Physical Science Unit Studyguide

Physical Science is the study of the universe and its physical properties.  Matter and energy are the topics that direct us toward the subjects of Chemistry and Physics that Physical Science primarily encompasses.  The first semester will include principles of chemistry and the second semester will focus on physics.

 

PSA Units

1. Nature of Science

• What is Physical Science?

• Identify components of the Scientific Method.

• Write hypotheses.

• Use the Scientific Method to solve problems and conduct research.

• Identify tools of physical scientists.

• SI Measurements & base units.

• Convert SI to English standard units.

• Write numbers in Scientific Notation

• Display components of a graph properly.

• Measure Mass and Volume.

• Calculate derived units

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2. Nature of Matter

• How to calculate and measure Density?

• Characteristics and the Classification of Matter

• Examples of Pure Substances and Mixtures

• Identify Physical and Chemical Properties

• Evidence of Physical and Chemical Changes

• To isolate and purify mixtures.

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3. States of Matter​

• Provide examples of each:

  • Boyle’s Law

  • Charles’ Law

  • Pascal's Law

• Explain the Kinetic Theory of Matter

• Describe the 5 States of Matter and provide an example of each

• Identify how changes in state are accomplished

• Interpret heating curves

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4. Nature of the Atom

• Describe the Atomic Structure.

• What are the different Atomic Theories?

• Create a timeline of the History of Atomic Theory

• List the important scientists that helped discover the properties of the atom.

• Identify the parts of an atom.

• Recognize element symbols and names.

• Calculate the number of neutrons in various isotopes.

• Identify three forms of radioactive decay.

• Describe the importance of nuclear energy.

• Explain the historical significance of the Atomic Bomb.

• What is an isotope?

• What is the difference between Fission and Fusion?

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5. The Periodic Table

• Periodic Table Families & Characteristics

• Orbital Model of Atom

• s & p orbits

• Group Names

• Metal vs. Non-metal

• states of matter on the periodic table

• radioactive elements

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6. Chemical Bonding

• Chemical Bonds

• Ionic compounds and covalent compounds

• polyatomic ions

• writing and naming chemical formulas

• Law of Conservation of Matter

• equilibrium

7. Chemical Reactions

• Chemical Reactions

• Balancing Equations

• Law of Conservation of Matter

• Types of chemical reactions:  Single replacement, double replacement, synthesis, decomposition

• endothermic vs. exothermic reactions

8. Organic Chemistry

• Acids & Bases

• Neutralization

• pH

• Redox reactions

• introduction to organic compounds and reactions

 

PSB  Units

1. Forces & Motion

2. Forces & Engineering

3. Energy, Waves & Sound

4. Energy & Light

5. Electricity

6. Magnetism