom is considered the indivisible part of matter and is composed of three primary subatomic particles:
- Protons (H+): Subatomic particles with a positive charge.
- Neutrons (n): Subatomic particles with a neutral charge.
- Electrons (e-): Subatomic particles with a negative charge.
Isotopes and Atomic Properties
An isotope is an atom that contains a greater number of
Read MoreChemical Reaction Kinetics: Rates, Mechanisms, and Factors
Reaction Rate: Definition
Reaction Rate: The measure of how quickly reactants are consumed or how quickly products are formed in a chemical reaction.
Rate Law Equation
The Rate Law Equation describes the relationship between the rate at which a chemical process occurs and the concentrations of the reactants.
The rate constant (k) depends on the specific reaction and the temperature at which it takes place.
Reaction Order Explained
Reaction Order: The sum of the exponents to which reactant concentrations
Read MoreWater: Structure, Properties, and Global Impact
The Water Molecule
Each water molecule consists of two hydrogen (H) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom. The water molecule has a bent shape, with the H-O-H bond angle being approximately 105°. The two O-H bonds are polar covalent, which makes the entire molecule polar.
Hydrogen Bonding
Hydrogen bonds form when a hydrogen atom, already bonded to an electronegative atom (like oxygen), is attracted to another electronegative atom in a different molecule. These crucial intermolecular links are responsible
Read More