1
Exploring Physical Science
Overview
Physical science is the study of
matter and energy. Students
learn how physical science
relates to the world around
them, and they learn about
careers that involve physical
science.
Bellringer
Ask students the following:
“One afternoon you decide to
pop some popcorn. You put the
bag in the microwave, but after
a couple of minutes of cooking,
it is clear the popcorn is not
popping. Why did this happen?
What steps could you take to
help locate the problem?”
Discussion ----------------------------------g
Science Everywhere It is
important for students to under-
stand that science is a process,
not just a set of facts. Informa-
tion about the world around us
is always changing. Discuss with
students the idea that science
always starts with a question.
Ask them what they do when
they have questions. Discuss
their responses, and discuss the
concept that every time they
search for an answer to a ques-
tion about the world, they are
doing science. l Intrapersonal
Chapter Resource File
CRF
Technology
6 Chapter 1 • The World of Physical Science
1 You’re eating breakfast. You look down and notice that your
reflection in your spoon is upside down! You wonder, Why
is my reflection upside down even though I’m holding the
READI NG WARM-U P spoon right side up?
Objectives Congratulations! You just completed the first steps toward
• Explain that science involves asking
questions.
becoming a scientist. How did you do it? You observed the
world around you. Then, you asked questions about your
• Describe the relationship of matter
and energy to physical science.
observations. That’s what most of science is all about.
• Describe the two branches of
physical science. That’s Science!
• Identify three areas of science that
use physical science.
Science is a process of gathering knowledge about the natural
world. Asking a question is often the first step in the process
Terms to Learn of gathering knowledge. The world around you is full of amaz-
science ing things that can lead you to ask questions. The student in
physical science Figure 1 didn’t have to look very far to realize that she had
some questions to ask.
READI NG STRATEGY
✓ Reading Check What is often the first step in gathering
Prediction Guide Before reading this knowledge? (See the Appendix for answers to Reading Checks.)
section, write the title of each heading
in this section. Next, under each head- Everyday Science
ing, write what you think you will learn.
Everyday actions such as timing the
microwave popcorn and using the brakes
on your bicycle use your knowledge of
What causes
science. You learned how to do these
high and low
Why can I tides? things by making observations and
see a reflection asking questions. Making observations
in a spoon? and asking questions is what science is all
about. And because science is all around,
you might not be surprised to learn that
there are many branches of science.
Why do I feel
pain when I stub Physical science is the science you will
my toe? learn about in this book. But physical
science is just one of the many different
branches of science.
Figure 1 Part of science is asking
questions about the world around you.
CHAPTER RESOURCES Answer to Reading Check
The first step in gathering knowledge
is asking a question.
• Lesson Plan
• Directed Reading A b
• Directed Reading B s
Transparencies
• Bellringer
 Figure 2 The cheetah, the CONNECTION v
fastest land mammal, uses a
lot of energy when running
Life Science ------------------------------------g
full speed. But a successful Space-Age Advancements In
hunt will supply the energy
the cheetah needs to live.
preparing for space travel, scien-
tists had to find the best way to
process and store foods. As a
result of their investigations, we
have tastier preserved foods and
better ways to preserve foods.
Have students research other
What Is Physical Science?
benefits and new products
Physical science is the study of matter and energy. Matter is science the knowledge obtained
by observing natural events and
derived from the science of
the “stuff” that everything is made of. Even stuff so small
conditions in order to discover facts space exploration. Student pre-
that you can’t see it is matter. Your shoes, your pencil, and
and formulate laws or principles that sentations can include samples,
even the air you breathe are made of matter. And all of this can be verified or tested
matter has energy. Energy is the ability to do work. But energy photos, and posters to depict
physical science the scientific products and
is easier to describe than to explain. For example, energy is
partly responsible for rainbows in the sky. But energy isn’t the
study of nonliving matter
benefits. l Visual
e
rainbow itself. All moving objects have energy of motion, such
as the cheetah shown in Figure 2.
Food also has energy. When you eat food, the energy in
Discussion ----------------------------------g
the food is transferred to you. You can use that energy to carry Matter Versus Energy Ask stu-
out your daily activities. But energy isn’t always associated dents to give examples of matter
with motion or food. All matter, including matter that isn’t and energy. List their examples
moving, has energy. So, because the baseball in Figure 3 is Figure 3 The baseball has in two columns on the board.
matter, it has energy even though it is not yet moving. energy even before the boy Discuss with students what all
throws it, because it is matter,
A Study of Matter and Energy and all matter has energy.
matter has in common and
what all energy has in common.
As you explore physical science, you’ll learn
more about matter and energy. And you will Help students articulate the dif-
see how matter and energy relate to each other. ference between matter and
For example, both paper and gold are matter. energy. l Logical
But why will paper burn, and gold will not?
And why is throwing a bowling ball harder
than throwing a baseball? How can water turn
into steam and back into water? All of the
answers to these questions have to do with
matter and energy. It is hard to talk about
matter without talking about energy. However,
sometimes it is useful to focus on one or the
other. Physical science is also often divided
into two categories: chemistry and physics.

