Theories & Laws
This scientist proposed Continental Drift and the supercontinent Pangaea.
Who is Alfred Wegener?
Observations that describe qualities (colour, shape, behaviour) are known as this type of data.
What is qualitative data?
If strata in rock cuttings show older layers at the bottom and younger at the top, this inference can be made.
What is the Law of Superposition?
This early model placed Earth at the centre of the universe.
What is the Geocentric Model?
What is a theory?
What is a theory that is a structured set of ideas, principles, and evidence used to explain or predict how and why things happen in the world?
This law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferrd.
What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?
Observations that involve numbers or measurements are known as this type of data
What is quantitative data?
If slaters consistently move to moist areas, we infer they prefer this environmental condition.
What is moisture?
This modern model explains earthquakes, volcanoes, and continental movement.
What is Plate Tectonic Theory?
Einstein’s equation showing mass–energy equivalence is written like this.
What is E = mc²?
Darwin’s explanation for evolution is known as this mechanism.
What is Natural Selection?
In the candle in a jar experiment, the flame eventually goes out because this gas decreases.
What is oxygen?
If continents have matching fossils and rock layers, we infer they once formed this.
What is Pangaea?
This atomic model was replaced after evidence showed atoms contain electrons, protons, and neutrons.
What is Dalton’s atomic model?
In the M&M decay model, removing odd numbered pieces each round represents this real world process.
What is random nuclear decay?
Dalton’s atomic theory claimed atoms were indivisible, but this discovery disproved that.
What is the electron?
Slaters (Pill bugs) moving toward the dark, moist side of a choice chamber is an example of this type of behavioural pattern.
What is a preference based on environmental conditions?
If a giraffe population gradually develops longer necks over generations, Darwin would infer this process occurred.
What is Natural Selection?
This cosmological model states the universe began from a hot, dense starting point.
What is the Big Bang Theory?
What is a scientific law
What is a scientific law that is a descriptive statement based on repeated experiments or observations that predicts or summarises how nature behaves under specific conditions?
This cosmological theory was rejected after the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation.
What is the Steady State Theory?
The Bernoulli effect shows that faster moving air has lower pressure, causing this observable effect.
What is the lifting or rising of a lightweight object (e.g., paper)?
If radioactive decay graphs show a smooth exponential decrease, we infer this about individual decay events.
What is that decay is random but predictable in large numbers?
This model explains how unstable nuclei release particles or energy to become more stable.
What is the model of radioactive decay?
This discovery proved the universe is not eternal and unchanging, contradicting Steady State Theory.
What is cosmic microwave background radiation?