Is That a Fact!
Cheetahs once lived in areas from
southern Asia to Africa. Today, they are
found exclusively in Africa. Cheetahs
have been known to run at speeds of
up to 110 km/h for short bursts while
chasing prey. The world population of
cheetahs is estimated to be between
10,000 and 15,000 animals.

Section 1 • Exploring Physical Science 7

 Branches of Physical Science
Physical science is usually divided into chemistry and
physics. But both chemistry and physics can be further broken
Using the Figure------g down into many more specialized areas of study. For example,
WritingMaterials Scientist chemistry includes organic chemistry, which is the study
The scientist shown of substances made of carbon. And geophysics, one of the
in Figure 4 is a materials branches of physics, includes the study of the vibrations deep
scientist who is testing a mate- inside the Earth that are caused by earthquakes.
rial by subjecting it to intense
Chemistry—A Matter of Reactions!
heat. Materials scientists study
Chemistry is the study of all forms of matter, including how
and test the physical and chemi-
matter interacts with other matter. Chemistry looks at the
cal properties of different mate-
structure and properties of matter. For example, some
rials under different conditions. substances behave one way under high temperature and high
Many common items such as pressure. But other substances will behave very differently
cars, airplanes, bridges, clothing under the same conditions. The scientist in Figure 4 is study-
and household goods are made ing the properties of different kinds of materials. He is trying
from materials developed and to find materials that have unusual properties, such as the
tested by materials scientists. ability to withstand very high heat.
Have students research careers Chemistry is also the study of
how substances change. A chemical
in materials science and write
reaction takes place when one sub-
a one-page report discussing stance reacts with another substance
their findings. l Intrapersonal to make a new substance. Chemical
reactions are taking place around
you all of the time. When your body
CONNECTION to digests food, a chemical reaction is
History --------------------------------------------------g taking place. Chemical reactions are
An Ancient Form of Chemistry needed when you take a photo of
your best friend, when your parent
Before modern chemistry, there
starts the car engine, and when you
was an ancient art called alchemy. turn on a flashlight.
Alchemists tried to change com-
mon metals into gold or to find ✓ Reading Check What are three
things that chemistry studies?
substances that would prolong life.
Alchemy is thought to have
started in ancient China and
India. It spread to ancient
Egypt, then to Arabia, and Figure 4 A materials scientist uses his
then, in the 12th and 13th knowledge of chemistry to study the
properties of different kinds of substances.
centuries, through Spain into
Europe. Alchemists discovered
mineral acids and some com-
pounds, and they developed
some of the tools, techniques,
and equipment that scientists
use today.

CHAPTER RESOURCES Answer to Reading Check

Technology how matter interacts with other matter, what the
structure and properties of matter are, and how
Transparencies
substances change
• LINK TO EARTH SCIENCE Cloud Types Based on
Form and Altitude
Workbooks
Science Skills
• Hints for Oral Presentations g

8 Chapter 1 • The World of Physical Science

 v------------------------------------------b
Science Throughout Your Day
Have students use their science
journals to record all the activ-
Figure 5 When you study ities and interactions they have
physics, you’ll learn how energy
causes the motion that makes a throughout the day that involve
roller-coaster ride so exciting. physical science. For example,
eating breakfast in the morning
would be a chemistry-related
activity, and riding a bike to
school would be a physics-
related activity. Have volun-
teers share their entries with
the class. Emphasize to students
that practically everything they
Physics—A Matter of Energy
do or interact with has some
Like chemistry, physics deals with matter. But physics looks kind of chemistry or physics
mostly at energy and the way that energy affects matter.
component to it.
Studying different forms of energy is what studying physics is
l Verbal e
all about. Energy can make matter do some interesting things.
For example, have you ever wondered what keeps a roller
coaster, such as the one shown in Figure 5, on its tracks? The
For another activity related
CONNECTION to
study of physics will help answer this question.
Motion, force, gravity, electricity, light, and heat are parts
to this chapter, go to Earth Science ----------------------g
go.hrw.com and type in
of physics. They are also things that you experience in your the keyword HP5WPSW. Cloudy Weather Use the teach-
daily life. For example, if you have ever ridden a bike, you ing transparency “Cloud Types
are aware that force causes motion. If you have ever used a
Based on Form and Altitude”
compass, you have dealt with the concept of magnetism. Do
you know why you see a rainbow after a rainstorm? Or, do
to facilitate a discussion about
you know why shifting gears on your bicycle makes it easier clouds and weather forecasting.
to pedal? You will learn the answers to these questions, as well Explain to students that stratus
as many others, as you study physical science. clouds form in layers and cover
large areas of the sky. They are
caused by a gentle lifting of a
large body of air into the atmo-
sphere. Nimbostratus clouds are
Thermal Pollution Factories are often built along the banks
of rivers. The factories use the river water to cool the engines of dark and usually produce con-
their machinery. Then, the hot water is poured back into the river. tinuous rain. Cumulus clouds
Energy, in the form of heat, is transferred from this water to the appear as puffy, white clouds
river water. The increase in temperature results in the death of
many living things. Research how thermal pollution causes fish that tend to have flat bottoms.
to die. Also, find out what many factories are doing to prevent Cumulus clouds form when
thermal pollution. Make a brochure that explains what thermal
pollution is and what is being done to prevent it.
warm air rises, and they usually
indicate fair weather. When
these clouds get larger and are
capable of producing thunder-
storms, they are called cumulo-
INCLUSION nimbus clouds. Cirrus clouds are
Strategies thin, feathery white clouds that
• Attention Deficit Disorder with air as an emission force and mixing form at high altitudes. They
• Behavior Control Issues antifreeze and water in the radiator (chem- form when the wind is strong
• Learning Disabled istry); friction of wheels on the road, turn- and may indicate approaching
Make a chart on the board to help students ing the steering wheel, and moving at 30 bad weather if they thicken and
explore the differences between chemistry mi/h (physics); Swimming— chlorine bal- lower in altitude. You may wish
and physics. Use “Chemistry” and “Physics” ance of water, reaction of skin and hair to take students outside to
as the top headings. Use “Driving a car” to chlorine (chemistry); friction of water observe the clouds in the sky
and “Swimming” as the side headings. Ask against swimmer, arm and leg movement and determine what types of
students for more chemistry- and physics- against water (physics). clouds they see.
related ideas to add to the chart. Some l Verbal/Logical e
possibilities: Driving a Car—gas mixing

Section 1 • Exploring Physical Science 9

 Physical Science: All Around You
Believe it or not, matter and energy are not just concepts in
physical science. What you learn about matter and energy is
Reteaching -------------------------------------b important for other science classes, too.
Seeing Science at School Have
students think about different Meteorology
ways that science plays a part in The study of Earth’s atmosphere, especially in relation to weather
their school environment. Have and climate, is called meteorology (MEET ee uhr AHL uh jee).
individual students volunteer A meteorologist (MEET ee uhr AHL uh jist) is a person who
their answers and write them studies the atmosphere. One of the most common careers
meteorologists have is weather forecasting. But other
on the board. Ask students what
meteorologists specialize in and even chase tornadoes! These
branch of science is involved in
meteorologists predict where a tornado is likely to form. Then,
each observation. l Visual/Logical they drive very close to the site to gather data, as shown in
Figure 6. By gathering data this way, scientists hope to under-
Quiz ----------------------------------------------------------------------g stand tornadoes better. Meteorologists must have knowledge
of physical science. They must understand high and low
Ask students to fill in the blanks.
pressure, motion, and force before they can predict how
1. Physical science includes the tornadoes will behave.
study of _____ and _____.
(matter, energy) Geology
Figure 6 These meteorologists The study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth is called
2. The study of interactions of are risking their lives to gather geology. Some geologists are geochemists (JEE oh KEM ists).
various types of matter is data about tornadoes.
A geochemist is a person who specializes in the chemistry of
called _____. (chemistry) rocks, minerals, and soil. Geochemists, such as the one in
3. The science concerning the Figure 7, try to find out what the environment was like when
study of energy and the way it these materials formed and what has happened to the materials
since they formed. To understand how rocks and soil have
affects matter is called _____.
changed over millions of years, a geochemist must have a
(physics) knowledge of heat, force, and chemistry.
4. Three careers that involve
physical science are ________,
✓Reading Check What does a geochemist study?

_________, and __________.

(Sample answer: astronomer,
meteorologist, and industrial
chemist)

Alternative Figure 7 This geochemist takes rock

samples from the field. Then, she
Assessment ---------------------------g studies them in her laboratory.
Concept Mapping Ask
students to create a con-
PORTFOLIO

cept map showing how physical

science is linked to a number of
other sciences and to some
careers. l Visual/Logical

Answer to Reading Check

A geochemist studies the chemistry of rocks,
minerals, and soil.
Physical scientists are developing a
“nose-on-a-chip” that is able to
“smell” natural gas leaks to provide
protection against explosions. One
day, the miniature nose may turn up
in appliances such as stoves, clothes
dryers, and heaters.

10 Chapter 1 • The World of Physical Science

Biology Answers to Section Review
Students are often surprised that life science and 1. Sample answer: We use science
physical science are related. But chemistry and to learn about different things in
physics explain many things that happen in the world around us. Physical
biology. For example, a chemical reaction explains science is the study of matter
how animals, such as the cow in Figure 8, get energy and energy in our world.
from food. Sugar, C6H12O6, which is produced by the 2. d
plant, reacts with oxygen. As a result, carbon dioxide,
3. Sample answer: chemistry,
water, and energy are produced. This reaction can be
shown by the following chemical equation:
Figure 8 The physics, and meteorology
cow gets energy
by eating grass
4. Sample answer: Chemistry is
C6H12O6 6O2 → 6CO2 6H2O energy mainly the study of the proper-
and other foods
that contain ties and interactions of matter.
sugars.
Physics is mainly the study of
forces and motion.
5. For March: 5 rainy days 31
days total ! 0.16; 0.16 " 100 !
Using Key Terms Critical Thinking 16% rainy days. For April: 8 rainy
Review 1. In your own words, write a 6. Applying Concepts How do days 30 days total ! .27;
definition for each of the you think science is used by a .27 " 100 ! 27% rainy days. For
following terms: science and pharmacist? by a firefighter?
physical science. May: 3 rainy days 31 days
7. Analyzing Ideas You are
building a go-cart and want to
total ! 0.09; 0.09 " 100 ! 9%
Summary Understanding Key Ideas know how to make it go as fast rainy days. April had the highest
2. Which of the following as possible. Which branch, or percentage of rainy days.
• Science is a process of
gathering knowledge
statements is true? branches, of science would you
6. Sample answer: A pharmacist
study? Explain your answer.
about the natural world. a. Energy is the ability to
uses science by working with
do work. 8. Identifying Relationships
• Physical science is the
study of matter and b. Air is made of matter. Describe three things that you drugs that are chemicals. The
energy. c. All matter has energy. do every day that use your pharmacist has to know how
experience with physical science. these chemicals work in the
• Physical science is
divided into the study
d. All of the above
9. Making Inferences Botany is body and what they are used for.
3. What are three areas of science
of physics and chemistry. that rely on physical science? the study of plants. What role A firefighter uses science
do you think physical science
• Chemistry studies the
structure and properties
4. What is the difference between plays in botany? because burning is a type of
of matter and how
chemistry and physics? chemical reaction. The firefighter
matter changes. knows how different substances
Math Skills
• Physics looks at energy
and the way that energy 5. You want to know which month
react when they burn and what
the best way to put out a fire
affects matter. had the highest percentage of
would be.
• A knowledge of physical rainy days for your city last year.
Your investigation gave the fol- 7. Sample answer: Using physics
science is important for
lowing results: March had 5 days
many areas of science, would help in determining what
of rain, April had 8 days of rain, For a variety of links related to this
such as geology and shape the go-cart should be to
and May had 3 days of rain. For chapter, go to www.scilinks.org
biology.
each month, what percentage decrease wind resistance.
of the month had rainy days? Topic: Scientific Inquiry; Careers in Science
SciLinks code: HSM1357; HSM0225
Chemistry would help in deter-
Which month had the highest
percentage of rainy days? mining what kind of material to
use to make the car lightweight
and sturdy.
8. Sample answer: checking the
CHAPTER RESOURCES weather each morning to help in
deciding what kind of clothing to
Chapter Resource File wear, eating a good breakfast to
CRF • Section Quiz g have enough energy to last
• Section Review g through the morning, and run-
• Vocabulary and Section Summary g ning quickly to the bus stop to
• SciLinks Activity g catch the school bus
9. Sample answer: Plants are
affected by climate, sunlight, and
chemistry of the soil, which are
all physical science factors.

Section 1 • Exploring Physical Science 11